Interviews are a two-way traffic which means you should go prepared with questions to ask. After all, both you and the interviewer are interested to know whether you are a good fit for the role.
“Do you have any questions for us?” This seems to be a standard question at every interview. Interviews are a two-way traffic which means you should go prepared with questions to ask. After all, both you and the interviewer are interested to know whether you are a good fit for the role.
Nailing the interview will take more than smartly answering questions, ask these questions that will make the interviewer notice you.
How do I compare to the ideal candidate for this position?
Depending on your interviewer’s response, you’ll be able to know whether your skills are aligned with what the company is looking for. If you have the qualities they are looking for, you can emphasize how you will use those qualities in your role but if you lack some for, you can upsell yourself if it is a position you really want.
What happened to the previous employee who held this position and how had this position evolved?
There is nothing wrong with wanting to know why the previous employee left. However, in some companies’, interviewers might not be at liberty to disclose. This question enables you to know whether the job is a dead end or if there career growth opportunities.
What do you like most about working for this company?
Aside from creating a sense of camaraderie between you and the interviewer, answers to this question will give you an insight on what it is like to for that company. This will also give you a feel of what their corporate culture is like to help you know whether you are a good fit.
What are the expectations for this role in terms of performance over the first 30 days or the first year?
Asking this will help you know what the employers’ expectations are for the person in that position. If hired, you will know what top priorities the employers would want you to focus on as well as align your goals with the company goals.
What are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the department or company in general?
Knowing the challenges that face the department or company you hope to join will put you in a better position to research on industry trends which will enable you to identify areas where your skills will be of help.
Getting to know the opportunities will help you know where the company will be focusing over the next months.
Asking these questions demonstrates your confidence, show your commitment and position you as the best candidate. However, avoid asking ‘yes’ and ‘no’ questions.
