The Watercooler

What Questions Should You Ask Employers During an Interview?

interview in office

“So, what questions do you have for me?”

At some point – probably near the end – of your job interview, you’re likely to hear this from a potential employer. If not, you need to broach the subject proactively before you conclude your meeting. It’s important for two reasons:

  1. It’s your opportunity to ensure you have fully assessed the role and the company, so you can make an informed decision whether working there would be the right move for you, and
  2. The interview isn’t over yet. Asking the right questions can help demonstrate any skills, qualifications or personality traits you still need to touch upon, to firmly underline the fact that you’re the right hiring choice.

There are many good questions to ask your interviewers. To zero in on five thoughtful ones:

  1. Where do you think this company will be in five years?

The flip side of a question typically asked by interviewers, this one shows that you’re invested in a company’s future and plan to stick around long enough to be a part of it. And of course, it can hopefully remove any lingering doubts you may have at this point about the staying power of the job opportunity.

  1. What do you do better than your competition?

This question demonstrates that you think beyond day-to-day tasks and are looking at the value you could add to a company’s bigger business picture. Two additional pluses: It shows you’re eager to learn more about the organization, and it gives the employer an additional chance to speak positively about their company.

  1. How would you describe your company’s management style?

Management styles can vary greatly from one work environment to the next, and it’s critical to find the right match for you and your work style. For instance, one company may be more relaxed and laid back, while another is more strict and deadline-focused.

  1. What kinds of growth opportunities are there within your company for whomever fills this role?

Here’s another question focused on your long-term commitment – a key factor in employers’ final hiring decisions. This one benefits you as well, at it give you an idea how easy (or not!) it will be to grow your career with a particular organization.

  1. How long has this position been open?

The response to this question will help define how challenging a position really is, and how eager an employer is to fill it. Also, if a job has been open for a while, there may be more wiggle room for salary and benefit negotiation if you get an offer.

Interview prep can be a lot. To be sure you’re ready to nail your next opportunity, consider working with a career coach pro from PrideStaff Modesto. Contact us today to learn more about this and all the steps to landing your next great career opportunity.