It’s customary for interviewers to ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” at the end of your interview. There’s usually an awkward silence when asked this, followed by an “um, no, I don’t have any questions at the moment.” We often think that interviews are solely for employers to evaluate us and get to know us past a resume. While this is partially true, we also have to remember that interviews are our opportunity as potential hires to know more about the company, their values, and whether or not we feel the job is right for us. Here are some professional and thoughtful questions that you can ask your potential employer to not only impress them but also help you get a feel for the job!
1. What does success look like in this position? How do you evaluate success?
Every employer will have a different vision of success, so make sure you ask to be on the same page and have a clear understanding of what you need to aim for in order to be successful.
2. What will my day-to-day look like?
It’s essential to know what exactly your daily tasks entail. Try to have your employer answer this question as detailed as possible, so there are no surprises or confusion on what’s expected of you!
3. How would you describe the culture and community of this company?
The culture of a company is different from the job position. Company culture refers to the working environment and how the company treats their employees. If you’re going to be a part of their team, make sure you know how they plan on treating you and your coworkers!
4. How do you think this company demonstrates its values?
It’s easy for a company to say that they value family, honesty, and equality – but how exactly do they do that? Actions do speak louder than words, so make sure the company you’re applying to not only says the right things but they actually act on it!
5. What do you enjoy most about working for this company?
A great way to gauge how a company values its employees is to see how current employees feel about the company! If their answers seem generic or forced to this question, you might want to reconsider working for this company or ask more questions to get a clearer picture.
6. What are the biggest challenges the company is facing right now, and how can my position help overcome those challenges?
It’s important for employers to be transparent with their employees, especially when it comes to factors that affect operations. Asking this question to your potential employer will not only have you stand out during the interview, it will help you understand where you’re needed and if you have the skills to help the company flourish.
7. Do you need me to clarify or elaborate on anything regarding my suitability for this position?
This is a great “closing” question because you tie the interview back to yourself, and your interviewer will be the one to say they don’t have any further questions. This also allows you to address any missing information from your resume in person so that assumptions can be avoided! There are plenty of questions you can ask, but just make sure you go into your interview with the mindset that the experience is meant for both you and your potential employer.