This article shares impressive questions to ask in a job interview that will also give you honest answers about your probable workplace. We also included what to look out for in the answers to gauge if it is the place for your next job.
We asked around recruiters in our network to find out what kind of questions one should ask in a job interview to impress the interviewer. These questions will give you a sneak peek into your possible workplace and a good picture of your day-to-day responsibilities and the work culture. Therefore, you will be able to make an informed decision when the offer comes to either accept or avoid the job.
Here are 5 questions to ask in a job interview to give you a sneak peek of your probable workplace and also impress the recruiter or interviewer.
Questions to ask in an interview to learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the job
1. “What are the most immediate projects that need to be addressed in this role?”
This question seeks to reveal the priority areas of your role. Answers like daily, weekly, or monthly reporting speak to an organization that has set structures. Novel ideas such as new trials speak to innovative work processes that you have to figure out. Depending on your interests and appetite for challenges, you can choose what you prefer. A mix of both is a good balance for a job. It will not stretch you beyond your capability and it will likely keep you interested in your role.
2. “Do you expect the main responsibilities for this position to change in the next six months to a year?”
This question speaks highly of your knowledge of the work you do. Or that you did read the unnoticed details in the job description.
If you are looking for a stable work environment and definite work processes - the expected answer is a yes. For a company in the middle of restructuring either staff or work processes, the answers might lean towards a no. If you are exploring your career, embrace this. A work experience where the main responsibilities might change could give you wiggle room to discover yourself.
Questions to ask in an interview to get a picture of the company’s training and development
1. “What does the onboarding process in your company look like?”
This is an excellent question to ask in your job interview because it shows that you care about delivering on the job. And training is a very important aspect of productive work environments. Companies that implement training plans for new staff are a big yes.
Look out for the details in the answers. For example; introducing you to the team(s), work calls or meetings where they take you through their work apps and processes, attaching you to a mentor, and written resources. This shows that you have a solution in case you do face a challenge in your work. These also prove helpful and healthy for young professionals looking to progress to managerial roles at some point in their careers. You will know what is expected of you in that role. And even address the gaps where the onboarding process did not address certain critical areas such as onboarding processes for remote employees.
2. “Where have successful employees previously in this position progressed to?”
This question is best answered if the employer or someone in the organization is your interviewer. It is a question that oozes confidence but could also cause a bit of tension if the answer isn’t a positive one. So be mindful of the latter. Expected positive answers include further-studies opportunities, promotions within the company, setting up new units for innovative team members, lateral transfers to departments of interest, monetary incentives, or trips. They are all signs of motivated staff. If the successful employees are still working with the company that is also a sign of a good work environment. If it is a new company, they may have no substantial answers to share and that is okay too, still give it a shot.
Asking this question shows enthusiasm and helps build rapport with a future colleague
“Is there any interesting upcoming project you’re working on?”
This question shows your interest in the work the company does and your interviewer. It also might give you the scoop on the work culture to expect and the motivation of a probable future colleague. If different teams, units, or departments are coming together to do certain projects, that signifies a progressive work environment. Openly sharing some details could also mean there is open communication within the organization.
Conclusion
Think strategically about the questions to ask in a job interview. Let these answers serve you in some way, whether it is showing your best traits. Or shedding light on your interests in a job. It is also very possible for a toxic employer to lie in the answers, so take gigantic positive answers with a pinch of salt. In this new job market, you aren’t just working to survive. You get to pick wisely the jobs that work well for you so you can give your very best.
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