Questions to Ask an Interviewer [+15 Examples]

Questions to Ask an bewerberinterviewer +15 ExamplesQuestions to Ask an Interviewer Questions to Ask An Interviewer My first professional job interview was when I was 18 years old. As a first-year business student, I wanted to gain experience working in an office environment, so I tried to get an admin job in an insurance firm.Heading into the interview, I was worried about my lack of relevant experience. Still, as the interview wore on, I built a convincing case for how the skills I had gained through school and working in a customer service role made me a fit for the position.After about 30 minutes we reached the end of their question line. The interviewers shuffled their papers in front of them, and one of them said, Is there anything youd like to ask us?Top Questions to Ask An InterviewerHave I answered all your questions, or is there something youd like me to clarify?Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications?What do you like most about working here?What new skills can I hope to learn here?What is the next step in the process?Who would I be working closest with, or reporting to, on a daily basis?Beyond some of the hard skills weve discussed, which soft skills would be most helpful in this position?Can you tell me if I would get the gelegenheit to be involved with this (project/initiative/etc.)?I knew enough leid to ask what salary they were offering. It didnt even matter to me since my primary goal was to gain some relevant business experience.But I hadnt given much thought to what I wanted to learn from the meeting. Wasnt the purpose for them to interview me?So I responded with something like Uhhhnot really.I didnt get the job.Now, I cant say for sure that it was my lack of intelligent questions that prevented me from getting the job. But Im sure it didnt help.Many years later, Ive had the chance to interview for several positions, and I have been on the opposite side of the table by interviewing candidates. Through both perspectives, Ive learned that the job interview is not, and should not, be one-sided. Its really like going on a first date.Conversation Not InterviewThe purpose of an interview isnt only to put the candidate on the hot-seat. Yes, the pressure to perform falls unequally on the person seeking a job, but, ultimately, its an opportunity for both sides to learn from one another. As a candidate, this means you should be ready to both answer questions and ask them.This may seem obvious to you. Unlike the 18-year-old version of myself, you have probably already interviewed for a job and know that towards the end of the interview you are given a chance to ask questions.Less obvious are the types of questions you should ask. Here its important to remember the three goals you should have for the interviewDemonstrate your interest in the role and the companyPersuade the potential employer that you have the skills and experience they seekIdentify if the job and the organization is the right fit for you.The questions y ou ask can serve all three goals. However, I want to stress that its not just what you ask, but how and when you ask it. Be strategic. In line with goal 1 above, you want the interviewer to perceive you as genuinely curious. If you simply ask out of formality, it will show.For this reason, go into the interview with questions that you should ask and that you could ask. The difference being certain questions are context-dependent based on what youve discussed throughout the interview. Heres what I mean.Job Interview Questions You SHOULD Ask the Interviewer1. Have I answered all your questions, or is there something youd like me to clarify?Why This should be the first thing you ask after the interviewer has completed his or her question line. It shows the interviewer that you are engaged in the conversation and that you care that you are understood, a sign of a good communicator. Chances are the interviewer will respond with no, but in case they do want to revisit something, you now h ave the chance to fill in any gaps in your previous answers.2. Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications?Why No, it isnt crazy to draw attention to why you might not get the position. This question is very poignant, forcing the interviewer to tell you where you stand. If he or she feels you lack in a certain area, you can provide some reassurance of your capabilities, or your ability to pick up new skills. The question also shows maturity and that you arent afraid to talk about your weaknesses.3. What do you like most about working here?Why This is an opportunity to connect with the people sitting across from you on a human level. You will show them that you are personable, not a robot. Further, it can help you identify if the organization is the right fit for you. Pay close attention to the persons answer and body language.4. What new skills can I hope to learn here?Why Employers appreciate candidates who can see themselves growing with their company. This question shows that you are serious about personal development and want a work environment where you can learn from others around you.5. What is the next step in the process?Why Timing is everything with this one. It should be your final question since it sends the signal that you dont have anything further that you want to share about yourself or learn about the position/organization. Its also a very practical question since youll find out when you might hear next from them.Job Interview Questions You COULD Ask the Interviewer6. Who would I be working closest with, or reporting to, on a daily basis?Why Job satisfaction, or dissatisfaction, has a lot to do with the people you interact with each day. So why not get a sense of the level of collaboration and team dynamic you can expect from a new job? Some people work best when they are given a high degree of independence others want their manager to be nurturing. This question will help you determine whether the role matches your needs.7. Beyond som e of the hard skills weve discussed, which soft skills would be most helpful in this position?Why Chances are that the job description that attracted you to the position listed all the hard skills the employer is seeking. And the bulk of most interviews is spent on discussing these elements. If by the end of the interview little attention has been paid to soft skills (adaptability, teamwork, initiative, etc.), be sure to raise this question. Again, it will help you determine the type of personality that fits best in the role.8. Can you tell me if I would get the chance to be involved with this (project/initiative/etc.)?Why The best way to show that you are genuinely interested in the position is to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the company. If youve done your research ahead of time, you will have uncovered parts of the organizations business that interest you. Dont be afraid to ask whether your work will touch these areas.