What questions should you ask the person who is interviewing you?

You’ve made it through most of your interview without falling to pieces, and now the interviewer asks if you have any questions for them. This is the final hurdle – don’t fall! Asking questions at the end of an interview is a fantastic way to leave a lasting impression. Don’t be shy to ask questions – interviewers LOVE this because it shows you’re engaged and are taking the opportunity seriously.

Before your interview, write down a list of questions for the interviewer that you can refer to:

• What do you like about working here?
• Can you tell me more about the training?
• What would my first week look like?
• What opportunities are there for career progression?
• What are the company’s plans for growth over the next 5 years?
• What is the company culture like?
• What are the most challenging parts of the role?
• Do you have any concerns about my ability to succeed in this role?

What are the best questions to ask at the end of an interview?

The best questions to ask at the end of an interview are about the role, duties, company, values and mission. Avoid asking more tedious questions about break times and whether there’s a canteen – these can be verified later down the line and aren’t a deal breaker.

What do you like about working here?

Although the job advert will contain some details about the role, it will never compare to a real life account from an employee. If the interviewer answers this question convincingly and has a lot to say, this is a good sign that this is a great company to work for.

Can you tell me more about the training?

With any new role, you’d hope to receive thorough training to give you the best possible chance of succeeding in the role. But not every company delivers on their training. Asking this question will help you find out if this company is going to set you up for success!

What would my first week look like?

This is a great way to find out about the company’s onboarding process. You want to hear how they’re going to integrate you into the company and teach you the ropes. Ideally, companies will have a structured plan for your orientation and won’t throw you in at the deep end.

What opportunities are there for career progression?

Chances are you want to find a company that can provide plenty of opportunities to progress. If there aren’t any opportunities for you to develop into a more senior role, it doesn’t show promising signs of offering a long-term career opportunity. Look for employers who can provide tangible details about career progression.

What are the company’s plans for growth over the next 5 years?

Employers want to hire people who are genuinely enthusiastic about their mission, and asking this question shows just that. Equally, you want to work for companies who are passionate about their growth and have lots of vision. So be sure to ask this question if it wasn’t covered in the interview.

What is the company culture like?

Finding a new job isn’t just about your skills. It’s also about your personality and how you’ll fit in with the team. In order to flourish, it’s important you find a job you can integrate with culturally, otherwise you may not enjoy your time at the company. Find out if the company culture is sociable, formal, corporate or more laid back. Everyone is different, so make sure it suits your style!

What are the most challenging parts of the role?

You want to get a realistic visual of the role. Every role has its challenges, so be bold and ask the interviewer about the most difficult aspects of the role. You want the interviewer to be transparent with you and to share the details of the role that you might not enjoy.

Do you have any doubts about my ability to succeed in the role?

This is the final question you should ask an interviewer before leaving. Many candidates will shy away from asking this for fear of rejection. But it’s the perfect opportunity to find out about any concerns and address them head on. Not only does this show a great amount of courage, but it will show you’re open to criticism too.

Good questions, good outcome

Asking the hiring manager good questions at the end of your interview can be the difference between a job offer and a job rejection. So take time to prepare your questions in advance! Don’t forget to also look up the UK’s most common interview questions and answers to make sure you’re fully prepared!

For more interview advice, head over to our blog!