If you browse through the archived posts in this blog, you'll find plenty of advice about questions you must ask during a job interview. Asking the interviewer questions is a good way to find out more about the company or the job you're interested in.
It goes without saying that an interview should be a two-way conversation. Ideally, you should ask as many questions as the interviewer asks you – if not more. After all, both sides need to make sure the job and company are a good fit.
Popular questions job seekers can ask include:
- What do you feel are the most important skills required in performing this job?
- What are the most important results I would need to achieve in the first 6 months?
- What are the top challenges I'll face in this position?
Some job seekers may have a favorite question they like to ask at a job interview that reveals a lot about either the job or the company. So, let's turn this post over to you: What is your favorite question to ask in a job interview, and why?
Post your answer in the Comments section.
RELATED LINKS
Stand Out in a Rough Job Market – Part II: Interviewing
Dumbass Mistakes New Grads Make in Interviews
Must-Ask Interview Questions
At the end of the interview I always like to ask if there is anything on my resume that may concern the interviewer. It allows for some insightful feedback. For example, one hiring manager was concerned that I had been with the same company for 10 years. I thought that would be something positive, a reflection of my commitment. But she was worried that I would have a hard time adjusting to a new culture and might long for the way I was used to things being done.
I have more than one.
I like to ask: "On my annual (semi-annual, monthly) performance evaluation, what key performance measurements will I be accountable for?"
With the follow up question: "Will my manager's evaluation be a reflection of my performance, even if only partially?"
I ask this set of questions because in my work history, I spent the first 10 years in an enviroment where everyone's performance rolled up hill which meant all levels of employees were invested in working together toward common, strategic business goals.
In the most recent 7 years of my work experience, my boss had no idea what I did, and my performance didn't mean much to him as long as he didn't have to deal with negative fallout. I suppose I am a conscientious employee and I want to know that it will mean something to someone other than my customers.
I also like to ask: "Detail your training process for me." with follow up questions about initial training vs. ongoing training, meetings, support, etc. because, again, I want to know the employer will invest in me becoming an "expert" and having all the tools I need to succeed in their business.
I guess you could categorize me as a feedback junkie but I feel that feedback when handled constructively serves to perpetuate best business practices!
I love Susie's (first comment) question because not only will it draw out concerns that you can address and hopefully overcome on the spot, it will give you an idea of how the interviewer feels the interaction went overall!
Thanks!
@ Susie and Jes - I like the way both of you think. You want to ask questions that will yield a lot of answers and help you determine whether the opportunity will be the right one for you, if the company is a good place to work, and how much the company will help you grow in your career.
Thanks for dropping in! ~ Rick