Interview Questions for the Interviewer
Dear Deb,
Q. I wanted to reach out to you and let you know that I have a job interview next week. I know that it is good to ask the interviewer questions. I was wondering if there are a few standard interview questions you recommend asking the hiring manager that would help me make a good impression? Again, thanks for your help with my résumé. I really appreciate it.
J.S., Ft. Lauderdale, FL
A. You are correct in saying that it is always a good idea to ask the person or people who are interviewing you questions. Asking questions during an interview is sign of interest and demonstrates to the interviewer your enthusiasm about the role. Equally important, it demonstrates critical thinking skills. Since you are not employed there (yet) – how could you not have questions?
This does not mean you should blurt out things that are inappropriate. You should not ask about salary on a first interview and you should not ask your questions out of turn. Instead, let the interviewer lead the discussion. It is okay to ask questions to clarify anything that is unclear before providing a well thought out response to something that the interviewer asks you.
Generally you will be asked if you have any questions toward the end of the interview; so be prepared with a few interesting and legitimate queries. While each scenario is different, here are a few open ended questions that will help you get more insight into the role, while at the same time allowing the interviewer to envision you in the position.
- What sort of impact do you see me making within the first 60 days of employment?
- How does the team collaborate with one another on a daily basis?
- Do you have any concerns about my ability to effectively take on this role?
- Based on what you know about me so far, do you see me as being a good fit for this position?
- What are the next steps in the process?
Interviewing is a two way street. You want to be sure the job is a good fit for you just as much as the company wants to be sure you are a good fit for them. Don’t come off as being overly aggressive or nosy by asking questions that would be inappropriate until a later stage in the process; however, you do have the right to ask specific questions that will impact your decision regarding the opportunity, particularly if you have other things in the fire that are further along in the process.
You will likely not need to ask a lot of questions about the company if you have done your preliminary research. If there are some unanswered questions you would like a definitive answer to, by all means, ask away. Just do it with tact and diplomacy.
If you would like help with a mock interview, our career coach can work with you to practice specific questions and answers. Practicing will help develop the confidence you need to ‘bring it’ during the interview. Asking well thought out questions during the interview is a great way to improve your chance of success!
If you have a question for Deb, please email her at debra@careersdonewrite.com. The Ask Deb column appears weekly every Friday at http://www.careersdonewrite.com/blog.