A typical interview will conclude with the candidate being invited to ask questions about the role. As it is highly unlikely that all the information about the job will have been given, it follows that a candidate should ask questions, allowing them to make a well-informed decision about accepting the job should an offer be forthcoming.
We would recommend that you limit the questions you ask, as there may be a fine line between gaining more insight into the role and appearing to interrogate the interviewer(s).
Additionally, we would strongly recommend that you ask questions where you are genuinely interested in the answers. The response(s) given by the interviewer(s) may then facilitate further discussion, which should satisfy your query and convince the interviewer(s) that you have taken the time to carefully consider this role in detail.
Avoid feeling the need to select a random five questions beforehand simply because you have been told you need to do this. It will be obvious that you are not interested in the answers and the interviewer(s) will not be impressed.
Finally, do not ask questions that may alert employers negatively. Steer clear of questions relating to sick pay, unpaid leave, their policy on arriving late, etc., as this will only work to your detriment.
Here are some typical questions that we recommend:
- Can you describe a typical day in this role?
- How long have you been at the company, and what makes you stay?
- How would you describe the work environment and the corporate culture?
- What are the goals of the company in the short and longer term?
- How would my performance be measured?
- What career opportunities may be open for someone starting in this role, assuming they perform well?
- What is the company’s policy regarding learning and development?
Be sure to conclude the interview on a positive note, thanking the interviewer(s) for their time and stating that you will be looking forward to hearing from them.