A job interview should not be completely one sided. Just as it is the employer’s opportunity to get to know you, it is also your opportunity to get to know the company and the position. Below you’ll find a list of questions you may want to consider asking during the interview.
- Why is the position vacant?
- How would you describe the management philosophy of the company?
- How much autonomy would I have in this position?
- Who would I report to? What other key people would I be in contact with?
- Can you tell me more about what your expectations are for the person who fills this position?
- Do you have a formal training program? What kind of training is provided?
- How will my performance be evaluated? How often are evaluations completed?
- How is your company different from your major competitors?
- What do you consider the biggest problems or challenges facing this industry/field?
- What do you see for this company in the future?
- Where does the hiring process go from here? What’s the next step?
- What not to ask: Avoid asking questions about benefits, vacation, sick time, etc. These questions should be asked after the position has been offered, not at the initial interview.
- How much travel will normally be required by this position?
- Do you promote from within whenever possible?
- Is it possible that I will be asked to relocate?
- What type of training will I receive for this position?
- Does your company abide by a specific “dress code”?
- How often are performance reviews given?
- What is a typical day like in this position?
- Is it possible to transfer from one division to another within the company?
- Why are you looking outside the company for someone to fill this job?
- How soon after graduation would the starting date be for this position?
- What job qualifications do you consider most important?
- Will I be asked to use my own car for company travel?
- Should I plan on working various hours outside of those stated in the job description I received or is the “work day” pretty much as stated?
- If selected for the position, will the company pay for or assist in moving me (and my family)?
- Why did the previous employee leave this position?
- Is this a new position?
- What happened to the last person who filled this position?
- What duties and responsibilities does this job entail?
- Do you have a detailed job description that I can have?
- How would you describe a typical day?
- What is the best experience and background for this position?
- What qualities do you look for in an employee?
- What do you see as the priorities for someone in this position?
- What might I expect during the first few months?
- What would be a typical assignment?
- What level of responsibility could I expect in this position?
- What problems or opportunities might I expect on this job?
- What type of orientation is offered to new employees?
- What type of training is offered to new employees?
- Is continuing education encouraged?
- How long have you been with the company and what positions have you held?
- What do you like/dislike about the company?
- How would you describe the organization’s management style?
- Who would be my supervisor and will I get the opportunity to meet that individual?
- Could you tell me about the people I will be working with?
- How would you describe the corporate culture?
- What is the “work ethic” of this organization?
- Is travel required with this position?
- If so, how frequent?
- Are there opportunities for growth within the company?
- Does your company have regular performance evaluations?
- What is a realistic timeframe for promotion?
- What professional involvements do you view to be important?
- What are the company’s goals for the future?
- In what areas of the organization do you expect growth?
- What do you see as the greatest threat to this company?
- Where do you see this job in one to three years?
- Is there a typical career path for a person in this position?
- How does an individual advance in this company?
- What else can I tell you about my skills and qualifications?
- When do you expect to make a decision and when will I hear from you?
- Could you give me a brief tour? I would enjoy seeing the facility.
