The interview process can be a nerve-wracking experience, no matter how prepared you are.
It’s also your last chance to make a good impression and show the employer that you’re interested in the role. Having some questions ready to ask at this stage can help demonstrate your enthusiasm and engagement with the position. Asking thoughtful, relevant questions will also give you one final opportunity to highlight your skills and experience that are applicable to the job.
It’s important to prepare for this part of the interview by having a list of questions ready. This could include asking about the company culture, what challenges they expect you to face in the role, or how they measure success. You could also ask about opportunities for development or how they support employees in their career progression.
By asking these types of questions, you can show that you’re keen to learn more about the organisation and understand what it takes to be successful in the role.
We've included our 9 best questions to ask below, as well as a handful of questions to definitely avoid!
Could you describe a typical day in the role?
Asking about the day-to-day responsibilities of a role is an important step in understanding what the job entails and if it’s right for you. It can help you decide whether your skills and experience are suitable for the role, as well as give you an idea of what the employer’s expectations are. By asking this question, you can gain insight into the tasks that will be expected of you on a daily basis, such as customer service, data entry, or project management. You can also learn more about any additional duties that may be required, such as attending meetings or training sessions.
The interviewer’s response to this question should provide clarity on how much responsibility and autonomy you will have in the role. It should also give you an idea of how much support and guidance will be provided by your supervisor or manager. Knowing these details ahead of time can help ensure that there are no surprises when you start working in the position. Asking this question is a great way to make sure that the job is a good fit for both parties before committing to it.
What would you like to see me achieve in my first quarter?
The first three months of a new job are critical for making a good impression. It is important to demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the role, as well as your ability to learn quickly and adapt to the company's culture. To impress in the first three months, you should focus on developing relationships with colleagues, taking initiative on projects, and showing that you can be trusted with responsibility.
You should also take time to understand the company's goals and objectives, as well as its processes and procedures. This will help you to identify areas where you can make an impact and contribute positively. Additionally, it is important to stay organized and keep up-to-date with any changes or developments in the workplace. Finally, don't forget to ask questions when needed; this shows that you are eager to learn more about the job and how you can best contribute.
What are some of the challenges you would expect me to face?
When asking about the challenges a person in this position may face, you can gain insight into the job that you wouldn't get from just reading the job description. You can learn about any interdepartmental politics that may be involved, or if there are any difficult people to work with.
For example, if the job involves working with multiple departments, asking about any interdepartmental politics or conflicts can give you a better idea of what to expect and you can prepare for this. If there are budget restrictions on your program, it is important to know this ahead of time so that you can plan accordingly. Additionally, if there is someone who you will be working closely with, it is beneficial to know if they are difficult to get along with or not. Asking these types of questions can help ensure that you are prepared for any potential challenges that may arise during your tenure in the position.
Asking questions like this also gives you an opportunity to discuss how you have handled similar challenges in the past. This can help to reassure your interviewer of your capabilities and experience. However, it is important not to ask these questions just so you can follow up with a sales pitch for yourself; this will come across as annoying and disingenuous. Instead, use it as an opportunity for a genuine discussion of how you would approach potential challenges.
Is there any opportunity for progression or training within the role?
When considering a new role, it is important to understand the opportunities for training and progression within the company. Asking about development opportunities shows the interviewer that you are serious about your career and committed to a future with the organisation. It also allows you to assess whether a long-term career with the company is a possibility, or if you'd need to move on to gain further responsibility.
Training and progression opportunities can come in many forms, such as internal promotions, mentoring programs, job shadowing or attending external courses. It is important to ask questions about these possibilities during an interview so that you can understand what kind of support and guidance will be available if you take up the role. Additionally, asking this question will help you get an idea of how long it might take for you to progress within the company and what kind of skills or qualifications may be required along the way.
What are the future business goals / where do you see the organisation headed in the next 5 years?
The future of a company is always an interesting topic to explore. Asking about where the company is headed in the next five years can give you an idea of what kind of direction it’s taking and how it plans to stay competitive in the market. It can also provide insight into job security and any major upcoming projects that may be on the horizon.
By asking this question, you are showing a real interest in the organisation and your commitment to its success. You will gain valuable information about the company’s plans for growth and development, as well as any potential changes that may be coming down the line. This knowledge can help you plan for your own career trajectory within the organisation, giving you a better understanding of what lies ahead.
Thinking back to previous employees in the role, what differentiated the ones who were good from the ones who were really great?
The question “Thinking back to people you've seen do this work previously, what differentiated the ones who were good from the ones who were really great at it?” is an incredibly powerful one to ask in a job interview. It shows that you are not just looking for a job, but that you are striving to be the best candidate possible and that you care about doing an excellent job. This question also gives the hiring manager insight into what it takes to truly excel in the position, which can help them make a more informed decision when selecting a candidate.
