Questions to ask at a job interview
If you don’t prepare post-interviews questions, you run the risk of the interviewers assuming that you have not prepared or are not overly interested in the position.
It’s imperative to ask smart, engaging questions.
"The very process of asking questions completely changes the dynamic of the interview and the hiring manager's perception of you," says Teri Hockett, chief executive of What's For Work?, a career site for women. "Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to discover details that you might not have otherwise unveiled."
Amy Hoover, president of TalentZoo, says there's another reason you should always prepare questions. "It's expected — and if you don't ask at least two questions, you will appear disinterested, or worse, less intelligent and engaged than a prospective employer would like."
You should have at least four questions prepared, just in case they are answered through the course of the interview. However, don't just ask questions for the sake of it. To actually benefit from them, you must think carefully about what you want to ask. Your questions can make or break an interview. If your questions are not thoughtful, or if you ask something that has already been addressed, this may hinder you.
Below are some questions that you may consider:
Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications?
Although this question places you in a vulnerable place, it illustrates that you are confident enough to candidly raise and discuss your weaknesses.
What do you like most about working for this agency/service?
This question provides you with an opportunity create a sense of camaraderie with your interviewers because people, in general, usually enjoy talking about themselves and topics that they know well. This question will provide you with additional insight into the culture of the agency. In addition, this question gives you an opportunity to get an insider's opinion on the benefits of working for this agency/service.
Is there anything else I can provide to help you make your decision?
This simple question demonstrates enthusiasm and eagerness with polish and grace. It is a polite question to ask and it can give you peace of mind to know that you have touched on all areas.
How do I compare with the other candidates you’ve interviewed for this role?
This is a somewhat risky question because it may place the interviewers in an awkward position. Yet, this interview is going well and you have fostered a strong rapport with the interviewers, this question may assist you to identify if there are any concerns or issues that you could address to show why you’re the best candidate.