Questions to ask in a Job Interview

You wouldn’t make any huge commitments without digging into the deeper details, so why would you accept a job offer without learning more about the job?

A job interview is a two-way street; they are interviewing you to ask questions and learn about your skills and experience, so you must also ask questions about the role, company, and business leaders to ensure it is the right job for you.

As a job seeker, you must ask questions to show the interviewer you are interested in the role and have prepared for the interview. It gives the employer clues about what you value as an employee, providing them with information to adjust their job offer if they need to persuade you to accept the role.

Your opportunity to ask questions generally comes at the end of the interview. The best questions to ask are focused, open-ended questions.

Example questions you could ask the interviewer:

Can you explain the typical day for someone in this position?

Learning about the typical day can help you better understand the job’s daily routine and responsibilities. It helps you visualise yourself in the role and assess whether it matches your skills, interests, and work preferences. You want to ensure the role is a good fit for you and aligns with your career aspirations.

What training and support will this role receive in the first few weeks?

This question demonstrates your interest in the company’s onboarding process and willingness to adapt and learn. It gives you an idea of how well-prepared you’ll be for the role, helps you gauge the level of support you’ll receive as you transition into the new position, and highlights the organisation’s commitment to employee development.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations of this job?

By asking about the daily responsibilities, you can understand what will be expected from you regularly. It allows you to evaluate whether you have the necessary skills and experience to fulfil the role’s requirements. You’ll also be able to assess if the job aligns with your strengths, interests, and long-term career goals.

What are your expectations for this role during the first 30 days, 90 days, a year?

This question lets you understand the employer’s expectations and timeline for your performance and growth. It provides insight into their vision for the position and helps you assess if you can meet those expectations. Understanding the short-term and long-term goals for the role can help you evaluate your potential career trajectory within the company and determine if it aligns with your professional goals.

What is the top priority of the person who accepts this job?

It provides insight into what the organisation considers the most important aspect of the job and allows you to align your goals and priorities accordingly.

Understanding the top priority can also help you gauge the level of impact and influence the role holds within the company. A company that values your role will likely invest in your ongoing development.

How will my responsibilities and performance be measured in this role? How often? And by whom?

Asking about KPIs helps you understand the evaluation process and how your success will be assessed. Knowing how your performance will be measured enables you to set clear goals and expectations. Understanding the frequency and who will be involved in the evaluation process provides insight into the feedback and support you can expect in your role.

What are the traits and skills of the most successful people within the organisation?

This question allows you to understand the qualities and competencies the company values in its employees. Knowing the traits and skills that lead to success within the organisation can help you assess whether you possess those qualities or if you can develop them. It also provides insight into the company’s culture and the type of individuals who thrive in their environment.

What is the company’s management style?

Understanding the company’s management style helps you gauge how decisions are made, how teams are led, and how communication flows within the organisation. It provides insight into the leadership philosophy and approach of the company, which can impact your work experience and career growth. By knowing the management style, you can assess if it aligns with your work preferences and fosters a supportive and collaborative environment.

Describe the culture of the company.

By asking about the company’s culture, you can gain insights into the overall work environment, values, and norms that shape the organisation. Understanding the culture helps you assess if it aligns with your work style, preferences, and values. This lets you gauge whether you would feel comfortable and thrive within the company’s unique atmosphere.

What are the company values?

Knowing the company’s values gives you insight into its guiding principles and what it prioritises in its operations. Understanding the values helps you evaluate if they align with your personal and professional values. It also indicates the company’s commitment to certain behaviours and ethics, which can influence your decision to work for them.

How would you characterise the management philosophy of this organisation? Of your department?

This question provides insights into how the company’s management approaches decision-making, communication, employee development, and leadership. It helps you understand if the management style is more hierarchical, collaborative, or empowering. Similarly, asking about the management philosophy of your specific department allows you to assess if any specific approaches or practices may impact your work directly.

What is the organisation’s policy on transfers to other divisions or other offices?

Inquiring about transfer policies demonstrates your interest in long-term career growth and mobility within the company. Understanding the organisation’s transfer stance provides insight into lateral moves or advancement opportunities within different divisions or locations. This information can be important if you envision potential career progression or prefer working in different regions or departments.

Are lateral or rotational job moves available?

Inquiring about lateral or rotational job moves shows your interest in professional growth and development within the company. It indicates your willingness to take on new challenges and expand your skill set. Knowing if such opportunities exist demonstrates the company’s support for employee mobility and can help you assess the potential for varied experiences and career advancement within the organisation.

Does the organisation support ongoing training and education for employees to stay current in their fields?

This question highlights your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Knowing if the organisation values and invests in ongoing training and education shows that they prioritise the growth and success of their employees. It can indicate whether you’ll have access to resources, workshops, or programs that help you stay up-to-date in your field and enhance your skills over time.

Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?

Asking about the company’s future direction demonstrates your interest in the organisation’s long-term prospects. It shows that you are thinking beyond the immediate job and considering the broader context. Understanding the company’s vision and goals for the next five years can help you determine if they align with your own career aspirations and if the company is on a trajectory that excites you.

What do you like best about this organisation?

This question allows the interviewer to share their positive experiences and perspectives about the company. It helps you gain insight into the aspects of the organisation that are valued by its employees. Their response can give you a glimpse into the company’s culture, strengths, and unique attributes, allowing you to evaluate if those aspects align with your preferences and values.

How is the department perceived within the organisation?

Understanding the department’s perception within the organisation helps you assess its reputation and standing. It provides insights into how other teams or stakeholders view the department. The response to this question can help you evaluate if the department is well-regarded and has a positive influence and support within the broader organisation.

How many other candidates are interviewing for this position?

While the interviewer might not always disclose the exact number, asking this question can give you an idea of the level of competition for the position. It shows your interest in the selection process and can help you gauge how far along the hiring process is. This information may give you a sense of urgency or inform your expectations regarding next steps and timelines.

Ensure you only accept a job that inspires and motivates you to take on even the toughest challenges! Finding a role that aligns with your career goals and aspirations will ensure you do, and asking the right questions is the first step.

If you’re looking for more job-hunting tips, visit our Advice Hub or contact us to connect with one of our specialist recruitment consultants.