Five questions to ask in your next interview
In an interview, you always know it's coming. The inevitable ‘Do you have any questions you’d like to ask us?’ line. Despite everyone knowing this question is coming, you’d be surprised at how few people have questions. Here are five questions you should ask in your next interview:
1. What does success in this role look like?
This is a great question to ask as you gain an understanding of their expectations before you start. It will also give you insights into how your success will be measured. By asking this question, you also show that you are keen to succeed in this new role.
2. What is the company culture like?
While you can gain some insights into the company culture through their website, asking your interviewer directly about their culture is still valuable. Culture is essential to businesses, and the interviewer’s response can give you more in-depth information about their values. Asking this question can also help you decide if your personality and the way in which you work align with their company culture.
If you really want to stand out, reference what you know about the culture from your research across their digital touchpoints or from what you have learnt through the interview, and ask them what else you should know about their culture. For example, you might say, “aside from prioritising innovation and taking a hybrid first approach, what else should I know about your culture?”.
3. I know each day will look different in this role, and that’s something that really appeals to me. What might a day in the life of this role look like?
In asking this question, you are able to learn as much about the role as possible, beyond what is listed in the job description. It also may help you decide whether the role is right for you. Their response will allow you to understand what their expectations are, and if you are offered the position, you will have no surprises when you start.
4. What kind of challenges can I expect in this role?
By asking this question, you are showing that you are proactively anticipating any barriers you might face in this new role. Their response can give you insights into any challenges the company may be facing, which will help give you a greater understanding of what to expect if you take on this new role.
5. What are the next steps?
This is a great logistical question to ask at the end of the interview, as it is useful to know when you can expect to hear back. It also shows that you are optimistic about the role, and are keen to move forward to the next stage.
