What questions do you ask after an interview?
A job interview is an exciting opportunity to exhibit your experience and skills in the hopes of securing your dream job. While it’s important to research the company while preparing for an interview, you also need to have some questions ready to ask the interviewer. Not only does this show your interest in the company and the position, it also gives you the chance to learn about the company culture, and career growth opportunities. You’ll learn everything you need to know about the questions you should ask during an interview.
At the end of your job interview, you’ll be asked whether you have any questions; this is the perfect opportunity to find out more about the company and whether the role is a good fit for you. Here are three questions to ask after your next interview:
1. What do you enjoy most about working for this company?
Asking this question allows you to develop a rapport with the interviewer. Additionally, their personal perspective will give you more insight into the company culture.
2. What attributes and qualities make a successful employee in this organization?
You’ll give the impression that you’re determined to succeed and that you want to make sure you’re well suited to the company.
3. Is this a new position? If not, why did the previous employee leave?
This question seems a bit bold, but it’s a savvy question to ask. The interviewer can give you one of three answers, they were either promoted, fired, or left for personal reasons. If they left for personal reasons, that’s their way of saying they can’t give you that information which could be a red flag.
What Are Good Questions to Ask About Company Culture?
Everyone needs a job, but what you really need is the right job. By asking questions about the company during an interview, you gain a more balanced perspective about the organization you could potentially work for. Here are three questions to ask about a company:
1. Can you tell me more about the company culture?
Hiring managers want to hire employees who will fit into the company culture. By asking this question you demonstrate that you want to know so that you can decide whether it’s a culture you want to be a part of.
2. Can you give me an example of a project I’ll be working on?
Asking this question will give you insight into the type of work you’ll be doing on the job. You can then decide whether the project fits the job description advertised and if it’s a role you’ll be comfortable with.
3. What skills do you feel would improve the company’s performance?
This is a good question to ask to prepare you for a second interview if you’re really serious about getting the job. Once you have the answer to this question, you can take a class to gain or improve this skill if you already have it. If you do get a second interview, you can mention that you’re currently taking a course in the skill they need to improve their company.
What Questions Should You Avoid Asking In An Interview?
Although you should ask questions during an interview to gain insight into the job you’re applying for and the company you could potentially be working for, there are some questions you should avoid because they’re inappropriate and will give the wrong impression about you. Here are three questions you should not ask in an interview:
1. What does your company care the most about?
While there are a lot of questions you can ask about a company, this isn’t the strongest of them. Asking what a company does shows that you didn’t prepare for the interview which means you’re not serious about the job.
2. What benefits does the company offer?
An interview is all about making a good first impression. You’re there to let your employer know what you can do for them. While you do have the right to know what benefits you’ll have access to, your first interview isn’t the time to ask this question.
3. What is the exact salary for this role?
Most companies are not going to advertise a position without including salary information. In California and New York, this is beginning to change and they will list exact salary ranges. But in general, they don’t put the exact amount, they’ll put an estimate; for example, you’ll know they’re paying between $50k - $70k. Salary is typically negotiated during the second or third interview when the company has a better idea of how much they think you’re worth. Therefore, asking about salary at the first interview is a huge red flag because it gives the impression that your main concern is making money and not being an asset to the company.
When preparing your interview questions, remember to tailor them to the specific company and role you’ve applied for. And one last tip, after the interview, follow up with a thank-you note, reaffirming your interest for the position. A thank-you note is another strategy that will set you apart from the other applicants.
