I have a big interview coming up. My friend said that it’s important to ask questions at the end of the interview. Is that true? If so, what should I ask? — Chris
A: Yes, asking questions at the end of an interview is crucial. It shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company, and it gives you a chance to learn more about whether this job is the right fit for you. Today, I’m sharing four essential questions you should ask to stand out as the must-have candidate. These questions are designed to open up dialogue, so be prepared to share your own insights related to their answers.
Start with a question that builds rapport with your interviewer and gets them to talk about their positive experiences with the company. You can ask:
“Can you tell me about how you landed your job here and what you like most about it?”
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This question serves two purposes: it helps you connect with the interviewer on a personal level and gives you insider information about the company culture and what makes it a great place to work.
To demonstrate your commitment to excellence and your desire to exceed expectations, ask:
“Can you tell me about a recent hire who really hit the ground running and exceeded expectations? What do you think they did to achieve that level of success?”
By asking this question, you’re signaling to the interviewer that you’re not just looking to meet the bare minimum requirements.
To show that you understand the importance of being a team player and making your potential boss’s life easier, ask:
“What’s the biggest challenge you’re currently facing in your role, and how could the person in this position help address that challenge?”
This question demonstrates your proactive approach to problem-solving and your understanding that your role is to support the team and contribute to the company’s success.
Chris: Is there a question I should ask about the hiring process?
A: Absolutely. Always ask about the next steps:
“Can you walk me through the next steps in the hiring process? And what would be an appropriate timeline for me to follow up on the status of my candidacy?”
This question shows your continued interest in the position and helps you manage your expectations regarding the timeline.
Salaries can be an uncomfortable topic for many people during a job interview. Asking about money makes us feel like we come off as hyper fixated on pay rather than doing a good job but if you don’t know how much you’re going to make, how can you know if you’ll make ends meet? Yair Ben-Dor has more.
J.T. O’Donnell is the founder and CEO of the job search career coaching platform Work It Daily. She is on a mission to help workers of all ages find career success and satisfaction. Visit workitdaily.com to submit your questions.
