15 Clever Questions To Ask Your Interviewer!
Table of Contents
Introduction
In a job interview, asking insightful questions can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company. This tutorial highlights 15 clever questions that you can ask your interviewer, organized into categories to help you gauge the company’s culture, growth opportunities, and management style. Selecting a few of these questions can help you engage with your interviewer and assess whether the job is a good fit for you.
Step 1: Ask Strategic Questions Early
Start your interview by asking questions that focus on the company's objectives and strategies. This demonstrates your eagerness to understand the bigger picture.
- Why is the job open?
- Why is this role important to you?
- What is one thing your department does particularly well? What about not so well?
- How does this role contribute to the success of the department?
Step 2: Inquire About Career Growth
Understanding potential career paths within the organization is crucial for assessing your long-term fit.
- What would I need to do in year one to earn "exceeds expectations"?
- What did the last person in this role do to be successful (or not successful)?
- Where do you see potential long-term growth opportunities here?
- Tell me about the last person to get promoted in your group.
Step 3: Explore Company Culture
Company culture can significantly impact your job satisfaction. These questions will help you gauge the environment and values of the organization.
- What issue or concern currently keeps you up late at night?
- How would your direct reports describe your leadership style?
- If you could change one thing about this company, what would it be?
Step 4: Understand the Competitive Landscape
Show that you are forward-thinking by asking about the company's position in the market and its strategies.
- What is the strategy to address your biggest competitor’s latest product?
- What metrics will be used to measure my performance?
Step 5: Build Rapport with the Hiring Manager
Establishing a connection with your potential manager can provide insights into their leadership style and expectations.
- How long have you been working here? What’s kept you here so long?
- What about my resume stood out to you?
Conclusion
Asking thoughtful questions during your interview can help you gather essential information about the role, the team, and the company culture. Aim to select 2-3 questions from the categories provided to keep the conversation engaging and informative. This approach not only demonstrates your interest but also aids in your decision-making process regarding the job offer. Prepare these questions in advance, and adapt them based on the flow of the interview for the best results.