What Type of Questions to Ask on an Interview

Asking the right questions during an interview can enhance your job prospects.

A job interview doesn't have to be a one-way street where the interviewer asks all the questions. A competent interviewer will provide you the opportunity to ask your own questions, both during and at the conclusion of the interview. Asking the right questions can demonstrate that you've prepared for the interview and that you are truly interested in the position. It can also help you determine if the job and company are right for you.

Prepared Questions

Bring a list of questions to ask at appropriate times during the interview. Questions can cover areas such as the challenges you can expect to face when starting the position, possible improvements you could make to the position, the long-term goals of the department or company and qualities needed to perform the job. These types of questions allow you to outline how your qualifications meet these needs, based on the responses given by the interviewer.

Impromptu Questions

Ask questions based on the information the interviewer provides during your conversation. For instance, if the interviewer mentions that the company has just expanded into a new market, ask how this will impact your position. This shows the interviewer that you were listening intently, which she may take as a sign of genuine interest. It also demonstrates an ability to think on your feet.

Open-ended Questions

Ask open-ended questions to provide the interviewer with the opportunity to expand when providing his answer, which can help you build rapport. Instead of asking, "How long have you been with the company?" ask "What do you like most about working for the company?" instead. The information the interviewer provides as well as the level of enthusiasm he projects can help you decide whether the company would be a good fit for you.

Enviroment and Culture

You will likely engage in a detailed discussion about the specifics of the job during the interview, but the interview may not volunteer much about the company's culture. Address this by asking the interviewer to describe the culture. You can also ask why the position you are interviewing for is open, and how often it has been open in the past three to five years. If the position has been filled several times, it may be a sign that the work environment is less than favorable.

References

• JobDig: Questions You Should Ask During the Job Interview
• Resumagic.com: Questions to Ask at the Job Interview