The goal of job interview questions is to show the hiring manager that you are engaged, interested in the position, and knowledgeable about the role in question and the company.
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If there's one thing you should know well, it's how to stay ahead of the career curve. That's why you should always be interested to hear what recruiters have to say about what you should do after a job interview.
You might not be thinking about how important it is to come prepared for job interview questions when you're preparing for an interview, but your interviewer most certainly is. Asking great questions shows them that you're engaged and curious and helps them get a sense of who you are as a person and whether or not you would be a good fit for their company's culture.
So here's my advice: Before you leave your next job interview, make sure you ask these 5 job interview questions:
“What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?”
Asking this job interview question is especially important if the job description wasn't very detailed or if it changed since it was posted. This can give you a chance to learn more about what will be expected of you if hired, as well as determine whether your skills and interests are a good fit for the position.
“What do you think are the biggest challenges someone in this role will face?”
Asking this question helps demonstrate your passion, drive, and commitment to doing well in the position while also showing that you're realistic and understand that there will be challenges involved with any job. It also gives you an opportunity to discuss how your skills may help alleviate these challenges. The interviewer's answer lets you know about potential problems ahead of time so there won't be any surprises after you're hired.
“What do you think are the most important attributes someone needs to excel in this position?”
The interviewer's response will give you insight into what qualities he or she values most in employees. If those are traits that come naturally to you, be sure to highlight them during the interview. For example, if teamwork is a priority, talk about how you've been part of successful teams in past roles. If analytical thinking is critical, mention specific projects in which you used those skills.
“How could this role contribute to my career goals?”
Hiring managers want motivated employees who will help take the company forward. A great way to demonstrate your level of motivation is by showing that you're serious about your career and interested in how the role will help take your career forward.
“What does success look like for someone in this role in the first six months?”
This lets the interviewer know that you are interested in working hard and achieving results for the company. It also gives you further insight into what your role would be like and what will be expected of you.
The final question to ask would be, “When can I expect to hear back from you?” This is important because it shows that you want to work for them. Plus, hopefully, they'll tell you when they expect to make their decision.
Conclusion
We hope this helps you approach job interviews with clear and focused intent. These five job interview questions will help you truly assess a potential new job, and whether it's right for you. Use these ideas to identify the right company that fits your expertise, style, and career needs. If nothing else, always treat your job interview as a learning experience.
