Asking the right questions in an interview will demonstrate to the employer that you are serious about the role and are well prepared for the interview.
It is also a great way to find out more about the company and management style. To ascertain whether the job is right for them, candidates must ask the right questions. During the interview process, it is important to work out whether the role is suitable for both parties.
Most interviews are conducted with questions from the candidate at the end. You should always have a few questions prepared, as it shows genuine interest in the role and leaves the employer with a good impression.
What are the best questions to ask in an interview as a candidate?
The best type of interview questions are job or company-specific. As a candidate, you should ask more about the job or something specific about the company culture. This should always be something that cannot be answered online or via the job advertisement.
Job-related questions
Some of the best questions to ask in an interview about the job include:
● Could you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities involved in the job role?
● Would you be able to show me or discuss some of the projects I could be working on?
● What are the fundamental skills you are looking for in a candidate for this job role?
● Are there any skills missing in the team that you are looking to fill with a new employee?
● How does this job role contribute to the business?
● Are the main responsibilities in this job role set to change within the next 6 to 12 months?
● What is the typical career path for this role and are there any professional development opportunities?
You may have a more specific question about the job role if you could not find the information in the job description. Try and make your question as unique as possible - any questions should convey your interest in the role and the company.
Company-related questions
Questions to ask in an interview about the company may include:
● What direction is the company heading towards within the next few years, based on the company’s goals?
● What are the most important values of the company? (when asking this, you want to make sure it is not too easily accessible with a Google search)
● I have researched and read about the company’s founding, but could you go into more detail about X? (do your research and ask a specific question based on something interesting you may have found on the company)
● Are there any current company goals you are working towards and how would my team or job role contribute to this?
It is important to know the values of a company, as this can make your decision easier in the case that you are choosing between multiple jobs. Knowing the company is heading in a direction you are happy to work towards is important. These questions can help you understand potential job security should the role be offered.
Other example questions to ask in an interview as a candidate
As well as job and company-specific questions, there are others that can help you stand out as a candidate.
Asking about professional development and training shows your interest in the job role and progression for the future. It can also give you a better idea of how the company takes care of their employees.
The best professional development and training questions to ask a hiring manager include:
● What could I expect during your onboarding process?
● What kind of opportunities for advancement are there in the company based on the job role I am applying for?
● Have there been any previous employees in this job role that have progressed in the company and where are they now?
● What professional development or learning opportunities do you currently offer to your employees?
Is there anything I should avoid asking in an interview as a candidate?
In an interview, job candidates only have one chance to make a great first impression. The interview questions above are a great start, however, there are some things you should avoid asking in an interview as a candidate.
These include:
● Overly obvious questions that could be answered in the job description
● Questions on the company that you should know - such as the basics of what they do or the industries they serve - prior to the interview
● Unless otherwise brought up by the interviewer, questions about pay rise frequency, salary or holiday hours - these questions can be asked after you have made it to a further stage interview or have been offered the position. While some companies may be more open to discussing this in early stages, it can sometimes give off the impression that a candidate may not be as passionate or interested in the role itself beyond the salary and benefits
Find the right job role with Employment Solutions
Asking the right questions in job interviews can help you to get noticed and improve your chances of success. Here at Employment Solutions, our expert recruitment team can guide you through the interview process including what questions may be best to ask and what to avoid.
If you need help finding your perfect job role, upload your CV or call us today on 0161 839 53 53 and we will be happy to help.