How to Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer

When you go for a job interview, there is one thing that often gets overlooked: the questions you need to ask the interviewer.

It’s natural to focus on preparing answers to the interviewer’s questions, but you should also be prepared to ask questions of your own.

Why?

Because asking the right questions can show your interest, demonstrate that you’ve done your homework, and help you make an informed decision about the job.

In this post, I’ll explain why asking questions is important and how you can prepare them for your next interview.

Let’s get started!

Why Asking Questions is Important

Shows Your Interest in the Job

When you ask thoughtful questions, it shows that you’re interested in the position. Employers appreciate candidates who take the time to think about the company and the role. Asking questions makes you look engaged, serious about the job, and ready to contribute.

Helps You Learn More About the Job

While the interviewer will give you some information about the role, it’s impossible to cover everything. Asking questions helps you fill in the gaps and gives you a better understanding of the daily tasks, expectations, and challenges you might face in the job.

Helps You Understand the Company Culture

Every company has its own unique work culture. By asking questions, you can get a feel for how the team works, the values the company upholds, and whether the environment fits your work style. This is key to deciding if the job will be a good fit for you.

Shows That You Are Prepared

An interview is not just about answering questions; it’s also about proving that you are the right fit for the company. By preparing questions, you demonstrate that you’ve researched the company and the job. This shows that you’re proactive and serious about the opportunity.

Gives You a Chance to Assess the Company

An interview is a two-way process. While the company is assessing you, you are also assessing the company. The questions you ask can give you an insight into how the company treats its employees, what career development opportunities are available, and what the company’s future plans are. This helps you decide if the job aligns with your long-term career goals.

Types of Questions to Ask the Interviewer

There are different types of questions you can ask depending on what you want to learn. Let’s break them down:

1. Questions About the Role

These questions are related to the job itself. They help you understand what your daily tasks will be and what the expectations are.

What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?
What are the most important skills for someone in this position to have?
What are the biggest challenges faced by people in this role?
How does success in this role get measured?
What does the training process look like for new employees?

2. Questions About the Team

These questions help you understand the people you’ll be working with. It’s important to know whether you’ll be working independently or as part of a team.

Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?
What is the management style of the person I’ll report to?
How does the team collaborate on projects?
What’s the team’s culture like?
Are there any team-building activities or events?

3. Questions About Company Culture

Company culture plays a huge role in how comfortable you feel at work. It can also affect your long-term job satisfaction.

How would you describe the company culture here?
What are the company’s values, and how do they play a role in the workplace?
How does the company support work-life balance?
What’s the company’s approach to diversity and inclusion?
How does the company recognize and reward employees for their hard work?

4. Questions About Career Growth and Development

It’s important to know if the company supports your growth and whether there are opportunities to move forward in your career.

Are there opportunities for professional development or further training?
What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
How do employees typically grow within the company?
What support does the company provide for career advancement?
Are there opportunities to take on new projects or responsibilities?

5. Questions About the Company’s Future

Asking questions about the company’s future shows that you’re interested in where the company is heading and how you can contribute to its growth.

What are the company’s long-term goals?
What are the company’s plans for growth or expansion?
How does this role fit into the company’s larger objectives?
What challenges is the company currently facing?
What are the company’s priorities for the next year or two?

6. Questions About Next Steps

At the end of the interview, you should always ask about the next steps in the process. This shows that you’re eager to know when you’ll hear back and what comes next.

What are the next steps in the interview process?
When can I expect to hear back about the decision?
Will there be a second round of interviews or a skills test?

How to Prepare Your Questions

Now that you know what types of questions to ask, here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Do Your Research

Before the interview, spend some time researching the company. Check their website, social media, and any recent news. Look for information about their mission, values, and culture. This will help you ask relevant questions that show you’re interested in the company and the role.

2. Review the Job Description

The job description should give you a good idea of what the role involves. Look for any areas where you might need clarification. This can help you come up with specific questions about the role, such as daily tasks or challenges.

3. Prepare Questions Based on Your Priorities

Think about what’s most important to you in a job. Is it the team dynamics? The opportunities for growth? The company culture? Prepare questions around the things that matter most to you. This will help you make an informed decision about whether the job is right for you.

4. Avoid Asking Questions You Can Easily Find Online

Don’t waste time asking questions that are easily answered on the company’s website or in the job description. For example, don’t ask about the company’s location, size, or basic job duties. Instead, focus on more detailed questions that show you’ve done your homework.

5. Be Flexible

Sometimes the interview will naturally cover some of the questions you prepared. If this happens, don’t be afraid to skip over those questions and ask the ones that are left. If the interviewer has already answered a question, just move on to the next one.

What to Avoid When Asking Questions

While it’s important to ask questions, there are some things you should avoid doing:

Avoid Questions About Salary or Benefits Too Early: It’s best to wait until later in the interview or after you’ve received a job offer to discuss salary and benefits.
Don’t Ask Questions That Make You Seem Uninterested: Avoid asking questions like “How soon can I take a vacation?” or “Can I work from home all the time?” These questions can make it look like you’re more interested in perks than the job itself.
Don’t Ask Too Many Questions: You want to ask enough questions to show you’re interested, but don’t overwhelm the interviewer. Keep it balanced.

Conclusion

Asking questions during your interview is a crucial part of the process. It shows that you’re engaged, helps you gather information to make an informed decision, and demonstrates that you’re serious about the role. By preparing thoughtful, relevant questions, you’ll not only impress the interviewer but also gain valuable insight into the job and the company.

So, take the time to prepare your questions before the interview. Think about what matters most to you in a job and use your questions to explore those areas. By asking the right questions, you’ll set yourself up for success and ensure that the job is a good fit for you.

Good luck with your interview preparation!