Questions To Ask The Interviewer
The conclusion of the interview is equally important, so be prepared to ask the right questions to leave a positive impression.
TIPS FOR ASKING THE INTERVIEWER QUESTIONS
- Write down your questions on a professional looking padfolio prior to the interview and bring it with you (use this as needed but don鈥檛 read verbatim).
- Incorporate research you did on the company into the questions you ask.
- Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes/no answer.
- Do not ask questions that could have been found with a quick internet search.
- Do not ask questions the interviewer can鈥檛 answer 鈥 do not try to stump him/her.
- Identify the important information or examples of your skills and abilities you want to share with the interviewer. If the interviewer does not ask you about this information during the interview, find a way to fit this information into a question you ask.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER
- How does this position fit within your organizational structure?
- What are you looking for in the ideal candidate?
- What skills are most important to succeed in this company or position?
- What is the culture like in the organization? What types of people tend to thrive?
- What do you like about working here?
- What are the key goals for the person working in this position?
- What is the vision for the organization in the next 6 to 12 months and how do you see the person in this position impacting the success of the organization?
- What are the biggest challenges the person in this position will face?
- What is a typical day or week like in this position?
- Based on my research, I see your company goals are鈥.. Could you tell me a little bit more about how this position will directly impact the success of those goals? (Show the interviewer you have done your research by asking a question that links your research.)
- What type of career path does someone in this position typically follow? If I do well in this position, what is the next logical step?
- What do you see as the most important opportunities for improvement in the department?
- What are the department鈥檚 goals and how do they align with the company鈥檚 mission?
- What are the primary metrics the company uses to assess performance results?
QUESTIONS TO AVOID ASKING THE INTERVIEWER
- What exactly does your company do?
- What salary and benefits should I expect in this position?
- Is relocation a necessary part of the position?
- What is your marital status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or race?
- Do I have to work more than 40 hours/week?
- Do you allow smoking breaks?
- What鈥檚 your policy for dating coworkers?
- I know I don鈥檛 have much experience in this area, but don鈥檛 you think I鈥檓 a good fit?
- Will I have to work in a cubicle?
- How quickly can I move up the ranks?
- Is there a training program to 鈥渂ring me up to speed?鈥
- Is flex-time available? How much vacation time is there?
- How often do you have to work overtime and on weekends?
- Do you perform background checks?
WRAPPING UP THE INTERVIEW
- Closing remarks might include: "I have really enjoyed meeting with you and your team, and I am very interested in the opportunity. I feel my skills and experience are a good match for this position. What is the next step in the interview process?鈥
- Ask for a business card from each person you interviewed with so you can follow up with a thank you.
