It could perhaps be the most horrid part of the job interview – “So, do you have any questions you would like to ask us?” – Aaarrrgh! You know fine well that a sheepish smile while shaking your head and saying “Nah I’m good thanks” isn’t exactly what they want to hear!
So on that thought, I’ve decided to prepare you a kick ass list of questions you can ask your interviewer. Keep in mind though – not all of these questions will be appropriate for every job interview out there. The one thing you should take away from this is that every job and every interviewer is different – these are just some generic examples so make an effort to think of questions relating to the job when you are preparing for your interview.
Also, these questions aren’t just a list of stuff you can say just to be a smart arse at your interview and get the job. Many of these questions will help you understand more about the job and company you are applying for. Use this list as a basis for your research – take notes where appropriate so you can have an intelligent discussion with your interviewer and prepare yourself for starting employment should you get a job.
Questions to ask in an interview (in no particular order!):
- How many other people work in the team? What are their job roles?
- If the job is in a new department, ask about the reason for establishing the department and what the plans for growth are.
- If the job is an old one, ask who you are replacing and why they have moved on.
- Ask about appraisals and performance reviews – how often, will they be tied to pay increases or bonuses?
- How will my performance be measured?
- Can you describe your ideal employee? This is a great one – use it early on to find out what they are expecting so you can tailor your later responses to suit them!
- A slightly more subtle approach than the last point would be to ask, “what skills and experience would you say are necessary for someone to succeed in this job?”.
- Not suitable for senior management really, but asking interviewers what they like about working at the company can be a good way to start a conversation about your new workplace.
- Likewise, asking your interviewer when they started with the company and why they have stayed with the company? In a polite way – try not to ask this with a grimace on your face! You want to get them talking a little – it strengthens your relationship with them just that little bit more which can make a difference.
- (If you are being interviewed by the MD / owner) Hypothetical question – if you had to leave, how would you like to see the company be managed?
- What scope for progress and promotion is there within the company?
- What kind of work will I be responsible for over the next year?
- Will I be expected to work late nights or at the weekend?
- Can you describe a typical day or week in the job?
- What makes this company stand apart from the competition?
- In your opinion, what is the most important attribute / achievement / quality you would like to see from me within my trial period?
- Do you have any questions about my ability to do this job? This one ain’t great most of the time – they would have brought any questions they had already. However, the point you are trying to make with this is to show them your proactive attitude and confidence. This could add a positive to your interview if other areas haven’t been great (lack of experience, etc).
- Having reviewed my CV and interviewed me, what qualities do you see in me?
- Are you interviewing more people for this position?
- Are there any areas you feel I would need to work on in order to become your top choice for the job?
- Do your employees socialise outside of the workplace? OK, with this one you don’t want to seem like you will be out of the door 4pm Friday and straight to the pub! But it is worth getting an idea of how the office life will be – perhaps ask if they have any company sports teams, etc. Basically ask them to quantify the atmosphere of the office.
- How would you describe the core responsibilities of the position? Only if this hasn’t been covered – you don’t want to seem stupid!
- Will the job involve much travelling? If so, how much?
- When are you looking for someone to start?
- When can I expect to hear from you?
- Would you like a list of references or any additional information from me?
- Does the job involve any form of training? How will this be implemented and monitored?
- (If there are other people in a similar job role to you) What attributes / traits would you say are necessary for someone to be successful within this job role?
- Could you explain the company structure to me? This lets them clarify the management and departmental structure within the company. It will also help you get a better idea of how your role will fit into the company.
- Does the job role have any pressing concerns that you will need me to tackle as soon as I start? This could refer to accounts / clients that need managed because someone left, or it could be asking them for a timeline of priorities if you are setting up a new department.
- Does the team or job role I’ll be working in have any specific weaknesses right now that you would like to be address? This is a softer version of the previous question really.
- What software / systems does your company use? Know your industry so you know how to ask this question properly.
- What are the company’s plans for the future? This can be a great question – it will allow management to boast and you can nod and seem like you are interested. Try to keep this discussion going with some follow up questions about the interviewers answer.
- What challenges might I face in this position?
- Have any previous employees failed to perform in this position and what would you say was the reason for that?
- What misconceptions do people have about the organisation?
- What are the company’s core business goals?
- How effectively have these goals been communicated over the past 12 months? These 2 questions are great although they can throw off less organised managers and could work as a negative!
