A job interview is not only a chance to convince the employer that you are perfect for the job, it is also an opportunity to find out if the company is perfect for you. This is why it’s important to be prepared when the interviewer asks: “Do you have questions for me?” It’s your cue to know more about the job, the team you’ll be working with, and the company’s culture.

Having one to two questions ready is usually enough. However, if there is time and the interviewer is receptive, grab the chance to ask more questions. Aim for questions that will help you understand your role and emphasize your professionalism. In this way, aside from knowing more about the job and the company, you can boost your chances of getting hired as well. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Build off of the conversation

   Keep the conversation going smoothly by asking questions about points in your discussion you want to know more about. Did the employer mention something about the project you will be involved in that wasn’t clear to you? Was there something mentioned about company culture that you’d like them to explain further? Or maybe the employer mentioned a responsibility that was not in the job ad. This is a good way to clarify important points in the discussion and show them that you are actively listening.

2. If hired, what are my top three deliverables in the first month?

   Asking this question shows that you are goal-oriented. Ask this especially if the department head/boss of the section you’ll belong to is present during the interview. The answer will give you a good picture of the kind of workload you’ll have if hired, as well as company’s priorities. It will give you a chance to plan and strategize before you even take on the role.

3. What are the company’s current goals and how does this team work to support hitting those goals?

   Frame this question with information you learned about the company in your research. For example, you can say “I read from your 2023 annual report that the company’s goal is to expand its markets to X % by 2030. What specific strategies are you focusing on to reach this goal and how does this team work (the team you’re aiming to be a part of) to support these goals?” The answer will give you a better appreciation of the company’s direction as well as your position’s importance in the scheme of things.

4. Is there anything that concerns you about my qualifications or skills for this role?

   This is a great question to ask especially towards the end of the interview. It accomplishes three things: First, the interviewer’s answer will give you an idea of your chances of getting the job. Second, it will allow you to address any objections they might have. And third, it will give you useful feedback that will help you in your career.

   If the interviewer responds with, “No concerns at all. I think you’ll be a good fit for the role” then you know that you’re in the running. However, if they respond with something like “We usually require X years of experience in (particular field/aspect of the job) for this position and you only have X years” or if they express concern over an answer you made earlier, then you have work to do. Take it as an opportunity to provide clarification or highlight a different skill/experience that can make up for what you lack.

5. What do you like about working here?

   This is a good question to ask especially if you have built rapport with the interviewer. You may preface this with “I hope I’m not being too personal, but…” This is a good question to ask because it will give you a broad sense of the company’s culture. It’s a good sign if the interviewer is enthusiastic and has a lot to share. Proceed with caution if they find it hard to answer the question.

Questions not to ask

Avoid asking these questions early in the discussion:

• Will I get an office or a cubicle?
• How many days am I allowed for vacation?
• What are the benefits? Are there perks and discounts?
• How quickly can I get promoted?

It is understandable that you would want to know the salary and benefits, especially if the job ad did not specify the salary range (which is considered a red flag in itself, but this is another topic for a different article). However, some employers might consider such questions presumptuous and sometimes, it’s better to play safe. Assess the situation first, and if you feel that the interview is going well, you can say “I’m really excited about this opportunity. I’m sure that as a leader in the _____ industry, you would provide a reasonable compensation that matches the value I can bring to the organization. Can you give me an idea about what you’ve budgeted for this position?”

Don’t worry, you’ll be given a chance to review the full compensation package and negotiate the salary and benefits when you’re given the offer. For more tips about reviewing a job offer, read Before you accept the job offer…

 
Sources: 51 great questions to ask in an interview, The Muse; The best questions to ask at the end of every job interview, Gillet, Cain and Hadden, Business Insider; and 10 interview questions you should never ask (and 5 you always should), Kristine Solomon of LearnVest, the muse. Accessed July 8, 2020.