The end of your job interview is quickly approaching. You know you aced it.
The interviewer nodded along with several of your answers. You found out you had a mutual favourite sports team and bonded over that. You’re getting the vibe you’re a shoo-in for the job.
And then, the final question drops: “do you have any questions for me?”
Crickets. Everything you wanted to ask was covered during the interview.
has this ever happened to you?
If it has, don’t worry, it’s an easy fix that we can help you rectify! It’s always a good idea to have a stash of questions in your back pocket.
Many people prepare for all the tough job interview questions about strengths and weaknesses and their past job experiences but forget that they should also ask questions to get to know their potential employer.
Don’t waste this valuable opportunity to ask about the company you could be working for and show that you’re invested in the opportunity.
To help you prepare some good questions to ask in an interview, start by reading the job ad and description, think about what you prioritise in a workplace and note down any relevant questions. Here are some good sample questions to ask in a job interview:
- How big is the team I will be joining?
- What is the culture of the team/company like?
- What goals have you set for the role previously?
- What’s the metrics to measure the goals?
- What learning and development opportunities are there in the company?
These questions show you are interested in more than just what you can glean from the job ad or description.
You could also scan the company website or read its annual report. This can help you formulate questions about the company strategy or work they do in the community.
Asking about the company strategy or corporate social responsibility activities can also help you to share more of your personality, interests and values. You want to ask questions like:
- What are the current goals of the company?
- What are the goals of the company in a year and in 5 years?
- How would you describe the most important value of the company?
By asking carefully selected questions during a job interview, you will stand out from other applicants and demonstrate to a potential employer that you’ve thought carefully about how you will fit into the company and role and how you might contribute to their future success.
Remember, some interviewers consider this a good test as they might be looking for someone curious, engaging and thoughtful.
Always prepare by having at least three good questions up your sleeve before you walk into every interview - you’ll be happy you did.
