How to Prepare Questions to Ask During a Job Interview

Have your own questions for the interviewer.

After answering questions during a job interview, you will most likely be given the opportunity to ask some yourself. An interview should be like a conversation, in which the applicant evaluates the company and the recruiter evaluates the applicant. By preparing questions in advance, you are better able to determine if the company and position may be a good fit for you. Having questions prepared shows the interviewer that you are engaged and genuinely interested in the position.

Things You'll Need

• Notepad
• Computer with internet connection

Instructions

1. Research the company. Read news articles, the company website, and quarterly and annual financial filings if it is a public company. Learn everything you can about the company. Along the way you may find issues you'd like to learn more about and potential challenges facing the company. Asking questions about the company's future and its goals shows that you have an interest in sticking around for the long haul.

2. Learn about the company's competitors. Find out who is giving your potential employer a run for its money. Considering questions about what the company is looking to do to compete in the industry can be a great way to find out who you would fit in with their overall goals. Think of questions to ask about how the company distinguishes itself from its competitors.

3. Think about what questions or concerns you may have about the position you are applying for. Ask the interviewer about what qualities or skills he is looking for in a hire or what he thinks makes someone successful in the position. Ask the interviewer about how employees interact with eachother and what a typical day is like on the job. These are the types of questions that help you determine if the position is right for you and if you truly want to work for this company.

4. Conduct research on the person who will interview you. Perform an Internet search on his name or look him up on Linkedin or another professional social media site. Having some background information on the interviewer is a good way to build rapport. You may determine that he graduated from your college, enjoys the same sports team or worked for a company you are familiar with.

Tips & Warnings

• Have some questions prepared for the end of the interview, but if a question is appropriate to ask during the interview, consider doing so.

• Let the conversation flow. You should be evaluating the company as much as they are evaluating you during the interview. Pick 2-3 questions to which you would really like to know the answers.

• Do not ask too many questions.

• Do not ask questions in a negative manner.

References

• CPACareerCoach.com: Best Questions to Ask In an Interview