Congratulations! You finally got a job interview scheduled which puts you closer to the job of your dreams. However, what should you do if you have some questions about the job? Can you ask during your interview?
It is actually ok to ask during your interview since it helps you get to know the company or business you are joining to. It also helps your potential employer know a bit about you and how you will get along with the company.
However, you can’t just ask random questions after they interviewed you for the position. These smart questions can help you become the “perfect candidate” for the job in the eyes of your future boss.
To give you some ideas on what to ask, here are some of the questions you should definitely ask an interviewer:
“What will be expected from me if I were to be hired for this job?”
Even if you already read the details of the job you are applying for through the job ad they released, there are details which are not elaborated.
By asking this question, you will be able to know what work you will do on your first day and what expectations you have to work with. It may also give you a sign if the work is for you or not.
“Can you tell me how a day is like here?”
Knowing what your schedule will be like can also give you an idea on what is the culture of the company. Will it be non-stop meetings all day, all week? Or is it a more relaxed environment? Will you be expected to meet people outside of your workplace?
This question can even reveal if the hiring manager knows the role at all!
“Will I go through any training if I get hired before starting my job?”
If you have doubts with your skills for the job, you can ask if you will get additional training to learn how things are done in the company.
Most companies do offer training to help employees to be up-to-speed with the latest in the company. If they won’t offer it, you will need to know that before you begin so you can find ways to make up for it.
Through this question, you will also learned if the company values its employees by helping and encouraging them to improve themselves with training.
“What performance targets does this position have? Will these change the longer I am in the position?”
Understanding your job description isn’t enough when you are looking for a job, you also need to know how you will be able to move up in your career. Asking this question also gives you and your potential employer a chance to set the standards on your performance.
“Does the company have a regular performance review? How does it work? When is it done?”
If you plan to move up the ladder, this question is crucial because some reviews can make or break your position. This question will help you plan how you will handle your position and plan accordingly.
Beware of a company that doesn’t do regular performance reviews. This means you’ll never be fairly judge by your performance at work.
“What is the company’s goals within the next X years?”
Even if you are being offered a job, it is not a guarantee that the company you will be joining is stable.
Knowing the company’s goals will let you know how stable you will be in your position and how will the position help you with your career goals.
“Can you give me an idea about the team I’ll be in and who will lead the team?”
If you will be working with a team, you definitely need to know if they are people you can work with. If they sound like they are not really good, you can make the choice as early as now to back out or ask for a compromise.
“Can you tell me what makes you fall in love with working for this company?”
This information is good to know because this will tell you how great the work environment will be like. It will also give you an idea if they offer other benefits for workers aside from the great pay.
“What’s next after the interview?”
This question does not just let you know how they process prospect employees, it also gives you some reassurance about what will happen next. Sometimes, companies do not even call back to tell applicants that they did not make the cut. Asking this question can help you plan accordingly if you need to find another job.
“Is there anything else you like to ask me?”
This question is a plus for interviewer. It is possible that they weren’t able to cover everything they want to know when they were asking you questions. It is a big plus point if you help them out further while evaluating your potential.
Conclusion
During job interviews, it is not just the employer who does the questions, the applicant must also ask themselves. If you will be appearing for a job interview, make sure to note these questions. And, don’t forget to be true to yourself as you are interviewed.
To get that dream job, check out these interview tactics:
Best Ways to Prep for your Dream Job Interview
8 Types of Interview You Will Come Across In Your Lifetime
Should You Send A Thank You Note After Your Interview?
Can’t get enough of MiddleMe? You can find me sharing my thoughts here as well:
Instagram @kallymiddleme
Twitter (MiddleMe_net)
FaceBook (MiddleMe.net)
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kallytay
Best things in life are meant to be shared, start spreading MiddleMe around, after all, sharing is caring.
MiddleMe 
Great informative post as always Kally. I’d also ask something like “What are the biggest or immediate challenges facing the company/department right now?” It could give me an idea of where the company is going and/or what I could do to help. Caz x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great suggestion! I think that’s a very good and insightful question.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great questions…I’m going on an interview for a job I really want next Friday…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Best of luck!! Please do keep me updated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is really useful, great questions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot, Ute!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved the share. Key and vital things to note!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Herry!!
LikeLike
These are so useful! I’ll pass them on to a friend 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot, Candy. Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Another WINNER Kally.
Prudent, timely and easy to apply.
They display communication skills, and a sincere interest in the company and in the position
As one who did a lot of hiring; I would have LOVED such questions. They also demonstrate possible management skills (even if the position is NOT a “management position.” ). Employers are always on the lookout for people who MIGHT be promotable. (As the Norm they work harder AND have the companies BEST interest at heart.)
Thanks again, another useful and particle guide..
God Bless
Patrick
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Patrick. Have a great week!
LikeLike
These are great questions, thanks Kally!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Judy! Have a great week!
LikeLike
This is nice to see. Asking questions during interviews is always difficult for me. I know it’s important to show true interest in a potential job, but I often can’t think of relevant questions. This will help a lot! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 2 people
If you can just ask one or two questions from this list, you’re good to go!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kally, Another great and informative post! As a heads-up I will be posting this on my blog, but may tweak the title a tad just to stay within the theme of the month within my blog for Jan. 2020. Of course I will give provide my source and link to your blog as always. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Cheryl for sharing this out. Once again, have an awesome year 2020. I’ll see more of you here and over at your blog.
LikeLike
Great questions, Kally! By the way, I’m “stealing” some of these the next time I interview (maybe next month, perhaps in a decade or so – who knows?”.
One question I always ask, which is a variation on your “What makes you fall in love…” inquiry, is, “If you could change one thing about this office, what would it be?”
Why should I have to come up with all the creative answers? Let the interviewer exercise his/her brain too! After all, if I’m going to commit to this company, perhaps even relocate for it, shouldn’t I be impressed as well?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Please go ahead! And be creative with your questions. I bet you can impress your interviewer if you ask thought-provoking questions and at the same time, find out if you really want to work there at all.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great post, and great list of questions. You and your readers may enjoy this post “Do you have any questions for me?”
https://reallifeofanmsw.com/2019/12/15/do-you-have-any-questions-for-me/
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing this post!
LikeLike
These questions are really useful and the post is informative as well. Thank you, Kally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! Welcome to MiddleMe!
LikeLiked by 1 person