9 Questions You Should Ask In An Interview

Interviews can be stressful, especially if you’re feeling underprepared.

Being prepared can set you up for success and help you feel more confident about your interview.

Employers are looking for candidates who are well prepared, engaged during the interview, and show high levels of interest.

An interview is a two-way conversation where both parties are actively engaged and asking questions.

Not only should you be asking questions to impress the employer, but you also want to find out if this position is the right fit for you. The key is to prepare the right questions to ask that help you learn the most about the position and the company while showing that you did your research and are serious about the position.

The best questions come naturally from the conversation but preparing prompt questions to ask at the end of the interview is effective in leaving a good impression.

Here are 9 great prompt questions to keep in mind before your next interview:

1. What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?

Employers usually cover this at the beginning of the interview but if they don’t, it’s a great way to learn more about the position and go more in-depth. 

Learning more about the day-to-day tasks gives a better understanding of what an average day in this position looks like and what skills are needed.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask them to be more specific about certain responsibilities. This is a great way to show that you were actively listening and interested to hear more.

2. What does training look like for this position?

You can learn a lot about how the employer invests in its employees by asking this question.

When a strong training program is in place it helps you strengthen and gain new skills and knowledge. The more training you receive, the more prepared you will be to complete the day-to-day responsibilities of your job.

3. What is the process for performance reviews?

This question gives you a chance to see how the employer invests in their employees. 

During performance reviews, managers demonstrate that they’re invested in your development by sharing feedback and helping you identify key goals to achieve in the future.

4. What are the company’s core values and what characteristics do you look for in employees to represent that?

This question not only shows your interest in the company but also gives you a look at if your personality and skills fit with the company culture.

If the company values match your own, that’s a good indicator you’ll be highly motivated in this position. 

Also, you’ll likely find success in this role if you have many of the characteristics they’re looking for.

5. Are there opportunities for career advancement and how does someone attain that?

By asking this question, you are demonstrating your interest in growing with the company. Be confident but avoid sounding too self-serving like asking when you can expect a raise.

This is also a good question to discover what advancement looks like within the organization and what steps need to be taken in order to obtain it. You may want to avoid working for a company that doesn’t have many career advancement opportunities.

6. Do you offer any employee benefits and if so, what does that include?

The benefit package that employers offer should be an important factor in your decision-making process.

Employers usually provide a summary of their benefits but asking this question during an interview will give you the chance to learn in more detail.

Be wary of employers who don’t offer many employee benefits, as this may be a reflection of how they invest in their employees.

7. What is the most important aspect of this role and how does it contribute to the goals of the company?

This question is important to ask in an interview because it provides better insight into the position and how it fits within the company. 

In-depth and engaging questions like this show the employer you’re a team player. 

Employers look for candidates that want to contribute to the success of the company and support other employees.

8. Has the company had any layoffs?

Understanding the stability of the position and the company during the interview is important. This also gives the interviewer an opportunity to talk about the future and growth of the company.

If the employer does not sound excited about the future or tries to dodge the question, this is a red flag. Companies that are growth-oriented are excited to talk that the future and their success.

9. What are the next steps in the interview process?

To wrap up the interview, ask about what the next steps are. Not only will it show that you are eager to move forward in the process, but it will give you a better idea of what to expect.

Conclusion

An interview is a two-way conversation and is not only an opportunity to impress the employer but also a chance to see if the position is a good fit for you.

Do your research and choose at least 3 of these prompt questions to ask during your next interview.

And remember, the best questions come naturally from the conversation but it’s always a good idea to have some of these questions prepared beforehand.