- How does the company reward or recognise outstanding work and excellence?
- Will my roles be limited to what has been outlined in my job description or will I be expected to take on other tasks as needed? If so, to what extent do you foresee this being the case? This is good for you – you need to know if you are going to sign up to be a shoe maker and eventually end up being a belt maker or not!
- How do I compare to the other people you have interviewed so far?
The key is to use each question to your advantage. In most cases, employers will be looking at what you ask as a factor in their decision making process, but it is also possible to essentially “close the deal” if you have enough charm! Many of these questions will allow you to discuss in-depth issues with your employer – getting down to the nitty gritty! From there, it is only a small step to them making a decision there and then. However, it is important to not and try and force that decision – being confident is good – being pushy is not.
Good luck!
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This is the first jobseekers advice site that deals with a ‘normal’ person searching for a job, the other sites deal with – professionals, graduates and school leavers.Thanks for the straight forward and most usefull advice I’ve seen.
Hi and thanks!
When I setup the site back in 2002 I was going through the whole career crisis thing myself, so it was as much a way to help myself get through it all as it was to help others.
Glad you find some use from it!
Scott
I used these questions in an interview last week. Today I found out that I have got the job. More than 200 interviews, three years of working in a pure dead end job (post-University), and I have got my first decent-paying grad job at the grand ol’ age of 31….cheers ,mate!
That’s great Kian – congratulations!!
It’s always a great feeling to get into your first decent job – hope it goes well for you!
All the best,
Scott
What a brilliant list! Im going to nail my interviews with this! Ohhhh,… hopefully!
Good luck Marc!
Hi Scott, As a manager in charge of hiring at a small drycleaner I have to say this a good list!!! I just learned that the company I started at almost 19 years ago is closing it’s door within the year!!!! I have to say I am beyond distressed, honestly saw myself running the company in the next 5-10 years! What advice can you give to someone who has not had to job search for so long? Any input is greatly welcomed.
Thanks,
Shelly
Hi Shelly, thanks for your comments.
It’s always difficult job hunting after such a long gap, but keep in mind it doesn’t need to be as scary as it was early on in your career. You have a lot of experience so turn up and be prepared to chat about that and if your new job isn’t in the same industry, look at ways of explaining how your experience can transfer to the job you are applying for.
Good luck!
Scott
I just want to say thanks for this article.
I’m getting interviews but no offers and my weak point is at the end closing the deal. Although I’m mainly looking for public sector work and some of the questions won’t relate, there is some gems in there.
PAGE BOOKMARKED.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks Adam!
This was awesome… I always screw up this part of the interview, now I have hope. Have bookmarked and will visit often!
Thanks Heather!
Scott
Like others my biggest downfall is “What would you like to ask us?”
I have had several interviews lately but never got through because of this. Even after reading this I already feel more confident. Find out next week if I have got through to the interview stage of another job I have applied for so thought I would prepare more and found this, thanks so much.
If I get through I know I can walk into that interview feeling more confident because of you
Hi Corrine, glad you found the article helpful and hope everything goes well with your application! I always found that aspect of the interview to be tough as well, which is the main reason I wrote the article.
Scott
Thank you so much for this list. It’s been immensely helpful. I do have one quick question though. My past managers that have given me advice when asking questions say to ask two, but I see three or four that could be extremely important. Is it okay to ask that many or should I just narrow it down to two?
Hi Ashley,
I wouldn’t be too concerned about how many questions you should ask as a rule – remember, you’re doing research on the company at this point and not just going through the motion of asking questions for the sake of asking.
Scott
I want to thank you for providing such good tips I’m sure will be very important to get a job.
Felipe from Brazil!!!
Hi Scott
Thank you for this! I’ve had a number of interviews over the last 6 months and all have been unsuccessful! I’ve got another one tomorrow and feel a lot more confident after looking at this list and shall be using some appropriate questions tomorrow.
Ed
Good luck Ed!
Scott
Got an interview tomorrow morning, will definitely be trying out a couple of these questions. Couldn’t think of any til I ended up here! Thanks for the ideas
Obviously worked – they offered me the job an hour ago
thanks again.
Well done!
Scott
Brilliant list of questions, very useful.
There is some quality questions there i would of never thought of!
Going to use a few on Monday!
