The Question Is... Are You Prepared?
When your job interview comes to a close, you'll usually have the opportunity to ask your interviewer any questions about the company or the role.
You'd be surprised by the number of candidates that respond with 'I have no questions'. Not only does this come across as disinterested in getting to know anything other than whether or not you got the job, but it also cuts short your interview, giving you less time to make an impression.
Prepare a handful of questions in advance. Many of these will no doubt be covered throughout the interview anyway, though when your time is up, having a set of additional questions shows you're keen, and gives you additional time to make your mark.
Avoid typical textbook questions. Choose those that demonstrate your eagerness to learn, your interest in the company and your commitment to a career, rather than just a job.
A few ideas to get you started...
1. Is it a new position, or was there someone in the job before?
This question will help you to find out what their expectations are. If someone else was in the role before you, you'll be filling their exceptionally well skilled shoes. If it's a new role, there may be opportunity to outline your own role and responsibilities. Your interviewer may also disclose why your predecessor decided to leave.
2. How does this position help your department achieve its goals?
A great way to find out how you'll sit within the team, how your role impacts the business and to show your interviewer that your focus is on achieving a group objective.
3. Who are the other members of the department?
You'll be interested to know who you'll be working with. Is it a large team or a close-knit group? What are their responsibilities? This not only allows you to decide whether the company is a great fit for you, it also shows that you take an interest in the team, not just your own job.
4. What are the main KPI's for this position?
Showing an interest in the basic performance indicators or targets means you're already bought into the idea of working for this business. You don't just want a job; you want to know how to succeed. Listen carefully to the responses to be sure that you're confident these are KPI's you can achieve.
5. What are you hoping for your new hire to accomplish in the first three months?
This gives you an idea of what might be expected of you. It will also help you to plan your role for the first quarter if you're successful. So, make notes. Asking this question shows an interviewer you are keen to succeed, and able to take direction.
6. What do you see as the major goals for the person in this role over the next year?
Are they expecting a fresh idea to be born? A revenue target to be hit? Knowing exactly what they expect you to achieve in your first year will tell you a lot about the company. Can you handle their expectations? This question is a great way for you to assess whether the role is right for you.
7. Do you hold a weekly one-on-one meeting, or do you mostly rely on email?
If you're the type of person that needs face-to-face interaction, you may struggle to be managed, updated or briefed via email. Emails can be misleading, unclear and lack in personality. If this isn't you, you may find it impacts on your performance.
Similarly, your interviewer will gain an understanding of how you like to communicate once this question unravels.
8. What are the working hours, and your expectations for overtime?
This is NOT an opportunity to check what time you'll be heading home. It's an opportunity for you to show your flexibility about working schedules and your willingness to work overtime. If you are willing. If you're not willing, this is something you'll need to address on receipt of an offer, not in the interview.
9. What kinds of technology will your new employee use in the job?
Do they have a penchant for the old pen and paper, or work of a cutting-edge technology system? This is a great way for you to showcase any technical skills you have, and also to gauge what your working day might involve. It's also great to see how you could develop your own skills through using any new, innovative systems they have in place.
10. How will the new employee make your life easier?
A great way to find out your employers' priorities. Their answer will be less about what the business will achieve, and more about how their role will be less strained. Find out what your potential new boss really needs, and you're golden on what to tackle first if you get the job.
11. How do people typically dress for work in your department?
Unless you've already been told about the dress code, it's always good to find out whether you'll be expected to be suited and booted daily, or whether they offer a more casual approach to workwear. This shows a respect for their workwear rules and will give you a little insight into their culture. If they expect you to wear a shirt and tie each day and you were hoping for a jeans and 'a nice shirt' combo, you may need to assess whether you'll be comfortable with this.
12. What would you say is the most fun or creative part of the job?
Go ahead. Inject a little personality. After all, you want to enjoy what you do. By asking about the fun elements, you show that you're already imagining yourself in the role, and that you're keen to make it as enjoyable as possible. It's also a great opportunity to show your creative side.