So, Do You Have Any Questions?: The Best Questions to Ask at the End of a Job Interview

If you’re preparing for an upcoming job interview, remember it’s a two-way street. The potential employer wants to learn about you, your skills, and what you can bring to the company. And, you want to know what it’s really like to work there.

Following an interview, most employers will ask if you have questions. Say “yes” and take the opportunity to learn more about the job and show your interest in working there.

If you don’t ask smart questions, you may look uninterested or unprepared. You want to take every opportunity to impress your potential employer, so prepare your questions ahead of your interview.

If you’re not sure what to ask, we have it covered. Here’s a look at the best questions to ask after your interview.

1. What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the job?

Here’s a chance to see what your days may hold if you accept the job. Learning about day-to-day operations will help you gain insight into the position and whether it’s the right fit for you.

You will learn about the length and pace of the workday without having to ask about these specific topics. You can address any appropriate topics the interviewer did not discuss.

2. What qualities should someone in this role have?

This question can help you see beyond the job description. The answer will give you a clue into the company’s culture.

You’ll learn about the employer’s expectations for someone in this role and whether or not it feels like a good fit for you.

3. How did the position open up?

Your interviewer may or may not be forthcoming with this information. If you get an answer, you may learn about possibilities for future advancement.

If the position is open because someone got a promotion, that’s good news for future possibilities with the company.

If the employer states the employee quit or that multiple employees have left, you may learn there are some issues with the work environment.

4. What are some of the company’s achievements?

While preparing for the interview, spend some time researching the company. Learn as much as you can about the job and the company.

As you ask your question, mention an achievement or positive fact you learned about the company. This shows a potential employer that you cared enough to learn about the company.

Be sure to check out the company’s website as well as doing an online search for articles or press releases related to the company. Showing initiative may be a big plus with the employer and put you a step ahead of other applicants.

5. What do you like about working for this company?

You may not get an honest answer with this question, but it’s worth a try. You may get the unvarnished truth.

You may hear about some of the perks of the job and what makes it a great place to work. Or you may get a less than enthusiastic answer that can offer clues about how things really are.

If you have a good rapport with your interview and you’re feeling bold, you can ask if there’s something about the company they don’t like. Most employers will not give an answer, but some will be honest.

No job is perfect, but asking questions will help you see if it’s right for you.

6. How would you define the company’s culture?

You can get an idea of a company’s culture from their website, but you may learn some interesting details if you ask. Every company is different, and some have a laid back approach while others are hardcore.

For today’s young workers, culture is key. If you don’t enjoy the people and the environment at work, you won’t enjoy your job.

7. What is the training process for this position?

There may or may not be a training period for the job. You want to know what they expect of you and if the training will require travel.

Some jobs that are highly technical may require weeks or months of training. Others start right away and you learn as you go.

It’s helpful to know what kind of training you can expect.

8. What are the strengths of the company?

If you are serious about the job, you want to know as much about the company as possible. You want to know what they do well and how they compare to other companies in the same industry.

If your job involves sales, you want to make sure the products are marketable. It’s frustrating trying to sell something that few people want.

Strengths of the company may also include a competitive salary, bonuses, vacation days, health insurance, and other perks.

9. What opportunities are there for advancement?

This question lets the employer see that you plan to stay with the company long-term. It shows that you are ambitious and thinking about your future.

Opportunities for promotion or advancement are a plus. You don’t want to be stuck in the same job without a promotion for years on end.

If there isn’t room for advancement, you may want to look elsewhere.

10. What are the next steps in the interview process?

If you feel good about the interview and confident about wanting the job, this is a good final question to ask. It shows your interest and willingness to work at getting the position.

It’s okay to show your excitement and interest in the company and the job. But don’t assume you have the job or act as if you do.

You want to show confidence, not arrogance, during your interview and during your questions following the interview.

Knowing the Best Questions to Ask

You want to make a good impression during a job interview. When you prepare in advance, you will feel more confident and at ease during the process.

Be sure to do some research on the company. Take a look at their website and get a feel for the company’s culture.

Prepare some questions to ask following the interview. Knowing the best questions to ask will help you look professional and interested in the job.

If you are in search of the perfect job, we can help. Contact us today to learn more.