When interviewing for a job position, the hiring manager will often ask the job candidate if they have any questions at the end of the interview. It's important to be prepared for this part of the interview process because asking relevant and specific questions regarding the role is a great way to show your interest and commitment to your potential employer. We're here to help you brainstorm the right questions to ask at the end of a job interview to help you gain clarity and land the job!
When deciding which questions to ask, you should have two main goals in mind: proving you're a good fit for the role and determining if the job description matches your needs.
Here are a few tips to help you compose and select good questions to ask.
Get Specific
The best questions to ask in an interview are highly specific to the role. If you're interviewing for multiple positions, there's a good chance you'll provide different questions for each interview. Do research on the company and tie questions back into the job description whenever possible.
For example, instead of asking "Is this a team-oriented role?" ask "What departments would I, as the new hire, be collaborating with most?"
Remember The Three “Use” Cases
- Use Context from the Interview
Throughout the interview, it’s important to take mental notes of material the hiring manager says or questions you have that come up during the conversation. For example, if the hiring manager mentions a project or job aspect you would like more information on, ask a related question at the end of the interview! This is a good sign that you've been engaged and critically thinking throughout the conversation. - Use First Person Pronouns Whenever Possible
When asking questions, it's a good idea to use first person pronouns to help the prospective employer imagine you in the role. Instead of asking "how does your ideal candidate succeed in this role," ask "how can I best succeed in this role?" Using first person pronouns subconsciously associates you with the position and is one of the best ways to show more clearly that you're a good fit for the company. - Use Your Time Wisely
Even if your interview is over an hour, the time you have with the hiring manager is valuable. The interviewer expects you to have a basic understanding of the business, which is why you should not ask any questions that you could have Googled beforehand. Your questions should also be concise and to-the point while remaining insightful. Unless the interview is going well and the hiring manager seems to enjoy your questions, we recommend only asking between 2-4 questions. Finally, as a general rule, you should ask at least one open-ended question (try to avoid yes/no questions).
Now that you’re prepared to craft your curated set of questions, we have some examples of questions for further inspiration.
Questions for Inspiration
Questions About the Job: Here is your opportunity to get specific!
- How have people in this role succeeded?
- What are the most immediate projects I would take on?
- How is performance in this role evaluated?
- What are the biggest challenges I might face in this position?
- Can you tell me about my team members?
Questions About the Company Culture: Show that you have done your research by asking questions that you could not find the answers to online.
- How would you describe the company's values?
- How has the company changed over the past year or since you joined?
- What are the company's current or big picture goals and how does this team support those goals?
- What does a typical day look like in this role?
- What are your favorite and least favorite parts of working here?
Questions About Development Opportunities: Questions about development opportunities show your potential employer that you are interested in staying with the company for a long time.
- What is a good way someone in my role can advance in this company?
- What opportunities will there be for me to learn and use new skills?
- What training programs are available for long-term career development?
- What opportunities for mentorship are available within this career?
- How has this company helped prepare its employees for future opportunities?
Closing Questions: One of your final questions should always ask about the employer's timeline and next steps in the hiring process. That way, you have a better idea of what to expect next.
- What is your favorite project that you worked on?
- Do you have any follow-up questions I can clarify for you regarding my qualifications?
- Is there anything else I can provide you with that would be helpful?
- What is your timeline for next steps in the hiring process?
We know that you will do great in your upcoming interview! Once your interview is complete, remember to email or physically mail a “Thank You” note to set yourself apart from the other candidates. Learn how to craft the perfect “Thank You” note with MVP today.
Good luck!