10 good interview questions to ask an employer.
It’s a good idea to have some questions prepared to ask your potential employer at the end of the interview.
Generally, you want to ask questions that are specific to the role and what you’ve discussed in the interview thus far, but here are a few examples of questions you can ask to underline your interest in the position:
1. Why are you recruiting for this role?
Getting an answer to this question will clarify whether the role is brand new or existing, and highlight how the position fits in with the company’s needs. If it’s an existing role, you could get an insight into where you’ll be picking up from your predecessor.
2. What will the day-to-day routine of someone who holds this role look like?
This question will give you an idea of what your working day will look like if you get the role. The answer should outline any systems you’ll use and procedures you’ll do, as well as the teams you’ll need to liaise with. You can then mention if any of these tasks align with what you’re already doing.
Knowing the review criteria used by the company will help you establish clear goals for yourself and give you something to actively work towards if you get the job. You’ll be able to measure your own success and decide whether the employer’s expectations are in line with your capabilities.
4. What would my first three months look like in this role?
This information can give you a better idea of what will be expected from you within your first 30, 60 and 90 days of employment. If you get the job, it can be helpful and comforting to know what you’ll be doing in the initial period – this can include activities like training and onboarding.
5. Are there any other departments that I’ll need to work closely with?
It’s a good idea to find out who you’ll need to work closely with in order to succeed in your role. Of course, all members of the team are important but knowing who you’ll need to have a strong rapport with from the start will help you in the long run. For example, a marketing executive might work closely with colleagues in the PR and sales team.
6. What opportunities are there for progression?
Finding out whether there are opportunities for progression is important in any role. Chances are that you’ll want to progress at some point in the future, so determining where your potential new role could take you is essential. It also shows the employer that you’re not only keen to join the company, but you’re also eager to stay and develop.
7. What are the biggest challenges currently faced by the company?
Asking about the issues faced by the company can show employers that you want to add value to the company by offering solutions to some of the challenges they face. It also helps to show that you’re capable of bringing in new ideas. Start the job with these challenges in mind and show how you can make a difference.
8. What are the business’ current main goals?
The answer to this question should provide you with a clear idea of the business’ goals, ensuring that you start the role (should you be successful) knowing what you need to achieve. It also helps to ensure that the entire company has shared objectives that align with your own values.
9. What is the company culture like?
Company culture plays a huge role in the overall employee experience. So, finding out how the team engages with each other will give you an insight into what it’ll be like working at the business. You can ask the interviewer about specific topics like social events, volunteering opportunities and team building practices.
10. What’s the best thing about working at the company?
The answer to this question will vary depending on who you ask, but it’s still useful to get a first-hand account from an existing employee about what they like about working at the company. This can give you a better insight into some of the perks of working there, whether this be the people, flexible working or extra healthcare benefits.