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“So, do you have any questions?” You better!
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Do not for get to have your interview questions prepared before the interview!
Do not approach your next Job Interview like most candidates. They think of the interview as a one-way process, preparing tirelessly for all the questions they know will be thrown at them. Remember that the interview is a two-way street and the questions you ask are just as important as the answers you give.
Asking questions will demonstrate that you are confident and willing to go the extra mile giving you the advantage over the competition—and to figure out whether or not you want this job.
Tips for Asking Questions
• Have a notebook prepared with your questions numbered and written out before the interview. Leave enough white space between each for the answers. Remember to ask the interviewer if it is ok to take notes at the beginning of the interview, later referring to your questions when it is appropriate.
• Always have at least one question ready. When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, the worst answer you can give is “No.”
• Respond to the interviewer’s cues. Don’t ask questions where the answer is obvious or readily available—or when the topic has already been thoroughly discussed.
• Ask questions during the conversation, taking your cues from how it is evolving.
• Don’t expect to ask all your questions in the first interview. Keep more detailed questions for the second interview.
What Questions Should You Ask in an Interview?
The following questions are examples, not a script. Always respond to what the interviewer is saying; don’t just ask questions out of the blue.
1. Ask for details about expectation and challenges that need to be solved.
Examples: “What do you want this position to accomplish the first month?” and “What are you goals for this department?”
These questions show that…
• You're a team player
• The employer’s priorities are important to you
2. Clarify the interviewer’s questions before answering.
Examples: “Before I answer, can you give me more details on that?” or “As I understand it, the question you’re asking is…. Is that right?”
These questions show that…
• You take time to understand a problem before acting
• You pay attention to what others are saying
3. Anticipate concerns that the interviewer has yet to address.
Examples: “Can I explain anything about my experience or background?” or “Do you have any concerns about my qualifications that I can address now?”
These questions show that…
• You’re confident and take initiative
• You are willing to respond to the interviewer’s concerns
4. Ask what it’s like to work there.
Examples: “What is a typical week (or day) here?” and “What’s the work atmosphere or management style in this company?”
These questions show that…
• You’re actively evaluating your fit with this job
• You’re interested in the job and the company
At the End of the Interview
Ask about next steps, and get the interviewer’s contact information.
Examples: “Can you tell me where you are in the process of making a hiring decision?” or “What are the next steps in the interview process?” and “May I have your business card?”
These questions show that…
• It’s important to you to follow up effectively
• You manage your time and expectations
What if the interview ends before you can ask all your questions?
Weave leftover questions into your thank-you note, and follow up within a few days (depending on the employer’s time frame for hiring, of which you learned during the interview).
Salary Questions
Unless the interviewer brings it up, a first interview is not the time to ask about salary, hours, or special needs, such as flextime.
Save questions about benefits for Human Resources or until after you’ve been offered a job.
Listen and Adjust
Writing down questions to ask will help prepare you for the interview. But remember, the questions above are just examples. If you listen carefully and treat the interview as a conversation, you’ll find it easier to ask—and to answer—questions.
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