During an interview you answer lots of questions, but you should ask questions too. Insightful inquiries allow you to learn more about the company and help you to look like a stronger candidate. So, what should you ask? Here are some of the best questions for the end of an interview.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
If the organization hasn’t clearly outlined what the role involves, this is a great question. After all, you want to know what you’re getting into. Similarly, if you’d like to find out more about long-term responsibilities you could ask, “What do you expect someone in this role to accomplish during their first 30, 60, 90 days?”
Can you give me an example of how employees and managers work together?
Even if you have an amazing job at an amazing company, you’ll be unhappy if you don’t get along with your manager. Thus, try to discover as much as possible about the organization’s preferred management style. Search for clues about key issues such as micromanagement, decision making and employee feedback.
How would you describe this company’s culture?
Hopefully, you did you homework before your interview and learned about the company’s culture. Now’s your chance to see if they truly do what they say they do. If the interviewer’s response is different than what you’ve heard or read, this could be a red flag.
Where do you see this business in five years?
Since many organizations struggled during the pandemic, it’s smart to check on their stability before accepting a job. Of course, lots of businesses suffered setbacks. Therefore, look for signs of perseverance and projected growth rather than perfection. In fact, an overly optimistic forecast could be a warning sign too.
What types of professional development opportunities do you offer?
According to the World Economic Forum, automation and AI will impact 1.2 billion employees in the next ten years. In other words, at some point in your career, you’ll probably need to reskill. As a result, you should evaluate an organization’s commitment to professional development AND express your interest in life-long learning.
Is there anything that makes you question whether I am a good fit for this role?
This checking-in question provides you with a chance to address any concerns. For example, let’s say the interviewer is worried about your lack of experience. If you feel this isn’t accurate, you could discuss or re-highlight specific experiences you believe have prepared you for this role.
What are the next steps in the interview process?
Some companies aren’t as reliable as others at following up after an interview. You may not hear back for days, weeks, months or even at all. By requesting an approximate timeline, you’ll have an idea of what to expect so you can prevent the endless waiting.
If You Need Help Acing Your Next Interview, Give FirstStaff a Call!
Interviews can be tough, but the recruiters at FirstStaff can coach you through the process. FirstStaff places light industrial workers and office professionals with companies in Little Rock, Arkansas and beyond. Learn more about our job placement services today!
