Do you normally have trouble in choosing the right questions to ask at the end of an interview? The most important aspect is that you do your research well because it is possible to ask a question and it does not go down well with the employer. Don't ask a question if you are not truly interested in the answer; it will be obvious to the employer that you asked procedurally. Before you pick and choose from the following samples, be sure to consider the culture of the organization you are hoping to join and the nature of the person doing the selecting. Adopt the right tone and convey a positive attitude - you want to ensure this opportunity works for you, not against you. Here are the top 10 questions you can ask in an interview and thereafter we add you a few more to sample from:
1. What are the most enjoyable and the least enjoyable aspects of the role?
This can show that you like to know what sort of challenge you are going to face and that you like to get properly prepared for it, all in the expectation of being able to rise to it.
2.
You mentioned there will be a lot of presenting/researching/liaising; what do your most successful people find most satisfying about this part of the role? This question can serve two purposes. It can demonstrate your listening skills. Also, it can associate you with being successful in the role and finding it satisfying.
3. What types of training opportunities can you offer?
This is one of the classic questions as it can highlight that you are keen to advance your skills and add further value to a company.
4. Is there a chance for promotion in the future?
This is another classic question, and in a similar vein. It can emphasize a determination to make progress and to do so over the long term.
5. Can you please tell me how the role relates to the overall structure of the organization?
With this question you are drawing attention to a preference for teamwork. It looks as though you want to know where you would fit in and how your contribution would affect the rest of the company.
6. How would you describe the work culture here?
Here you are signaling that you want to be able to operate at your optimum and understand that for this you require a positive environment. In turn, this can indicate you are a good self-manager who is aware of how to get the best out of yourself.
7. In what way is performance measured and reviewed?
This question can flag up that you appreciate the importance of delivering real results. You can be seen to be someone who understands the value of commitment, reliability and returns.
8. What are the most important issues that you think your organization will face? Or you have recently introduced a new product/service/division/project; how will this benefit the organization?
These variations both show that you are interested not just in the job but in the employer behind it. It will be apparent you have done some research, done some thinking, and are now eager to hear their analysis.
9. May I tell you a little more about my particular interest in communicating with clients/developing new ideas/implementing better systems… ?
Okay, so this is a cheeky and obvious way of getting permission to blow your own trumpet but then that's what this interview is all about.
10. Do you have any doubts about whether I am suited to this position?
This is a rather more brazen way of emphasizing some of your strengths. It suggests you are open to constructive criticism and willing to learn from the experience of others. In addition, it gives you a real chance to address any weaknesses the interviewee may think you have. Finally, it allows you to finish on a high, re-stating why you think you are the right person.
Here are some more questions that you may consider but all you need to do is to apply them to the context of the interview based on the organization and the job you are being interviewed for:
1. What are the organization's/company's strengths and weaknesses compared to its competition?
2. How does upper management view the role and importance of this department and this position?
3. What is the organization's plan for the next five years, and how does this department fit in?
4. Could you explain your organizational structure?
5. What do you most enjoy about your work with this organization / company / agency?
6. How have various types of decisions been made?
7. What are the various ways employees communicate with one another to carry out their work?
8. How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured? By whom?
9. What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
10. Could you describe your company's management style and the type of employee who fits well with it?
11. What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
12. What is the company's policy on providing seminars, workshops, and training so employees can keep up their skills or acquire new ones?
13. What particular computer equipment and software do you use?
14. What kind of work can I expect to be doing the first year?
15. What percentage of routine, detailed work will I encounter?
16. How much opportunity is there to see the end result of my efforts?
17. How and by whom will my performance be reviewed? Are there specific criteria upon which I would be evaluated? And how frequently is formal and informal review given to new employees?
18. How much guidance or assistance is made available to individuals in developing career goals?
19. I read on the company / organization / agency website that employees have recently done presentations at XX conference. Is that a typical opportunity in the job for which I am interviewing? Are there specific professional organizations employees have been encouraged to join?
20. How much opportunity will I have for decision-making in my first assignment?
21. Can you describe an ideal employee?
22. What is your organization's policy on transfers to other cities?
We at HCC wish you all the best.
