Turning the Tables: 15 Key Questions to Ask During an Interview

Scenario : you’re sitting across the desk from your interviewer with your portfolio laid across your lap. It’s been about 20 minutes and so far the interview has gone pretty smoothly. Your mind has only blanked about 6 times, but you’ve been able to circumvent disaster and deliver a calm and composed response to all their questions. You feel like the interview is wrapping up!

But then… the interviewer lays down his pen, looks you straight in the eyes, and says, “Do you have any questions for me?”

Suddenly “umm” is the only word you can think of. You want to smile and respond, “No, I don’t think so. Thank you for your time!” and get out of there.

But today, we’re going to talk about key questions you can have prepared for your interviewer that will give you insight into the job and role and set you up for success.

IS IT IMPORTANT TO ASK YOUR INTERVIEWER QUESTIONS?

Yes!

Sometimes this can make the difference between a good interview and a great one. It’s a chance to not only stand out, but also to determine whether this role would be a good fit for you. Interviews should be a two-way street.

This can be your opportunity to find out what the company culture is like, who you would be working with, what the expectations of the job are, what future career opportunities could be, and even fun things like what do they do for holiday parties or community outreach.

And good questions will show the interviewer that you are serious about the role you are applying for, not just trying to get a position in the company.

Below is a list of questions to consider. Not all will be applicable to the interview that you are in, so think critically on what items you want to know. We recommend having 5-10 prepared and then asking 3-5 within the interview based on the previous discussion. And don’t be afraid to change your questions mid-interview if you think of something else or if you want to learn more about a topic you discuss.

KEY QUESTIONS TO HAVE ON HAND FOR YOUR INTERVIEWER

Questions about the role:

· What type of projects will I be working on?

· Who will my peers and managers be?

· What type of challenges does an employee in this role face?

· What are you looking for in an employee in this role?

Questions about performance:

· What are some key performance indicators that will be used to determine my success in this position?

· What training will you initially provide for this role?

· What professional development opportunities will be available?

Questions about the company:

· What strategies for innovation and success does the company have for the future?

· What is the company culture outside of work (social events, happy hours, holiday parties, etc.)?

· How would you describe the office environment?

· Does the company endorse/sponsor any community outreach?

· Are there diversity and inclusiveness groups?

Questions about the career opportunities:

· What career move did the previous person in this role make?

· What did your (the interviewer) career path look like to get to the role that you are in?

· How would an employee advance in this position and what specific traits would be considered when considering an employee for promotion?

HOW TO FOLLOW UP WITH QUESTIONS

As you are leaving the interview, you may think of a question that you wish you would have asked. What do you do? Follow up!

Most times, an interviewer will give you a business card or some means of contact information before you leave and it is perfectly acceptable (and encouraged!) to follow up with that person within a couple of days after the interview.

Typically, this will just be a “thank you” note for their time and consideration and the opportunity to learn more about their company and the position. But absolutely include any questions that you have and forgot to address in the interview.

Not only does following up with questions show your interest in the position, but it also keeps the conversation going.

Good luck in all your interviewing endeavors! Ask questions, stay positive, and be confident and you will find the job of your dreams in no time.