Asking the right
questions during an interview isn’t just about getting informed; it is also
about letting the interviewer know that you are genuinely interested in the job
opportunity. And while each job candidate should take the time to ask questions
specific to the organization with which they are interviewing, below are a few
questions every job candidate should ask during the interview:
1.
What are the most important skills and
qualities you’re looking for in candidates applying for this job? Of course the employer has listed some of the qualities and
skills they’re looking for in a job candidate; but sometimes employers may not
list all of the skills/qualities they seek. Asking this question during an
interview gives you another opportunity to highlight those specific skills
which fit the employer’s desires.
2.
What is the management style of the
person/people to whom this position reports? While you may have asked third-parties about the company’s
management style, it’s ideal to get the answer directly from the employer if
possible. If the interviewer
answers with something that you think is a good match for you, then you should
mention that. Also, don’t be shy
about asking for clarification on management style if needed.
3.
What type of cases/projects will I be
working on? While the job description may give an
overview of the type of work you will be doing, it is often vague. Ideally, you want the interviewer to
offer a few examples of the type of cases you will work on if hired or even
mention some of the cases the person before you worked on.
4.
What type of work results do you expect
in the next six to twelve months from the person you hire?
The answer to this question will give you an idea of what the employer
expects and whether those expectations are realistic.