An interview is a valuable part of the recruitment process for both the employer and candidate. Unfortunately many people don’t utilise the opportunity to find out whether the company would be a good fit for them and this can cause issues further along in the process or once a role has been offered.
Asking good questions shows you are engaged in the interview, interested in the company and demonstrates your initiative. However these questions can also be used to give you further insight, often giving the details needed to see if this is the right career move, and can give you peace of mind this is the right decision.
Below is a list of questions you can ask to gain this insight and why you should be asking them:
1. Why has this position become available?
If this is a new position it will tell you the company is expecting to grow. You can use examples of when you used initiative and managed something new that had a positive impact on a company. It will also give you context to understand what they are looking for and help you match your background and improve your chances of being selected for the role.
If they are replacing somebody it might be worth asking some follow up questions such as; why did they leave? What were your thoughts on their performance? Where do you feel they fell short? This will give you insight into their expectations and the challenges of the role. You could use examples to support your position by considering times where you have been able to develop and refine existing processes.
2. How will my success be measured in this role?
This is key, particularly when tailoring your background to demonstrate your track record, providing examples of past experiences to support your application. It’s good to ask this question early in the interview so you can provide examples throughout the interview which they can relate to their own expectations. Think: what was the problem; what did I do to fix it: what were the measurable deliverables (use facts and figures).
It will also provide insight into how the company manages its employees and it’s useful for you to think about whether the approach suits you.
3. What can I expect in terms of development and support?
This question will show you are keen on growing, learning and staying with the company. It will also allow you to find out more whether the role offers what you are looking for in the long-term. It can demonstrate your reliability and commitment, assuring the employer that you are a viable long-term investment.
4. Where does the job fit into the team structure?
This shows your employer you recognise the importance of collaboration at work. This line of questioning will provide you with the chance to see how you can progress within the team and give you an opportunity to understand the team you will be a part of.
5. Why did you join the company?
Gaining an insight from someone that is already part of the company will help you to find out more about whether the cultural fit is what you are looking for.
Showing an interest in what the interviewer thinks also effectively demonstrates that you are considering aspects of the role beyond the job description.
6. What is the next step after the interview?
This shows you have thought about the next stages and provides you with an indication on whether you need to prepare more.
The interview is not just about seeing whether you are the right fit for the organisation, but it’s also about making sure you feel confident about your ability to do the job and in turn, making sure you feel like the role would be a successful career move.