Thanks!!
Great questions. My weak spot during interviews is askin questions. Got my final interview Friday with a position I really want! I will be printing these off! Thanks!!!
after a restructure im out looking for a job, Its unfortunate because i really enjoyed what i do.
I have good experience and history of work, but when they ask that question it always gets me unstuck.
I find that in interviews they provide all the information i require, what if i simply dont need to know any more? or dont care about what their favorite football team is?
When they ask if i have any questions I have often finished up with “There is nothing i can think of at this moment, i think we have covered everything nicely”
Is this a big mistake? am i shooting myself in the foot by doing this?
No I don’t think so Alan, sometimes there are no questions to ask! But keep in mind you don’t have to wait until the end of the interview to ask questions – you can turn your answers into questions during the interview, which will help engage the interviewer.
In the past when I’ve been in that situation, I’ve just said, “well I was going to ask about the structure of the team, but you’ve already covered that so I think we’re good” (or something along those lines).
There’s no rule that says you need to ask questions at the end of the interview – in many ways it’s just a courtesy offered by the interviewer.
Hey Scott, do you think it’s appropriate to take note taking material to my interview?
Yes absolutely, particularly if you have a number of key questions to ask about the role.
Scott
Hi Scott,
I have been accepted for a interview for a Assistant Manager job. I just wanted to know when wanting to ask your own questions would you recommend taking a small presentation card with couple of my own questions to ask them or try to remember from my head? I just think i be okay till i there but i feel i may forget what i want to know.
Any advice on a good interview would be greatful.
Thanks in advance
Knight
Sorry Scott you did mention about taking notes above my first question. what interview techniques can you give like do i talk positively, loud, seating position, hand guesture and eye contact etc as last thing i want to do i make the interviewer feel weird
Thanks again
Hi Knight,
Generally, I wouldn’t worry too much about taking in formal notes unless you’ve been asked to do a presentation.
It’s certainly worth preparing beforehand though, particularly if you’re like me and have a memory like a sieve! Try grouping your questions into key areas – responsibilities, training, the company, etc, so you are prepared when those topics come up.
Remember, a lot of interviews are just plain conversations so you don’t need to get too worked up about the formality of it all.
No need to overthink your body language either. Unless you turn up and stick your feet up on the desk, there’s nothing too much to worry about on that front. Here’s some basic tips to have a think about: http://www.recruiter.com/i/five-tips-on-interview-body-language/
Good luck!
Scott
Thank you soooooo much Scott! I used these questions for my first interview and I got my first job on my first interview! Your list was a GREAT HELP. THANK YOU!
Congrats!
I’ve got a second interview with waitrose on tuesday and this is the part of the interview I always screw up and was sooo worried about what I was going to ask! But these questions are such a huge help!
I can’t see them being anything less than impressed with what I’m going to ask them!
Thank you Scott, its really appreciated
Good luck!
You don’t need to ask questions at interview. I never have and its not made any difference to whether i get the job or not.
Yes, in quite a lot of interviews, the main part is the discussion between you and the interviewer. You don’t need to ask questions if you’ve already covered the key points. However, I would say in a competitive market, being able to engage with future employers on a profressional level does help give you an edge over other candidates.
A good list. Since I realised the importance of asking questions at the end of the interview I’ve found this is my favourite part, because it’s the bit where, as well as sealing the deal, you get to quiz the interviewer over whether you should TAKE the job if it’s offered. Favourite questions of mine include team structure, best thing about working in the company, most challenging part of the role… but this list has given me a few more ideas for my interview this week.
I would also say it’s important to write down your questions, and don’t be a afraid to get out a notepad in the middle of the interview with them all written down. Not only will this help you remember them in your nervous state, but also it shows the employer that you’ve thought about questions and been prepared, even if they already have answered every question on your list!
This has given me some great ideas for my first job interview this Tuesday. Thank you!
This is great stuff. I’ve had numerous job interviews over the past year or two that all seem to have gone well but have not led to success, I am beginning to wonder if this is where I am going wrong. I really just never have anything to ask, most of the time anything I’d thought of they had told me about already by the end, but you make a good point that even saying ‘I was going to ask about X but you already told me’ is better than not asking anything.
Got an interview tomorrow through an agency and they’ve told me to ask lots of questions. This page has been really helpful in trying to come up with some ideas of my own.