5 Questions You Should Ask in an Interview

By Career Savvy

Everyone knows it’s important to prepare your answers for an interview, but many forget about asking their own questions. Doing so can help you find out whether this is the right opportunity for you, discover what the employer really thinks of you and shows your interest. By asking the right questions you can significantly boost your chances of reaching the next stage or even securing the role. So what should you be asking?

Why do you enjoy working at _____?
How long it takes your interviewer to answer this question will indicate the state of the working environment. If they’re struggling to think of an answer the reality behind the opportunity may not be as great as you think. Whereas if they’re more than happy to share a number of their favourite things about working at the company, this signifies a high level of job satisfaction and suggests it will be a good place to work. This questions also enables you to see a more personal side of your interviewer as they express their thoughts and feelings.

What’s the team I’ll be working with like?
By wording this question in such a way as if you’ve already been offered the job, it will represent your confidence and also encourage the interviewer to picture you in the role. In addition, you’ll gain an insight to the people you’ll be working alongside each day so you can determine whether you’ll fit in well with them or not. It’ll give you an idea of what to expect when you start if you do obtain the role.

Where is the person who previously held this position now?
It’s good to find out whether they have progressed within the company, moved on elsewhere, retired or even if they were fired. This will help you gain an idea of the opportunities available to you once you’re hired, the level of satisfaction among the staff and perhaps a warning of what is considered as unacceptable. All of which will enable you to make a decision on whether this is the right opportunity for you.

Is there anything in terms of my qualifications and experience that you’re unsure of?
This is a brave question but if you can muster up the courage to ask it, it could do wonders for your likelihood of achieving the job. It gives you the chance to reassure the potential employer about the skills you possess and those you can work on in order to succeed. On the other hand, if they have no queries then you can feel reassured that you’re in a good position to progress to the next stage.

What will the next stage of the process involve?
This question is best saved until last and once again the interviewer is encouraged to envisage you in the position as it assumes that you are progressing to the next stage of the hiring process. Asking this will show your eagerness to obtain the role. Furthermore, you can find out what you’ll need to prepare if you are successful and perhaps an indication of the competition you’re up against.

So if you have an interview coming up, don’t just prepare your answers to the interviewer’s questions, but think about what you can ask to give yourself the best chance of achieving the job. Have several questions like the above prepared and then ask a minimum of three – take note of any that have been answered in the process of the interview. It’s all about reassuring the employer that you’re suited to the role on offer and that you have the potential to succeed. Good luck!

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