Preparing relevant, insightful questions to ask at your job interview shows initiative and your enthusiasm for the role on offer.

Furthermore, it allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and research, a tactic guaranteed to impress any interviewer. Asking your own questions is also an important way to assess whether the role and company is a good fit for you and it will help you to make an informed decision if an offer is made.

Below are some examples of general questions to ask. Tailor your selection around the aspects of the job that concern you the most.

Remember to only ask questions that you cannot research yourself and listen carefully to information given during the interview in case your questions are answered before you have a chance to ask.

Some questions may be relevant to certain industries while others are not and some may not be right to ask until you are in your new position and learning the ropes. Follow your instinct and clear up any important questions that you want to know upfront.

Questions about the role you are applying for

  • How has the position become available?
  • How is performance measured at your company and how often is it reviewed?
  • What long-term career opportunities are available and how do you support the up-skilling of staff?
  • What are the key challenges of the role, particularly in the first six months?
  • How would you describe a typical day in this position?

Questions about the team you will be working within

  • How many people are on the team and what are their roles and responsibilities?
  • How does the relevant team fit into the organisation as a whole?
  • How would you describe the culture of the team?
  • With whom will I be working most closely?
  • What are the company’s plans for this team over the next few years?

Questions about the manager you will be working under

  • How would you describe your management style?
  • Can you tell me about your background and your key strengths?
  • What do you like most about working at this company?
  • What are the qualities you do and don’t like to see in your team members?

Questions about the company and its culture

  • How would you describe the culture of the company?
  • What is the leadership style of the upper management team?
  • I read about (name issue) in (name research/source). What other key issues is the company facing at the moment?

What are the major plans for the company in the next five years?

Do you want to brush up on what to ask in your interview? Contact our recruitment consultants at Page Personnel today. We are looking forward to helping you get one step closer to the best job for you.

Summary

Asking questions during a job interview proves you are interested in the role in question, the company and its values. Some top questions to ask revolve around:

  • The role and its expectations
  • The manager’s experience
  • The team culture
  • The company and its future
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