Job interviews can be a little bit intimidating. You’re in a strange place, you’re being scrutinized by people you don’t know, and you’re trying to sell yourself to a potential employer at the same time.
If you want to appear more confident while doubling your chances of getting hired at your next job interview, turn the tables on your interviewer and ask them some questions for a change. These are the top ten questions to ask during your next job interview.
1. What have employees in the past done to be successful in this position?
This is a good question for you to ask early in the interview, whenever you have an opportunity. Remember: Never interrupt your interviewer to ask a question, and you should also avoid answering a question with another question because it causes you to appear evasive. By asking how employees in the past have succeeded, you should get a good idea of what the expectations are for this position and how you might want to approach them differently.
2. What are the top priorities for the person in this position at this time?
This question is helpful because you want to let the interviewer know that, if they hire you, you are ready to hit the ground running. By outlining the immediate objectives of the position, you can form an actionable game plan for what you will do if hired. If the employer lists off a series of twenty different assignments, identify the level of priority for each one.
3. What are some of the qualities that make management here successful?
Even if you aren’t interviewing for a management position, it’s always a good idea to appear like you are interested. By asking a question about the management team, you may unknowingly make yourself a candidate in the future. Whatever qualities you receive as an answer, be sure to emphasize them during future business interactions.
4. What are some of the changes that you predict for this position over the coming years?
This is an extremely important question because it allows you to determine the level of opportunity you’re going to have for growth in that position. If the interviewer tells you that this is a rapidly expanding position with many changing responsibilities, then you will probably have many opportunities for advancement. If, however, the position has had little change over the past decade, it might serve you better as a stepping stone to bigger and better things.
5. If I am offered this position, what sort of opportunities will I have to collaborate with management?
If applying for an entry level position, it might be a good idea for you to seek opportunities to work alongside with management in order to get your name out there. If you continue to do so, over time you will be able to showcase your skills and put yourself in the position to be at the top of the list next time a big promotion opens up.
6. What is the biggest challenge currently facing the person filling this position?
Before you become committed to your next big career move, you should try to get an idea of what you’re up against. That way you have a realistic expectation of what you’re going to need to accomplish if you are hired. If the position involves odd hours and a chaotic workload, you might even want to withdraw your application altogether.
7. What sort of qualifications would be the most beneficial for the person filling this position?
It’s a good idea to talk to the interviewer about qualifications because it makes you appear honest and open to discussing your strengths and weaknesses. If the interviewer has any concerns about areas where you may be lacking the necessary skills, assure them that you are a lifetime learner and that you are more than ready to rise to the challenge.
8. What is your favorite part about working here?
This question is designed to establish an emotional connection between you and your interviewer. People love to talk about themselves, so by getting the interview to focus on things that they like about the company, you are making them excited while simultaneously putting them into a positive state of mind. Also, by seeing what sort of things are valued by your potential boss, you can learn a lot about the values of the company.
9. How do employees here communicate with each other while working on daily tasks?
Do people here work in cubicles or offices? Do they sit on plastic chairs or on beanbags? Do you use Mac or PC? All of these things are important because they allow you to determine if you are a good match for this company’s particular work environment. If you’re a social butterfly, you probably wouldn’t be very happy if you were stuck alone in a cubicle all day.
10. Do you have any additional questions for me?
This question is a good way to end the interview because it keeps your appearance open and honest while allowing your interviewer to wrap up any loose ends that they might have. Always end your interview with a smile and a hand shake, and don’t forget to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.
A few days after your interview, don’t forget to send a thank you note and remind the interviewer that you appreciate their time. Now all you have to do is sit back and wait for the job offers to come rolling in.