We’ve all been there before: the end of a job interview, nerves shot, brain fried, and yearning to meditate in silence for two hours or analyze with a friend. But before any of that can happen, the recruiter smiles and asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”
This moment is crucial. This is your chance to determine if the role is really the right fit. Coming prepared with great questions to ask at the end of your job interview showcases your overall interest as well as your poise and preparedness to the interviewers.
Why Asking Questions Matters
While it may seem like an amiable thing to do, it’s a missed opportunity to answer, “No, I think you covered everything,” when the recruiter gives you a chance to ask questions. Failing to ask questions can give the impression that you’re not interested in continuing the conversation, or that you don’t know a lot about the role. Even if not having questions prepared doesn’t mean that—that’s how interviewers might perceive it.
Preparing questions in advance enables you to think critically about the role to which you’re applying. It forces you to ask tough questions that are easy to overlook in anticipation of landing a role. It also gives you good practice for future interviews and key conversations.
Here are a few other reasons why you should ask questions, if given the chance:
It shows you are engaged in the conversation.
Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates that you are actively considering how you would fit and function in the role, beyond simply responding to the questions they ask.
Initiative is attractive.
When you take the initiative to prepare questions, it proves to the interviewer that you have the curiosity and drive necessary to succeed in the role.
Questions help you discern if it will be a good fit.
It may sound cliché, but a job interview goes both ways. You’re interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you. Don’t waste this opportunity to ask tactfully tough, insightful questions.
It can be a differentiator for you as a candidate.
The questions you ask and how you ask them can set you apart from the other candidates. Not every candidate is as curious and prepared as you are, and this is your chance to prove it.
Example Questions to Ask at the End of a Job Interview
It’s totally understandable to be a little mentally drained or draw a blank at the end of an interview. You’ve been fielding random questions for the better part of an hour. That’s why coming prepared with questions of your own is a smart strategy. Do the work ahead of time, and you won’t have to think of questions on the fly. Here are some questions to keep in your repertoire.
Questions About the Role
These questions can help you gain understanding of the role, company, and people you would work with.
- “How would you describe a typical day for someone in this role?”
- “What can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?”
- “What does the work environment look like?”
- “What other colleagues would I be working most closely with?”
- “What challenges might someone in this role encounter in the first six months?”
- “Who does this role report to?”
Questions Showcasing Your Initiative and Interest
Showing that you’re proactive and invested in the company’s success tells the interviewer you’re serious about the role and your future with the company.
- “How do you measure success for this role?”
- “What does success look like in the first six months?”
- “What milestones would I be expected to hit in the first year?”
- “What are some of the biggest challenges the team faces right now, and how do you see this role addressing them?”
Questions About the Organization
- “What are the long-term goals for the company, and how does this role play into those?”
- “How does the company prioritize learning and professional development?”
- “What type of benefits does the company offer?” (Not as the very first question, but totally appropriate to ask several questions in.)
Questions to Avoid Asking in an Interview
Now, not all questions are equal, and you want to avoid questions that might give off the wrong impression, even if asked with innocent intentions. Here are a few you want to avoid asking, and why.
“What’s the compensation?”
Yes, we know, the salary discussion is essential. But bringing it up prematurely can make you look greedy or like that’s all that you’re interested in. This should likely come up by second interview – ideally, you’ve entered your salary requirements online and they wouldn’t be interviewing you if they didn’t fit the range for the role. But this definitely shouldn’t be your opener during the first interview.
“How much PTO is offered?”
It isn’t wise to ask about time off before you’re in the final running for a position. Doing so makes you look like you don’t want to work hard, or that PTO is your biggest motivation for seeking a position. It’s not a bad question to ask if the timing is right, and something you definitely want to clear up before you accept a position. However, early in the interview, this question could send the wrong message.
“How stressful is this job?”
Or “What does work-life balance look like at your organization?” OK, work-life balance is extremely important. No question. But there is a right way and a wrong way to ask about a company’s culture. When you ask about stress levels or work-life balance directly, it implies to the interviewer that you are suspicious, or don’t like jobs that may be stressful (which almost all jobs are at some point). This is something you should definitely try and discern about the culture, but do so through more subtle means of information-gathering.
“What kind of people work here?”
This is an odd question to ask, that immediately puts the interviewer on defense having to sing the praises of their employees. And they will wonder why you’re asking it. If you get along well with all types of people, this should be altogether irrelevant. A better way to ask this question would be to have the interviewer describe the company culture as a whole.
“How soon can I take time off?”
Similar to the “How much vacation time do I get?” question, asking how soon you can use it may be off-putting to the interviewer. As with any question you feel is relevant to your ability to accept a role, there’s a right time to ask. Usually, that conversation can happen when they discuss benefits.
Anything related to online reviews or forums
We’re not saying not to do your homework or check organizational review sites like Glassdoor ahead of time. Any savvy applicant does a bit of online research; it’s par for the course. But don’t bring up whatever you read directly in a job interview. Now is not the time to mention that you read somewhere online that the PR department is toxic, or that the company’s holiday parties get rowdy, or that the business has a negative environmental perception. Keep that to yourself. And remember, the majority of the reviews you read online are from disgruntled employees, not happy ones. If there’s something you really want to know, find a more delicate way to ask like “Does the company have an environmental program?” or “What kind of company-sponsored events do you have throughout the year?” Compare what they tell you to what you read, then use your best judgment.
How to Tailor Your Questions to the Interview
There are questions you can ask in just about any interview no matter the company you’re interviewing for. However, you don’t want to use the same old canned questions every time. Tailoring your questions to the particular interview shows you care about the specific opportunity at hand. Here’s how to do it.
Practice active listening.
As the interview is happening, pay attention to the topics the interviewers bring up. Using those topics to ask follow-up questions shows you are inquisitive and insightful.
Refer to company values.
Basing your questions off the company’s values shows you’ve done your homework. You’re not just winging it because it’s your sixth interview this month.
Personalize questions based on the interviewer.
If you’re speaking with the hiring manager, that person will have more intimate knowledge of the team you may be joining. If you’re interviewing with HR, they may be able to speak to company culture more precisely. Personalizing your questions to the interviewer shows that you have the social adeptness to communicate with many kinds of people and aren’t asking department-specific questions of a generalist.
You’ve Got This!
Job interviews are your chance to show your interviewer you’ve got the stuff to succeed and that you can handle a two-sided conversation. Thoughtful, well-prepared questions can help you stand apart from the crowd with initiative, inquisitiveness, and professionalism.
If you’re looking for a top-notch opportunity that sets you apart from the crowd, check out the Southwestern Advantage internship program. The Southwestern Advantage program has helped thousands of students just like you sharpen their presentation skills, hone their communication and overall emotional intelligence, as well as grow their entrepreneurial skills. Contact us today to see if the opportunity would be right for you.
