You’re almost through your job interview, and the interviewer asks: “Do you have any questions about the role?”
When it’s your turn for questions, what you ask can go a long way to helping you learn about the role – and even impress the employer.
Asking insightful, thoughtful questions can help you gain a deeper understanding of the role you’re applying for and ensure it’s a good fit for you.
Director at Robert Half Australia, Nicole Gorton says having questions prepared can be a strategic move that sets you apart from other candidates. “It demonstrates your interest in the position and the company,” she says. “Simply saying ‘no’ when you’re asked if you have questions suggests you’re not prepared, haven’t researched the company or are not interested enough in the role.”
Here are some of the best questions to ask in an interview. Choose a range of questions that matter most to you, and ask several of them with confidence.
“The hiring manager won’t go into explicit detail about everyone, but they may share basic information about colleagues, managers and explain the size of the team and company structure,” Gorton says.
“If you’ve done your research on the company, you may know these answers, but ask them anyway and listen carefully for the qualities most important to you. For example, employee appreciation, company-paid employee development opportunities, casual dress, and so on,” Gorton says.
These questions can help you find out if and how the company could help you stay on top of the latest news and best practices in your industry, Gorton says. For example, you may want to find out if you’d be able attend conferences or register for online courses.
“Learning more about the key objectives of the organisation will help to determine how you can play a part in achieving them,” Gorton says. “Asking about goals can also help you get a feel for the company’s performance and any struggles it may be facing.”
These questions can help you determine whether the role is right for you, and show your potential employer that you’re enthusiastic, interested and prepared. When it’s your turn for questions, ask a range of them so you can close off your interview with confidence.