September 14, 2017

During your job interview, you’re learning about the company just as much as they’re learning about you. Preparing and asking the right questions shows your commitment to your career and your enthusiasm for the position. One of the worst interview mistakes is not asking any questions at all, so it definitely helps to be prepared—it will make you look good, and it will also help you make a wise decision about your future.

Smart questions to ask

Remember, you’re trying to figure out if the company is a good fit for you. When you have your questions ready in advance, you may find that some are automatically answered for you during the interview. Don’t be afraid to take notes during your interview—you can review these afterward to reflect on what you discovered.

To learn more about the company, ask any of the following:

  1. How would you describe your company culture?
  2. What are the most important skills a candidate needs to excel in this job role?
  3. What are the biggest opportunities this company is currently facing? What are the biggest challenges?
  4. What’s your favorite part about working here?
  5. What is your least favorite thing about working here?
  6. What is this company’s management style?
  7. How much, if any, travel is expected?
  8. What is the career path usually like for someone in this role?
  9. How do I compare to other candidates who have interviewed for this job?
  10. What additional information can I provide about my qualifications?

With all of these questions, you’ll gain valuable information about the company culture, the possibility for advancement, what you can expect and what you might wish to avoid. All of this can help shape your decision to take the job if it’s offered or decline it for a better fit.

Do your homework

In addition to asking questions, you can also get an impression of the company by reading online reviews. This will allow you to gather what you can from the reported experiences of current and past employees. Always hold this information at an arm’s length though, because you can’t believe everything you read on the internet. However, look for common themes among review posts.

Looking for your next job?

Maybe your interview made you decide to look for something else. We place qualified candidates in Office/Clerical, Industrial, Technical and Professional/Managerial positions, in the Tri-State area, and we’re looking for you! To learn more, contact us today.

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