Some job seekers overlook the fact that a job interview is a two-way street: you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Therefore, asking your potential employer the right questions is just as important as professionally answering their questions.
The key on both sides is to adequately prepare for the interview by doing lots of research about the company and the position for which you are interviewing. Based on your research, you should be able to craft 3 to 5 questions that will help you evaluate whether this is the right opportunity for you as well as demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in the company.
The questions you ask during an interview should range from general questions you would ask to any potential employer, to more company-specific questions.
Consider the following questions as a source of inspiration for your next job interview.
How would you describe the company culture?
Company culture encompasses minor things like dress code to more important things like your ability to propose new ideas for positive change within the organization. This open-ended question will facilitate an honest discussion that gives you further insight into the company’s general workplace environment. Ask this question to multiple interviewers and you will start seeing some overlap, but also some varying perspectives.
What do you enjoy the most and the least about your job?
This is a great question to ask an interviewer who is in a similar role to the one for which you are applying. Be wary of rosy responses that paint a too-good-to-be-true picture of the position. Every job has its pros and cons.
How would you describe the ideal candidate?
This open-ended question helps you gain a better understanding of the job description and whether it is a good fit for you. Is the job within your skillset range, yet challenging enough to help you improve as a professional and advance your career? Does the job play to your strengths? Will you need to hone or even learn some new skills? These are all questions you will be able to answer – or at least shed some light on – based on this question.
How will I be evaluated for this position?
This question prompts the interviewer to tell you about specific milestones or goals for the job while at the same time telling you more about what will be expected of you.
I read that… Can you tell me more about why…?
This is a company-specific question so you will have to fill in the blanks on a case-by-case basis. These days it is very easy to simply Google a company and read recent news about them. Let’s say the company just completed an important acquisition. Perhaps you would like to know how that acquisition will advance the company’s goals. This would be a great question for someone in a leadership position at the company. This question also shows that you have done your homework about the company – beyond simply going to their website to read the “about us” section (something everyone should do as well).
What are the next steps?
This is a very important question that shows interest in the job as well as confidence that the company will want to take it to the next level with you. It will also help set expectations if you are to move forward through the interviewing process.
If you are a professional in the Philadelphia area looking for new opportunities to grow your career, the recruiters at Contemporary Staffing Solutions would love to talk to you. We work with some of the most innovative companies in Philly, New Jersey and Delaware that are looking for top talent. Contact us today to learn more about our commitment to your success.