8 Interview Questions You Should Absolutely Ask An Interviewer
Are you preparing to interview for a new job? While you run through questions that the interviewer is likely to ask, and the answers that you will give, there are some questions that you must consider asking.
Most employers expect you to ask them some probing questions about the firm and the role they are applying for. The nature of your questions is also used to assess your suitability for the position. So it pays to think through your interview questions beforehand.
Asking questions about the firm helps you gather information about the company, the role’s responsibilities, the work culture, etc. It also allows you to demonstrate your strong interest in the position and helps you stand out from the competition.
Here is a list of eight questions that you can ask your interviewer:
Is this a new position, or am I replacing someone?
This question helps you assess two things. First, do you have an example that you can or need to follow, legacy issues, existing team, etc.? Second, it lets you assess if the firm has any retention issues. Having this information beforehand helps you prepare suitably for the role. Filling a newly created role requires different skills—setting up functional processes and a team, determining KRAs/KPIs for the team, etc.
Can you offer specific details about the position’s day-to-day responsibilities?
Getting to know the details of your daily work routine will help you learn if it aligns with what you desire from the role. It will also help you determine if the role has potential for learning and professional growth and if it aligns with your long-term career aspirations. It will also help you form a clearer picture of your role and your responsibilities.
What do you hope I will accomplish in this position?
It is crucial to get clarity on the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. It will be the key factor in your success in the role. Asking this question allows you to learn what the KPIs are, how they will be measured, and how often. This information is critical for you to decide how to approach your role and responsibilities.
What will my first week at work look like?
Knowing the answer to this interview question will help you come prepared for the job. It also signals to the interviewer that you have thought about the job and are ready to carry out your responsibilities.
How does this position contribute to the organization’s success?
Having an eye on the big picture is essential at every level in the organization. Knowing where your role fits in the organization’s long-term plans helps you learn about your and the team’s role in the overall scheme of things. It tells you about other teams in the organization and how cross-functional your position is.
How does the company culture affect this role?
In all likelihood, you would have researched the work culture in the company before the interview. However, it is a good idea to hear from a person in the firm about what makes the firm tick. What core values drive the firm? The nature of peer-to-peer interactions? Does the work culture in the firm enable a healthy work-life balance?
What job shadowing opportunities are available for an applicant before they accept an offer?
Job shadowing is an excellent way to get a peek into the job. If the predecessor is still available, interacting with them will help you understand the job and its challenges, get to know the team and help you transition into the role seamlessly. It also enables you to get a first-hand experience of the firm’s work culture.
What professional growth opportunities does the firm/role provide?
For most employees, making a difference to the firm and, at the same time, growing as professionals is extremely important. Knowing what opportunities are there in the firm and learning and growing is a major source of motivation. Taking a long-term view of your career path is important. Every role that you accept should aid in attaining your long-term career objectives.
Asking the right interview questions during an interview is as important as answering the questions asked. Being able to ask the right interview questions requires prior thought and deliberation. When you have not thought through your questions, your lack of preparation will show. The interviewer might even interpret it as being indicative of your general casual attitude to work, which will adversely impact your chances in the interview. Being prepared with your own set of questions helps!
