Face-to-face job interviews last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. And since companies, on average, ask for two to three interviews before they hire someone, that leaves a lot of time for job interview questions!
And the interviewer shouldn’t be the only one with questions. They will expect you to have some job interview questions to ask, too.
Why? Because it shows you’re engaged and interested in the job. But if you don’t know what to ask during a job interview, remember this job interview guide and keep these simple yet crucial queries in your back pocket.
What Are the Main Responsibilities?
You’ll likely have a good idea of what the main responsibilities are or else you wouldn’t be applying for the job! You should be able to find a list on the job description or from your recruitment agency.
But some employers and human resource departments “dress up” the job description so it will look more attractive to top candidates.
To find out the reality, ask questions like these:
- What would a typical day look like?
- What projects did the previous person work on?
- Is this a new role?
Don’t be afraid to ask for examples of projects in a job interview.
What Are the Development Opportunities?
The last thing you want to do is get stuck in a dead-end job. So, one of the most important job interview tips anyone could give you is to make sure there are opportunities for growth.
Ask about further training, qualifications, and what the previous people who held the position are doing now.
What Are the Performance Expectations?
Many companies say their environment is “fast-paced” and that they “juggle lots of projects.”
But what does that look like day-to-day?
If you don’t know what to ask during a job interview, ask for specifics. What are their expectations of you during your first 30 or 90 days? How many projects will they expect you to work on at once?
Also, how will they measure your performance? Knowing what their review process is like will help you know what to aim for.
What Are the Company’s Plans for Growth?
Working for a dead-end company is as bad as working in a dead-end job.
Ask if the company has plans to expand or any exciting new projects in the works. Even the smallest companies with tiny budgets should have aspirations.
What Do You Like About Working Here?
How your interviewer talks about their role and the company can be very telling.
If you ask this question and they struggle to answer, the company culture and support might not be very good. But if they can name specific colleagues who are helpful, their favorite office traditions, and so on, then that’s a good sign.
Now You Know What to Ask During a Job Interview
Job interviews can be stressful and nerve-wracking. It can be hard enough answering the interviewer’s question let alone know what to ask during a job interview yourself.
But as long as you stay calm and ask these simple questions, you will learn more about your role and look professional at the same time.
Want more help furthering your career or entrepreneurial pursuits? Browse our business articles for tons of useful tips!
