The Perfect Interview: Questions to Ask in an Interview
In order to achieve the perfect interview, you should always ask these important questions. Read on and learn more here.
Did you know that over half of Americans in the workforce expect to search for a new job this year?
You can have a killer resume, a strong application, and the best references, but without the perfect interview, you’ll have a hard time landing your dream job.
While most mainstream interview advice boils down to, “just be yourself,” there are some questions you can ask to make your interview stand out from the rest. Keep reading to learn six questions you should always ask during an interview.
1. Can I Get a Tour of the Operation?
When recruiters invite you to interview for a position, they already know about your technical skills and experiences from your resume and cover letter. In person, they want to get a sense of who you are and how you’ll fit into the community of the workplace.
Expressing interest in the company beyond your specific role shows that you care about the work environment as a whole. They’re more likely to consider you a serious candidate when you show interest in what the rest of the company does.
2. What Are the 30-60-90 Day Challenges for This Role?
Asking this question shows that you take an organized, deliberate approach when stepping into a new role. It communicates that you are prepared to anticipate challenges that may come up as you learn a new position. This kind of proactive mindset is a powerful skill in the workplace, and the hiring manager will take notice.
3. Why Is the Job Open?
Through their answer to this question, you’ll learn a lot about the culture of the workplace and why people leave their positions. If the previous person in this position left to work with another company after less than a year, that paints a very different picture than an employee who was promoted and left their previous position open.
Whatever answer you receive, take note of whether the implications of that answer work for your long-term career goals should you be offered this position.
4. What Are the Career Growth Opportunities in the Next 2-5 Years?
Asking this question will also help you determine where this company and position could fit into your long-term professional career.
If you want to stay with the same company for the next several years, but they have few opportunities for career growth, know that you may have to hold the same position for a while before you can start moving up the ladder. On the other hand, some companies offer deliberate opportunities for professional development and networking that could be a huge benefit to you in the long run.
5. Is There Anything That I Can Clarify?
After all the other interview questions have been answered, this is the final opportunity for you and the hiring team to reflect on everything that’s been discussed and to clear up any lingering questions.
The hiring team may ask you to elaborate on an answer you provided earlier in the interview. They may also share a concern that they have, giving you the opportunity to clarify the situation or to reiterate the specific value that you would bring to the team.
6. What Are the Next Steps in the Process?
Asking for a decision timeline from the hiring team is completely normal and will set your mind at ease when you don’t hear anything back in the next 24 hours. It also gives you a heads up if they’re planning on asking you for references or further application materials.
The Perfect Interview Starts With the Right Questions
Ask these five questions, and you’ll ace your interview. Your thoughtful, balanced approach will leave your interview team thinking, “Wow! What a perfect interview!”
Of course, the best interviews come from having people to support you through the process. That’s where we come in. Fill out our contact form today, and we’ll help you find the next job that’s right for you!
