In this article, you'll explore the important aspect of asking questions to your interviewer during a job interview. It shows how these questions are more than a formality and gives you tips on how to ask meaningful questions that show your interest in the position and determine if it fits your career goals.
The main purpose of a job interview is to see if you are the right person for the job. During the job interview, you get the chance to answer many job interview questions about yourself and your previous experience.
A job interview is a two-way street and involves questions from the interviewer and the interviewee. It also gives you as a job seeker a great chance to check if the job and the workplace are an ideal match for. Before the interview ends, the recruiter usually has one last important question for you:
"Do you have any questions?"
Take advantage of the opportunity and always ask something from the interviewer
As a candidate, you should always be ready to ask questions during the interview to show that you are interested in the job and make a good impression on the recruiter. Asking the right questions can also give you a lot of information about the kind of person the employer wants to hire.
The questions you ask can tell the recruiter as much about you as the answers you’ve given during the job interview. Before the interview, think of some thorough questions you could ask the person that is interviewing you. Some of these questions may be answered during the interview, so having a wide range of questions ready is always a good idea.
What questions should a job applicant ask the interviewer?
Here are some great conversation topics and questions that will make sure you don't run out of words at this crucial moment.
How the company works and its strategy
You can show that you want to work for the company by asking about its current and future plans. Visit the company's website or social media pages for preliminary research. Knowing about the company's financials beforehand shows that you've done more than the obvious.
- "What is your company's work environment and organizational culture like?"
- "What are the future plans of the company, and how does it plan to respond to market challenges?"
Work culture and employee wellbeing
You would probably want your potential workplace to care about its employees and build a strong work culture. You should ask how this is actually done.
- "How does your company promote employee well-being?"
- "How is work performance evaluated, and how is feedback given?"
Collaboration and New Ideas
Working together is often very important in many roles. Find out what the company thinks about this and how it encourages teamwork and new ideas in its daily work.
- "What role does teamwork play in this organization?"
- "How does your organization encourage the generation of new ideas?"
Values and ethics of the company
During the interview, it's very important to make sure that you and the company share the same values. That way, if you get the job, it will be easier to stand behind your work and the company.
- "What values are emphasized by your organization?"
- "How does your organization practice ethical and responsible behavior?"
Challenges and chances in the role
Do not be afraid to directly ask the interviewer how they see the job you're applying for. This will help you determine if the job fits well with your career goals.
- "What challenges might this job role involve?"
- "What opportunities for personal growth do this role and your company offer?"
Ultimately, asking the right questions to an interviewer shows your enthusiasm and interest for the role and provides helpful insights into the company culture, values, and expectations. You can make a good impression and learn more about the company by asking thoughtful questions during the interview.
Job interviews are two-way conversations, so your questions are as important as your answers.