The Best Questions To Ask In An Interview

Find out the best questions to ask in your job interview and nail it! It has become the custom for job interviews to end with a question directed at the candidate – “Do you have any questions for me?” The question signals the close of the interview. While it is tempting to snap out the word “no” and escape the hot seat, doing so may result in the automatic failure of the interview.

When you ask questions at the close of your job interview you show the interviewer or committee you were listening while they spoke, and are almost as important the interview questions directed at you. They garner insight into how you would fit into a specific role and where you would devote your energy. You convey your interest in the company and showcase what a good fit for the team you would be. The questions to ask in a job interview are critical to its success.

22 Smart Questions to Ask in an Interview

Here are the best questions to ask in an interview – no matter what the job is.

1. What is the best part of working here?
   Asking what the best part of working at the company illustrates positivity. Companies love an employee who pays attention to the bright sides of things, boosts morale, and enjoys what they do. Also, by asking the interviewer and/or team members what they love about working at the company, you will hear about perks and experiences that may not always be shared until after the hiring process is complete.
2. Can I meet my potential colleagues or have a brief tour of the workplace?
   While this question may seem presumptuous, it shows your serious interest in the position. A tour allows you to observe the office, colleague interaction, and workspace details firsthand.
3. I recently read that…
   Ask about the company or organization you may work for by being specific and well-prepared. Research the company, starting with their website, and ask relevant questions to build rapport with the committee and demonstrate your research skills.
4. How would you define success for the person in this position?
   This question helps you understand what the job will entail and also presents company expectations. You may be able to gain insight into the daily routine, how many hours you are expected to work, and how leadership views success.
5. Do you see any reason why I might not be a good fit for the job?
   This question helps you close your interview with a chance to clarify misconceptions or weaknesses, elaborate on topics, and showcase your skills. It leaves the interviewer with a last positive impression of why you’re the right fit for the job and also helps you with piece of mind that you did all you could when you’re evaluating how the interview went.
6. What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
   Asking about career progression shows your interest in long-term growth within the company. It helps you understand potential opportunities for advancement and whether the company supports employee development.
7. Can you tell me about the team I will be working with?
   This question helps you learn more about the dynamics of the team, their working style, and how your role fits into the bigger picture. It also shows that you are interested in team collaboration.
8. What are the biggest challenges someone in this position would face?
   Understanding the potential obstacles allows you to assess whether you are prepared to tackle the challenges and shows the interviewer that you are proactive and ready to handle difficulties.
9. How does the company support professional development and continuous learning?
   This question demonstrates your commitment to personal growth and learning. It also provides insight into the company’s investment in employee development.
10.   Can you describe the company culture?
    Understanding the company culture is crucial for determining if you will be a good fit. This question helps you gauge the work environment, values, and overall atmosphere.
11.  What are the company’s goals for the next five years?
    Asking about the company’s future plans shows your interest in its long-term success and stability. It also helps you understand how your role might evolve with the company’s growth.
12.   How does the company evaluate performance?
    This question gives you a clear understanding of how your work will be assessed and what criteria are important for success. It also shows that you are eager to meet and exceed expectations.
13.   Can you explain the onboarding process for new employees?
    Understanding the onboarding process helps you gauge how the company supports new hires and prepares them for success in their roles.
14.   How does the company handle work-life balance?
    This question is essential for understanding the company’s stance on employee well-being and ensuring that the work environment aligns with your personal values and needs.
15.   Can you tell me about a recent project or initiative the team is working on?
    This question demonstrates your interest in the current work being done and helps you understand the team’s priorities and challenges.
16.   What are the next steps in the interview process?
    Asking about the next steps shows that you are eager to move forward and helps you understand the timeline and what to expect after the interview.
17.   How does the company foster diversity and inclusion?
    This question highlights your interest in a respectful and inclusive workplace. It also provides insight into the company’s values and commitment to diversity.
18.   What opportunities are there for cross-departmental collaboration?
    Understanding collaboration opportunities helps you see how different teams work together and shows that you value teamwork and collective success.
19.   Can you describe a typical day in this role?
    This question helps you visualize the daily responsibilities and ensures that you have a realistic understanding of the role’s requirements and expectations.
20.   What is the management style of the person I would be reporting to?
    Understanding your potential manager’s style helps you assess whether their approach aligns with your preferred working style and whether you will be able to build a good working relationship.
21.   How does the company handle feedback and employee input?
    This question shows that you value open communication and want to be in an environment where your opinions and ideas are heard and valued.
22.    Are there any additional skills or experiences you wish I had?
    This question gives you the opportunity to address any potential gaps in your qualifications and demonstrates your willingness to improve and meet the company’s needs.

Bonus Tip:
Always remember to have a list of questions to ask prior to your interview. You don’t want to show up empty-handed or forget to ask a few questions at closing. Don’t grill your interviewing committee with twenty questions, but reserve a handful like the ones listed above.

Related Reading: Learn The Secret To Interview Success – The STAR Technique

About Allen Recruitment

Allen Recruitment is an international recruitment consultancy business with offices in Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Sweden, Belgium and Poland. A full-service recruitment consultancy offering temporary, permanent, contract and contingency roles in a variety of industries such as IT, Tech, Finance, Telecom, E-commerce, Engineering and more.