If you want to make a positive impression during an interview, you need to show the hiring manager that you're interested. And that means asking the right questions when the time comes. When a hiring manager asks if you have any questions, you should always say yes. Here are some questions you should ask at every interview.
1. Can You Go Into More Detail About the Daily Responsibilities?
When you ask this question, you can learn more about the role. Not all jobs are what they seem. By asking about the daily duties, you can be sure that you know what to expect. You avoid accepting a job you would dislike and eventually quit. If the daily duties are something you would enjoy, you may be more open to accepting a job offer.
The answer also tells you what your employer expects from you. Oftentimes, new hires don't understand what their employer expects of them. If you go into a job with a clear understanding of your employer's expectations, you have a much greater chance of success. Equally important, asking this question shows the employer that you can see yourself working for them.
2. How Can I Impress You Over the First Few Months?
Employers love hiring someone who seeks their approval. In asking how you can impress the employer, you're showing that you care about making a contribution. Your eagerness will be seen as an asset and could help convince the hiring manager to onboard you.
If you ask this question, listen closely to the response. You should take notes so you can remember the advice if you receive a job offer. Typically, a hiring manager answers this question by highlighting their priorities and setting the stage for their expectations. You can use their words as a roadmap for a successful career with the company.
3. Do You Offer Training Opportunities?
When a company cares about its employees and wants to promote from within, they offer training. So, you probably want to work for a company that offers training opportunities. An interviewer will be happy to hear that you plan on having a long career with the company. Additionally, they will be excited to know that you are open to furthering your education.
If you're trying to enter a new field, you probably don't have a clear idea of your path to advancement. Asking this question gives you some clarity about your path and prepares you for the future. Depending on the answer, you can decide whether or not the path to advancement is one you're interested in. You may discover that there is no path for advancement in the company, in which case you should reevaluate your interest.
4. Where Is the Company Headed in the Next Five Years?
Unless you have insider knowledge about a company, you can’t know its plans for future growth. If you want to understand a company’s plans for expansion, you need to ask for details during the interview. The question shows the hiring manager that you expect to grow with the company, along with giving you an idea of your job security.
By asking this question, you also may learn about future projects that could come your way. If a company has plans for major growth, you could play a pivotal role. Be wary of working for a company that has no clear vision for the next few years, and avoid working for a company that is unwilling to share the vision with you.
5. What’s the Working Culture Like?
Although you can research the work culture of a company online, you probably won’t get the full story. You should ask this question during an interview to ensure that you agree with the work culture and will fit in. In some cases, you might find that a company is too demanding and doesn’t offer the work-life balance that you want.
If a company doesn’t value a strong work-life balance, they don’t prioritize its employees. This is a huge red flag and could be a reason you decline a job offer. It’s also important to avoid working for a company that has morals or philosophies that don’t resonate with you.
6. What Do You Like About Your Position?
If you want to build up a rapport with the interviewer, you can ask them what they like about their job. The answer will always be personal, which gives you deep insight into the company. Furthermore, asking the question creates a sense of closeness with the interviewer and gives them a chance to talk about themselves.
The response to this answer allows you to learn more about the company culture. You also might find out more about the interviewer’s path to a management role, which lets you know what to expect to encounter if you want a successful career with the company.
7. Can You Describe the Team I Would Work With?
Although learning about job duties and paths for advancement helps you understand a role, that information alone isn’t enough for you to decide whether or not you want to pursue a career with the company. You also need to know about the company’s structure and who you’ll be working with. If you ask about your team, you can find out who would be managing you and how many people you’ll be working with.
There’s an ulterior motive to this question. When the hiring manager answers the question, they open the door for you to talk about your experience. You can use this opportunity to remind them that you’re a great fit for the role.
Other Questions to Ask During Your Interview
You don’t need to stick to a strict script during your interview. If you want to ask different questions, you can come up with your own. You might ask about performance appraisals, common challenges, or current projects. If the way to proceed is unclear, you can also ask about your next steps.
Ideally, you want a list of about five questions. Make sure you don’t ask any questions the hiring manager already answered or discussed during the interview. Additionally, avoid asking questions that focus on what the company can provide you with. Once you get a job offer, you can ask about salary and benefits. With the right questions, you can learn more about the company and improve your chances of a job offer.