Strategic Questions to Ask an Interviewer

“Do you have any questions for me?”

The pressure is on! This can be one of the most intimidating questions asked in an interview if you aren’t prepared. However, it’s essential that you deliver appropriately.

It’s always suggested that you ask something. Any question is better than no question, but if prepared wisely, the questions you ask can be used to your advantage.

There are countless strategic questions to ask an interviewer. Yes, the interviewer is seeing if you are the right fit for their open position, but you need to make sure it’s the right fit for you, too. Here are some of KRG’s favorite questions to help you dig a little deeper, and find out if it’s your perfect fit.

Why is this position open?

If you are looking to join an organization where there is opportunity for growth and promotion, this is a great question to ask. It would be ideal to hear that the position is open because the person in the role before you has been promoted internally, or that the company is thriving and added a new role. However, don’t immediately be turned off if this isn’t the case. You can easily follow up this question by asking about advancement opportunities.

What does a typical day in this position look like?

The answer to this question will, again, make sure it’s the kind of job you are looking for. You will get a better idea of the work environment, whether it be fast or slow paced, and what other departments you will be collaborating with most often.

What are the first 30 days expected to look like? How is success in this position measured?Can I expect weekly, monthly, quarterly feedback while I’m training?

Even if you’ve mastered the necessary skills, thorough training and feedback is essential in any role. This is a roundabout way to ask about the company’s training procedures and how your progress will be tracked while you are learning.

What personal qualities/characteristics would help someone succeed in this position?

This question will show that you are engaged and genuinely interested in learning more about the role, which is really important to prove throughout the interview. It’s also a secretive way to sell yourself. For example, if the interviewer says they are looking for someone who can multitask, be sure to follow up by giving examples of when you had to multitask in previous positions.

How long have you been working here? May I ask how you got started, and why you decided to join the company?

Another great question to show genuine interest, and show you’re eager to learn more about the company. Take note of how long your interviewer has been with the organization and what sold them on accepting an offer.

What advice would you give a new employee starting out with this organization?

Absorb as much knowledge as you can from the interviewer. They were a new employee at this company once, and their advice can make your first weeks/months that much more successful.

These are only six of our recruiters’ favorite questions for interviewees to ask, but they could easily list hundreds. To avoid being overly repetitive from other sources already out there, here are some other helpful links with more fantastic examples:

https://www.themuse.com/advice/51-interview-questions-you-should-be-asking

https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/the-45-questions-you-should-ask-in-every-job-interview/

https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/the-complete-list-of-essential-questions-to-ask-during-an-interview

https://www.businessinsider.com/questions-to-ask-at-end-of-job-interview-2016-4

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email