Moreover, asking this question demonstrates your ambition and drive. It shows that you are willing to go above and beyond to ensure success in whatever role you take on. Hiring managers appreciate this kind of initiative and will likely remember it when making their final decision. Asking this question also allows you to gain more information about what it takes to be successful in the role, so that you can prepare yourself accordingly. All in all, this is an incredibly valuable question to ask during an interview and can give both parties greater insight into each other's expectations.
Could you describe your company's working culture?
The working culture of an organisation is a key factor to consider when deciding whether or not to join. It can be the difference between a positive and negative experience, so it’s important to understand what the company values and how they treat their employees. Asking about the working culture of an organisation can help you get a better idea of what it would be like to work there.
You should ask questions such as:
- What are the core values of the organisation?
- How do they promote employee wellbeing?
- What kind of benefits do they offer?
- Are there any flexible working arrangements available?
These questions will give you an insight into how the company operates and if their values align with your own. Additionally, you’ll gain an understanding of what kind of environment you’d be joining and if it would be a good fit for you.
What do you enjoy about your role?
One of the great things about asking “What do you enjoy about your job role?” is that it allows you to build a connection with your interviewer. It gives them an opportunity to talk about themselves and their career journey, which can be very enlightening. You may learn how they got their start in the business, what challenges they faced along the way, and how they overcame them. This can give you a better understanding of the company culture and working environment, as well as provide insight into how successful people have achieved success in their field.
In addition to learning more about the company culture and working environment, this question also allows you to get an insider’s view of what motivates your interviewer. By hearing what they enjoy most about their job, you can gain valuable insight into what drives them and why they are passionate about their work. This can help you understand how best to approach similar tasks or projects in the future. Also, it may even inspire you to pursue similar goals or objectives in your own career path.
Can you tell me more about the team I would be working in?
The team you would be working in is an important factor to consider when applying for a job. It's worth taking the time to find out more about the team dynamics and working methods, as this will help you understand how you'll fit in if you get the job. Ask questions such as who you'll report to, what department the role sits within and what performance appraisals are like. This will give you a better idea of how well your skills and experience match up with the team's needs.
It's also useful to ask about any opportunities or challenges facing the department or company. This can give you an insight into their current goals and objectives, which could help shape your own career path if successful in getting the job. Additionally, it may provide an opportunity to mention any successes or experiences from similar teams that demonstrate why you'd be a great fit for this role.
Questions to AVOID asking!
When you’re preparing for a job interview, it’s also important to know what questions NOT to ask. Asking the wrong questions can make you appear unprepared or unprofessional and could even cost you the job.
One of the most common questions that should be avoided is “What does this company do?” This shows that you haven’t done your research ahead of time and aren’t familiar with the company. It also implies that you don’t care enough about the position to take the time to learn more about it.
Another question to avoid is “If I get the job, when can I take time off for a holiday?” This suggests that you are already planning on getting the job and may come across as presumptuous. Wait until after you receive an offer before mentioning vacation plans.
Finally, never ask “Did I get the job?” during an interview as this will make it seem like you are impatient or lack confidence in yourself.
Asking the right questions in an interview is just as important as avoiding the wrong ones. Doing your research ahead of time and being patient will help ensure that your interview goes smoothly and that you present yourself in a positive light. Showing enthusiasm for the position and having thoughtful questions prepared will demonstrate your interest in working with the company and help set you apart from other candidates.
Next steps before leaving the interview:
The interview process can be daunting, but it’s important to know the next steps before you leave. After the interview is over, ask your interviewer what are the next steps in the process.
Asking about the timeline for next steps is an important question to ask in any job interview. Knowing when you can expect to hear back from the employer can help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as provide a reasonable timeline for checking in if you don't hear anything. It's also useful to know if the hiring manager is away or unavailable for a period of time, so that you don't worry unnecessarily about not hearing back.
When asking this question, it's important to be polite and professional. You should phrase your inquiry in a way that shows respect for the employer's time and process. For example, “I know you were hoping to make a decision around this time, so I wanted to check in and see if you have an updated timeline you can share” is much more effective than simply asking “Have you made a decision yet?” Asking questions like this demonstrates your interest in the position and your commitment to staying informed throughout the process.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to ask if there is anything else that you can provide which would be helpful in making a decision. This shows that you are invested in the position and eager to move forward with the process.
How can we help?
If you would like any further interview advice, get in touch! We always provide interview guidance to our candidates before interview and would be happy to share some solid advice to anyone searching for their next role.
Click below to find the consultant best suited to support you in your career development.
For Business Change roles get in touch with:
Senior Recruitment Consultant, Sam McWilliam
Recruitment Consultant, Hannah Murphy
For Microsoft Dynamics roles get in touch with:
Nadia Knight, Senior Recruitment Consultant D365 CE
Kay Fadden, Recruitment Consultant D365 F&O
For Workplace Change Roles get in touch with:
Business Development Director and Workplace Recruitment Consultant, James Saunders