18 Questions Job Seekers Can Ask an Interviewer

Although it might not always feel like it, an interview is a two-sided evaluation. Interviewing, especially in multiple rounds, allows job seekers to determine how the company can fulfill their professional goals. Asking questions can also potentially underscore your interest in a position. So, when asked if you have any questions for them at the end of an interview, it’s a mistake to say no. According to online job search expert Susan P. Joyce, “Typically, a job seeker with no questions is assumed to be either not interested or not very bright.” Snag that opportunity to do some value sleuthing of your own. Below, we’ve gathered eighteen impact-driven and cultural questions to utilize when interviewing.

Basic questions get basic answers

Taking the time to ask thoughtful questions will always pay off; it proves you’ve not only done your research but were fully engaged while being interviewed thus far. It can be just as frustrating for hiring managers to be asked generic questions that they answered minutes before.

Frame questions in a way that demands detail. For example, instead of asking, “what type of person succeeds in this role?” Ask, “What three adjectives immediately come to mind when describing the candidate needed in this role?” This forces the hiring manager to articulate the soft skills they’re looking for and provides opportunities for a follow-up, like asking them to validate why they chose each one by giving an example of how that adjective would support their success in the role. Limiting must-haves can narrow down the qualifications and skillsets the company needs most.

The power of impact-driven questions

Impact-driven questions communicate the root problems that need to be solved strategically. Therefore, we suggest the following examples.

What are some of the first projects the person in this role will work on? / a typical day for the person in this role
What three soft and hard skills do you think are most important to succeed in this role? At this company?
What’s the most important thing I can accomplish in the first 60 days?
How does this position contribute to the company’s short-term and long-term goals?
What are the biggest goals for the company?
How does this team/role contribute to the company goals?
Now that we’ve discussed my qualifications and the job, do you have any concerns about my success in this position?

Keep culture in mind

For most job seekers, the position isn’t enough to keep them locked in. Culture matters. The following (if applicable) are beneficial questions to have on hand that can provide some insight into the day-to-day of the company.

How does this position contribute to the company’s short-term and long-term goals?
How does this company define and measure success?
Have employees previously in this role advanced in the company? What kinds of roles do they have now?
What is your favorite part about your job? This company?
What professional development opportunities are available to employees?
Have employees previously in this role advanced in the company? What kinds of roles do they have now?
What is something unique that you like about the company?

Practical follow-up questions to ask

Nothing is worse than not knowing where you stand. Don’t be afraid to ask to be informed or kept on the same page.

Is there any other information I can give you that would be helpful in making a decision?
What is the next step in the hiring process?
By when do you hope to make someone an offer?
Can I answer any final questions for you?

How Concentric can help

Are we saying to show up to an interview prepared to ask all eighteen questions? Not necessarily, but having a handful ready certainly doesn’t hurt.

Concentric takes its role as a hiring partner very seriously because we know the hiring process can be stressful on both sides. To help, we’ll do everything from interview prep and providing advice like that in this article to practice sessions. We want the entire job search to present meaningful personal experiences.

Are you looking for a position outside of tech?

You can connect with our sister company, Clarity. Clarity Search teams up with business owners and managers nationwide to create connections between top-tier accounting, Finance, and marketing professionals.

Want to learn more about how Concentric and Clarity can find your perfect professional fit? Contact us today.