Questions To Ask In A job Interview
Love what you do, do what you love. That’s easier said than done. Finding your dream job takes a lot of preparation. You need to put together your Curriculum Vitae, search through the online job seekers’ sites and start applying for the jobs that match your skills and training. Next comes the waiting game and you find yourself checking your phone for missed calls or emails to see if you’ve landed an all-important interview.
The day of your interview is fast approaching. You’ve chosen the perfect set of clothes to wear and you’ve researched the company so you know what type of business are running. You have also run several questions you think you’ll be asked by your interviewer. But have you considered any questions you may want to ask?
Before you head out the door towards your interview, and possibly your new job, consider these 10 questions to ask your interviewer in a job interview.
1. Are there any additional responsibilities to this position that weren’t listed in the job description?
Asking this type of question shows you are genuinely interested in the position. It will also give you additional information about the role you are hoping to fill. By understanding all the position entails, you will be better prepared to fill the position if it is offered to you.
2. Does this position involve any travel?
This answer to this question is something you will need to know, particularly if you have a family. However, it will also give your interviewer an opportunity to tell you more about the company and the position you are hoping to fill. If travel is involved, you can then ask how often you can expect to travel and the expected duration of each trip.
3. Can you tell me about the management style in this company?
This is a tricky question to ask, but it can also be a tough one to answer. However, it will give you an insight into the type of leadership you can expect from a potential employer. Some managers like to give their staff free reign with a little guidance where needed. Others like to micro-manage their staff, which can be somewhat intimidating and overbearing. It may also depend on the type of employee you are. Some employees need more guidance than others, while some prefer to work independently.
4. Why has this position become available?
This type of question will also give you an insight into the company. If it is a new position, it generally means the company is expanding in some way and new staff are needed to realize the expansion. If you are replacing someone, it’s good to know why.
5. What qualities do you consider important for the person filling this position?
This is a bit of a leading question and the answers you are hoping to get from your interviewer will give you information about the company, management and projects you can expect to be working on. More importantly, this is inside information that doesn’t appear in the advertisement or the job description.
6. Can you tell me about the person I will be reporting to?
The interviewer may very well be the person you will be reporting to. If this is the case, you’ll have already gained a good insight into the type of person your potentially new supervisor is. If you will be reporting to someone else, you can gain a good understanding of what the interviewer thinks of the person you are reporting to. Personalities aside, this will also give you information about the company as well.
7. What are some of the challenges that come with this position?
Every company has challenges. It could be things like keeping up with trends or dealing with competitors, regulations and many other things. Not only will this type of information be useful for you when you first start a new position, it can also steer the conversation in your favor as you may be able to highlight how some of your skills and qualifications can help the company.
8. Is there a possibility for advancement?
This question works in two ways for you. It will show your interviewer that you are hoping for a long-term position. Most companies only recruit when they need to as the process is time-consuming and often tedious. They want someone that can see themselves in the company for a longer period. On the other hand, you may be hoping to work your way up the corporate ladder. By asking this question you’ll know if this is a company that has room for you to grow.
9. How many people can I expect to be working with?
Are you a team player, or do you work better on your own? Obviously, when you work in a company, you can expect to be working with other people. Some you will be working with directly in a team, while others are just people you get to know within the office. It’s good to know in advance what type of situation you will find yourself working in.
10. What is the next phase of the interview process?
You want to appear eager for the position and this is the ideal question to ask your interviewer as the interview is winding down. You want to appear enthusiastic, without seeming too eager. The interviewer will be able to advise you of the next phase. This may be your only interview so you can expect an answer soon. Some companies shortlist their candidates so second or third interviews may be needed.
Job interviews are all about marketing. You are selling your skills and qualifications to potential employers. Make sure you’re prepared to answer and ask questions and do a little bit of research about each company you will interview with. You’ll need this information during the interview and it will also help you decide on what to wear. Show up appropriately dressed and well-groomed and you’ll have the confidence to walk in and have a great interview.
