After a 45–minute interview, the interviewer smiles and says, ‘Do you have any questions for us?’ Your mind goes blank. Sound familiar? It’s tempting to say ‘No, I’m fine’ when asked if you have any questions. But that missed chance could cost you an opportunity.
At the end of nearly every job interview, you’ll likely be asked if you have any questions. At this stage, having a list of questions to ask your interviewer makes you look interested, enthusiastic, and engaged. It’s a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you’ve done your research.
Asking the right questions at the end of a job interview is key. It will give you an advantage over 90% of other applicants because it’s the last thing they’ll remember you by; more so, it’s an extra opportunity to connect with your interviewer.
In this article, we offer you some of the questions you should ask at the end of a job interview. But before we get into the list of questions to ask during a job interview, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
A. Don’t say you have no questions.
This could give the interviewer the impression that you aren’t serious about the opportunity and didn’t care to prepare for the interview.
B. Ask questions you want to know the answers to.
Don’t only ask questions you think will impress your interviewer. It’s your opportunity to ask about the topics you’re curious about.
C. Try not to ask more than three to four questions.
It’s a good idea to have up to 10 questions prepared so you can choose the most appropriate ones according to how the conversation is going; however, keep the number of questions asked as minimal as possible, but with lasting impression.
What are the questions to ask at the end of a job interview?
It’s important to prepare at least two to three questions that express your interest, as well as show them that you’ve done your homework by researching the company in advance. Ask questions about the job, about training, professional development, and about the company.
Here are the questions you should ask at the end of a job interview:
1. How do you think the company defines and demonstrates its values?
This demonstrates to the interviewer that you’ve researched the company and want to know how it will align with your values. It also shows that you are proactively trying to gain a certain level of understanding about the internal workings of the company before joining.
2. What qualities and attributes make for a successful employee in this company?
This question shows the interviewer that you’re determined to succeed and that you want to be sure you’ll be a good fit for the company.
3. What do you think encourages employees to stay in this company?
This question can help you get a broader sense of the company’s culture, its values, how employees see the company, and how you’ll fit in. It shows that you may be committed and open to staying in the company.
4. What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
This question can clarify the different aspects of the role, especially if it’s a cross-functional position or is part of a team. You’ll hopefully gain a better understanding of what a typical day looks like, and this will help you decide if it is the right job for you. You’ll also get a better idea of the specific skills and strengths that are required.
5. What do you think is the most challenging aspect of the job?
This shows that you’re fully aware that the role won’t be without its challenges and gives you an idea of what to expect.
6. What are your expectations for this role during the first 30 to 90 days?
It’s important to find out what will be expected of you if you were to be hired into this position. The more you know about the expectations and success metrics, the easier it will be to identify any knowledge gap and upskill accordingly, with the aim of meeting expectation once hired.
7. Ask the interviewer if they need you to clarify or elaborate on anything regarding your suitability for the role
Offering to provide greater detail on any of your answers or anything listed on your resume will certainly be appreciated by the interviewer. This will also give the assurance that you’ve done everything you can to prove your suitability for the job.
8. What type of professional training or development opportunities does the company provide for employees?
It shows you care about growth, helps you understand the company culture, and clarifies if they’ll support your career development.
Regardless of the role you’re applying for, you should always be prepared to ask questions at the end of a job interview. Not only is this a great way for you to show a genuine interest in the role, it is also a great opportunity to sell your potential in ways that other candidates might not.
Always prepare your questions before the interview so you’re confident in what you’re going to say, and the direction you’ll be taking the conversation.
Try not to ask more than three to four questions.
If you aren’t sure how many questions to ask in your interview, read the interviewer’s body language. If they seem relaxed and genuinely eager to continue the conversation, then it’s probably safe to carry on. If they start packing their things or start checking the time, or acting in a way that shows they want the interview to be over already, then it’s time to start wrapping up.