Most of the time, job-seekers find it difficult to prepare for a job-interview, thus come to interviews ill-prepared. It is a general expectation among job candidates that the employer will be the one to ask all the questions. Well… that is logical, since the employer is the one hiring. However, contrary to popular belief, the most important questions of the interview might be those that you, the applicant, ask.
Interviews are like two-way streets. Employers would want to like the person they’d hire, and what is the best way to be liked by your prospective employer? Ask questions.
Asking questions may demonstrate your genuine eagerness to be part of the company. After all, the job description does not wholly describe what your job-to-be entails. So, you better ask questions — smart questions. While asking questions could tell your employer that you are really eager about the job, asking irresponsibly could also give your prospective employer a signal that you are an askhole.
Career experts and seasoned human resource professionals have shared the ideal questions every candidate must ask at the end of every job interview, and here are the commonly suggested smart questions:
- Who do you think would be the ideal candidate for this position, and how do I compare?
- Who held this position previously? Why is he/she leaving the role?
- What do you like most about working for this company?
- Can you walk me through the typical day of someone in this role?
- How do you evaluate success here?
- How would you describe the company’s culture?
- Will I have an opportunity to meet those who would be part of my staff/my manager during the interview process?
- Can you tell me what steps need to be completed before your company can generate an offer?
- What distinguishes this company from its competitors?
- 1Is there anyone else I need to meet with?/Is there anyone else you would like me to meet with?
- Is there anything we haven’t covered that you think is important to know about working here?
- Is there anything else I can provide to help you make your decision?
- What can I do to show you I’m a great fit for this job?
- Beyond the hard skills required to successfully perform this job, what soft skills would serve the company and position best?
- What’s your timeline for making a decision, and when can I expect to hear back from you?