Most of us have felt it. That sudden tenseness and the moment of panic when you realize that all of your questions that you came to this interview ready to fire off were answered during the course of the interview, and you would look like a moron if you asked them now. Well, never fear, here's a list of some questions that just might help avoid this and make you out to be an interview rock star!
What qualities are you looking for in the person you are hoping to appoint?
This might seem like a simple question, but it honestly makes sense to ask it. You go to the interview to try and demonstrate that you are the ideal candidate, and this is a chance to shine! Maybe they list a quality or two that you did not have a good chance to show that you had during the course of the interview, you can address that here. Maybe they describe you word for word and this becomes your chance to show them once again that you fit the mold! This question has the added bonus of letting you know where you stand with this interviewer.
What scope is there for personal development at your company? or Is there room for growth?
These questions show that you are career minded and are not just looking for a position to fill, but a career. Companies want someone who is a long-term investment for them, not just a time suck. This question shows that you are forward thinking and ambitious, which is a plus for a like-minded company. They want to see that you want to grow in this position, not just use it as a launch pad for a different job.
Is there anything you have seen in the other people on the shortlist that you have not seen in me? or Are there any reservations you have about my fit for the position that I could try to address?
These questions give you a chance to address any concerns that the interviewer might have about you. They also show that you are open to critical feedback and take criticism well.These questions are a bit of a gamble as you may not like the answer, but they can pay off big in the right circumstances. This question has the added fun of turning the tables on the interviewer.
What are the biggest challenges the person in this position will face? or Can you describe a typical day or week in the position?
You're not stupid or blind, a new job means new challenges and you are already thinking about them. You see yourself in this position and you want to know what to expect. These questions show that you are not just trying to land the position, but succeed at them as well. You want to be ready to face whatever the job may bring.
What would a successful first year in the position look like? or Thinking back to the person who you've seen do this job best, what made their performance so outstanding?
Whoa there partner, you're looking to actually succeed at this role? You want to do a job that contributes to the company as a whole? I hope so, because that what questions like these two demonstrate, that you realize you are part of a whole and want to be a great employee. Asking something like this will definitely get the interviewer's attention.
How will the success of the person in this position be measured? or How is the success of your employees measured?
Though similar to the previous questions, this type of question shows that you are looking to be successful. These questions allow you to get insights into the company's policies and values. It lets you know how your contributions are measured and if you are a good fit for a company that looks at you that way.
How long did the previous person in the role hold the position? What has turnover in the role generally been like? or Is there significant turnover?
Questions like these are more for your benefit than the employer's. They can alert you to pitfalls within the job like unrealistic expectations or lack of growth in a company. If the answer is yes, ask why so that you can be aware of what to expect. Use caution when using this question, however, as you can easily tread into places you should stay of out as an interviewee.
How would you describe the culture here? What type of people tend to really thrive, and what type don't do as well? or Can you describe your company’s culture?
I cannot stress the importance of this question. A job is a significant time investment in your life. You want to know that you would do well here, but so does the interviewer. Are you a good fit for this kind of environment? Is it strict and closed off, but you're more free spirited? Does the company act like a start-up but you're more used to having the same routine every day? These are the things you need to know when considering a potential position, and it also gives you a chance to show you would fit in and how.
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| Of course it is always good to have a fallback plan. |
This is by no means a comprehensive list. Most of these questions where pulled by a simple Google search for interview questions, and none of them were all that unique. My hope is that these questions help you in the interview, or at least give you a few ideas for questions to ask. Remember, the goal of an interview is to show that you are the one they are looking for. You questions and answers should all be tailor made to showing the managers you interview with that you are not a candidate, but the candidate.
