10 Questions Every Applicant Should Ask Their Interviewer

You will often hear that employers are looking for the ‘right fit’ for their positions, but it is important to keep in mind that workplace fit is a two-way street. To help determine if a job or company is the right fit for you, consider asking these 10 questions.

Focus on Culture:

You spend a lot of time at work. Understanding the environment you are in and how the team works together can have a big impact on your overall satisfaction with your job.

  • What do you like about working for this company?
  • Can you tell me a little bit about your company culture?

 

Focus on Expectations:

It is important to know what is expected of you, getting clarity on those expectations will help you decide if you will feel challenged enough, or if you might be jumping in over your head.

  • What will be my primary goals for the first 90 days in this position?
  • What does success look like in this role?

 

 

Focus on Leadership:

Many people have left jobs they are good at simply because they didn’t mesh well with the leadership style. Whether you need a manager that is more hands on or one that gives you more autonomy – these questions will help you learn what you are dealing with and also what the company values. 

  • Who will I be reporting to, and can you describe his/her leadership style?
  • When hiring for this position what character traits are most important?

 

 

Focus on The Future:

Not only will these questions help you see what future career path may be available for you in this company, it will also tell the interviewer you are looking at the long term possibilities. 

  • How has this position changed or evolved over the years?
  • How do you encourage the ongoing training and development of your employees?

 

 

Focus on Sealing the Deal:

Many times when interviewing candidates forget this crucial step. These questions provide you an opportunity to clear up any hesitations an interviewer may have and also helps you identify a timeline while showing them you respect their process. It also gives you a chance to see where you stand and get a pulse of how the interview went. 

  • Is there anything that has you questioning whether I would be the right fit for this role?
  • When do you expect to make a decision about this position, and what is the most appropriate way to follow up with you?

 

 

Timing and Tone Can Make All the Difference:

We are not suggesting that you ask all these questions in every interview, nor might they all be appropriate it all depends on the situation. You want to be sure that you are reading the engagement and body language of your interviewer. Pay attention to cues and keep the interview conversational.

 

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