Great interviewer Questions: 6 Memorable questions that will help you stand out in an interview
Last week on the blog, we talked about popular questions you might be asked in an interview. This week, we turn our attention to the questions you should be asking at the end of the interview. This is your chance to demonstrate your interest in the job, the research you’ve done, and your critical thinking skills as you reiterate your position as the best candidate for the job. Once the interviewer asks, “do you have any questions for me?” the tables turn; the following questions are great options to have at the ready.
1. What are you looking for in a candidate to fill this position?
This question shows that you’re interested in what kind of person they’re looking for - do you fit the bill? Not only does it present an opportunity for you to reiterate that you’re the best person for the job, but it also allows you to gauge how you’d fit the role. The interviewer’s answer to this question might indicate that this isn’t the role for you, or it can help you identify gaps in your experience that you want to address.
2. What opportunities are there for professional development?
All companies are looking for someone who wants to continue growing in their career. This question tells the interviewer that you have that growth mindset and won’t be complacent. You’re bringing a dynamic attitude to the workplace. If a company doesn’t value professional development and that’s important to you, this might not be the best fit for you. Remember - just as much as this is an interview for a new position for you, you are also interviewing the company to make sure it’s the right place for you!
3. Tell me about the team. Who will I be working with?
The answer to this question will dictate your everyday life if you take this role. More often than not, the interviewer would be someone on your team, possibly even your new boss, but this question is important to determine who else you might be working with regularly and how you might fit in.
4. How would you describe the company culture?
One of the things you should be looking for as you interview is if the company’s values match up with your values. The way your interviewer answers this question should tell you everything you need to know. Are you looking for a place that emphasizes service and philanthropy, professional development, or a culture that values working hard and playing hard? This is the time for your interviewer to let you know those things.
5. What’s your favorite part of working for this company?
It’s a human tendency to love to talk about yourself. This question gives your interviewer the chance to do so! This question builds a level of trust, rapport, and appreciation for the interviewer’s insight; they’re liable to give you an authentic answer - and perhaps their response will become your favorite thing about the company too!
6. What are the next steps in the interview process?
This is one of those questions you should always ask at the end of your interview. It will give you a roadmap and a timeline of what the rest of the process will look like. They should tell you when they’ll let you know about moving forward in the interview process, giving you a timeline for when you can follow up. Don’t forget to send those thank-you notes within 24 hours of the interview, too!
Having follow-up questions is one of the most crucial aspects of your interview. It tells your interviewer that you care about the position, want to learn more and also allows you to get a roadmap for what the rest of the process will look like. Make sure to have these questions in your back pocket as you interview for your next role!