Ask Good Interview Questions

An often overlooked, yet high impact, part of the interview is the chance to ask questions.

Ask good questions. Prepare a list of possible questions and priorities the top 2-3 questions that you want to ask. 

Since, you may only get 5 minutes at the end of the interview. Use them wisely.

Consider what you still need to know in order to assess whether the job is a good opportunity for you.

• Would you give me more details about [Insert the area you need to know more about to understand the scope of the position]?
• Would you give me an example of a [project, problem, challenge] that is typical for this position?
• How would you describe the ideal candidate?
• What are the goals for this position and your expectations for the first 30/60/90 days?
• What happened to the person who was previously in this position? Is this a new position?
• What is the biggest problem/challenge that you want this person to solve for you?
• At the end of the year, how would you know this person was successful?
• What are the resources for this position? (Will you have the resources, money, supplies, people, and information to do your job?)

Decide what factors about the culture and which values are important to you and ask for details. Confirm the fit with your work values and priorities

• Using one word, how would you describe the company culture / the team?
• The "About Us" description on the website says that the company values [its employees, innovation, its customers], would you give me an example?
• Why did you join the company? Why do you stay?
• How was a recent decision made and implemented? (Listen to understand process and involvement of team members)
• Ask your supervisor
  
  • Would you describe your management style?
    
  • How would this position interact with other staff members and other departments?
• Ask the team
  
  • How would you describe the supervisor's management style?
    
  • Would you give me an example of how the team worked together on a recent project?

Understand the process

• What is your timeline for making decisions? 
• What is the next step?
• Do you have any concerns about my candidacy?

Show what you know and verify what you've learned

• I read that [ABC company is merging with DEF]. How will that impact this team?
• I heard that a competitor is launching a new product? How will that change your strategy?