10 questions to ask when you’re in a job interview

One of the most challenging parts of an already nerve-wracking interview is thinking of your own questions.

It’s a crucial part of any interview and often, candidates are so prepared to nail the rest that they’ve completely forget or ask questions with minimal relevance.

“We’ve noticed that many people often have little to ask of the interviewer, which shows less intrigue and desire for the role. If you have an idea of what you’re going to ask in your interview, you’ll be more confident and also appear more prepared,” says recruitment expert Kris Grant, CEO of ASPL, an Australian recruitment consultancy.

To prepare job hunters for their next interview, Grant has put together some expert tips on the top questions you should ask your potential new boss.

Job ads aren’t always entirely clear about the full day to day responsibilities of the role. An interview is your opportunity to learn as much as you can about the job you’re going for so you can decide whether the culture and the role are right for you. This question will help you find out more about the daily tasks and the skills you’ll need.

Asking what makes a successful person in the role you’re going for will help you know which areas you might need to work on while helping you highlight your most relevant selling points.

3. What are you hoping the next person to fill this role can do, that the last person didn’t?

A question like this shows your desire and ability to tackle problems, even before they arise. It might also make it clear why the previous employee left (or lost) their job. It will help you to understand what you need to focus on to succeed and get promoted in the future.

Asking about expectations and accomplishments and not just job descriptions helps you know how to succeed and shows your drive to add value through the role. It also helps you to know how to tailor the conversation to show your fit for the role.

5. Do you have any reservations about my fit for the role? 

This can be a daunting question to ask but it works perfectly near the end of the interview. Most often, an interviewer will have some reservations about any candidate. Asking this question gives you the opportunity to discuss any of the interviewer’s concerns about you and perhaps change their mind.

6. Can you tell me a little more about the company culture, team dynamics and what you enjoy about it?

An interview is just as much an opportunity for the company to find out about you, as it is for you to find out more about the company. This question helps you uncover more about the organisation, their brand and also gives you a better idea of how you’ll fit into the company culture and whether you want to go ahead to the next stage of the process.

7. What is your favourite and least favourite thing about your job?

A lot of the time, interviews can seem strictly business. This question not only helps you learn about your interviewer and what they like about the company you’re applying to work at; it also helps you to appear human and build rapport with the interviewer. Asking more personable questions is a good idea but always be careful to not be too invasive.

8. What are the biggest challenges the company/department faces at the moment?

This question is another daunting one but it helps you uncover issues you may need to be aware of if you are going to join the company. Showing a desire to know about the improvements that need to be made in the company makes you seem like someone who wants to face challenges and rise above them.

9. What are the biggest opportunities the company/department has at the moment?

It’s always a good idea to follow up more negative questions with a positive one. Asking about the opportunities the company has, highlights your dedication to professional and personal growth. It also presents you as someone who wants to be a part of the successful moments and spearhead the process to make opportunities become realities.

10. What are the next steps in the interview process?

This is a good question to end with. It shows you are still interested in the role, which means you are more likely to be approached in the next stage. It also gives some clarity for the process ahead so that you can follow up appropriately and get an understanding of the length of the recruiting process.