Questions To Ask At An Interview

By Alec Heaton

After weeks or months of job searching, you finally got the call to set up an interview. You dress your best and listen to your favorite music to get psyched up on the drive over. The interview goes smoothly until the very end, when the interviewer asks you, “Now what questions do you have for me?”

Plenty of people suddenly become deer in the headlights at this point. After all, you’re the one being interviewed, why should you be the one to ask questions?

The truth is that employers want you to ask questions. It’s a tactic to help them separate the wheat from the chaff. Not preparing questions makes employers think you may be lazy, unprepared or disinterested. By asking questions about the company you’re applying for, you express genuine interest to employers and make a great impression.

However, you can’t just ask any questions, like what their favorite color or movie might be. Preparing relevant and specific questions is a crucial component of the interview process.

What is the company culture like? It’s important to learn about the environment you will be working in. Culture gives you a view on the company’s philosophy and  their priorities. By learning the ethics and values of a company, you are better able to gauge if the job is right for you.

What is the typical day of this position? This allows you to learn as much as you can regarding the day-to-day activities, expectations and responsibilities of your position. This also allows you to learn what skills you may need in order to better succeed.

Where do you see the company heading in the next five years? This shows employers that you aren’t simply a job hopper and that you’re focused on the big picture. This is also an opportunity to see what room for growth you might have within the company.

What do you enjoy most about working here? An insider’s perspective of a company is vital information that you’ll rarely find elsewhere. This further expresses your genuine interest in the company, which employers love. However, if they have difficulty answering, that waves a dangerous red flag.

Do you have any concerns about me or my qualifications? This is a bold question, and perhaps too uncomfortable for some. However, it shows employers that you’re comfortable talking about your weaknesses, that you can handle constructive feedback and that you’re willing to better yourself.