21 Questions To Ask at Your Job Interview

This was originally posted on Planner Bee.

Job interviews are more than just a chance for employers to size you up. They’re also your opportunity to assess whether a company and role are the right fit for you. Asking the right questions during an interview can help you get the most out of the session by showcasing your enthusiasm, demonstrating your preparedness, and gathering crucial information to make an informed decision.

Tips for asking the right questions

When preparing questions for your interview, focus on two primary goals:

Determining if the job is right for you: Gain a clear understanding of the role, the team you will be working with, and the overall company culture.

Demonstrating that you are a good fit: Show that you are well-prepared, thoughtful, and genuinely interested in the position and the organisation.

To achieve these goals, consider the following tips:

Tailor your questions

Customise your questions based on the specific company and role. Research the company beforehand and refer to recent news, press releases, or the company’s website to craft relevant questions.

Build on previous conversations

Listen carefully to the interviewer’s answers and use them as a springboard for further questions. This demonstrates active listening and engagement.

Balance your questions

Ensure your questions cover various aspects of the job and the company. Avoid focusing too heavily on any single topic.

Be mindful of time

Prioritise your most important questions in case time runs short. You can always follow up with additional questions if given the opportunity.

Read more: 10 Most Common Interview Questions and How To Nail Them

Questions about role expectations

1. How will you measure the success of the person in this position?

This question helps you understand the key performance indicators (KPIs) and expectations for the role. It can also provide insight into the company’s priorities and how your contributions will be evaluated.

2. What are some of the challenges you expect the person in this position to face?

Asking about potential challenges shows that you are realistic and proactive. It also gives you a sense of what to expect and how you can prepare to tackle these issues effectively.

3. What are the most important projects or tasks that you would like me to focus on in the first six months?

This question helps you understand the immediate priorities and the specific contributions you will be expected to make early on.

4. What are the key skills and experiences you’re looking for in an ideal candidate?

This question allows you to understand the employer’s ideal candidate profile and how closely you match their expectations.

Questions about team dynamics

5. Who will I work with most closely? What other departments will I interact with?

Understanding the team structure and inter-departmental interactions can give you a clearer picture of your daily workflow and collaboration opportunities.

6. Can you tell me about the team I will be working with? What are their backgrounds and working styles?

This question provides insight into the team’s composition and dynamics, helping you gauge whether your working style will mesh well with your future colleagues.

7. How does the team typically communicate and collaborate?

Knowing the communication and collaboration methods, whether it’s regular meetings or project management tools, can help you understand how the team stays coordinated and aligned.

Questions about company culture

8. How would you describe the culture here? What type of people tend to thrive here, and what type don’t do as well?

Learning about the company culture is crucial to ensure that you will be happy and productive in your new environment. This question can reveal whether the company’s values and work environment align with your personal and professional preferences.

9. How do you typically onboard employees?

Effective onboarding is essential for setting new hires up for success. Understanding the company’s onboarding process can give you an idea of the support and resources you will receive when you start.

10. Is there anything that I should read before starting that would help me have a shared understanding with my colleagues?

This question shows that you are eager to get up to speed quickly and are committed to integrating well with your team. It also provides an opportunity to learn more about the company’s resources and knowledge base.

11. Can you give me an example of how the company’s values are demonstrated in the workplace?

This question helps you see how the company’s values are put into practice, providing a clearer picture of the work environment and culture.

Questions about professional development

12. What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the company?

This question highlights your ambition and desire for continuous improvement. It also provides insight into the company’s commitment to employee development and career progression.

13. Can you tell me about the company’s approach to performance reviews and feedback?

Understanding the performance review process can help you gauge how the company supports employee growth and how often you can expect to receive constructive feedback.

14. Are there opportunities for mentorship or coaching within the company?

Asking about mentorship and coaching opportunities shows your interest in learning from experienced colleagues and further developing your skills.

15. What kind of training programmes do you offer to help employees keep their skills current?

This question demonstrates your commitment to staying up-to-date with industry trends and improving your skill set.

Read more:** **5 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Accepting a Job

Questions about the future

16. What are the company’s goals for the next five years?

This question helps you understand the company’s long-term vision and strategic direction. It can also provide context for how your role fits into the bigger picture.

17. How does the company plan to address current industry challenge or trend?

Asking about industry challenges or trends shows that you are knowledgeable about the field and interested in how the company is positioning itself for future success.

18. What new initiatives or projects is the company planning to launch soon?

This question gives you a sense of the company’s growth and innovation plans, as well as potential opportunities for you to contribute.

Additional questions to consider

19. How does the company support work-life balance?

Understanding the company’s stance on work-life balance can help you assess whether the job aligns with your personal priorities and well-being.

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

This question demonstrates your continued interest in the role and helps you understand the timeline and expectations moving forward.

21. Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?

Gaining insight into the daily responsibilities and workflow can help you visualise what it would be like to work in the position.

Asking the right questions during a job interview is a critical component of the interview process. Remember to tailor your questions to the specific company and role, and build on the conversations that occur during the interview to show that you are engaged and thoughtful. Good luck!

Read more:** **A Fresh Graduate’s Complete Guide to Job Hunting