You’ve finished answering their (many!) questions. Then they ask you if you have any. Don’t say no! Ask a few questions. It shows you’re interested in the position and you’ll learn more about the job—you may even learn something that’ll make you lose interest. Just don’t ask questions that relate to yourself, like compensation, or anything easily searchable because that demonstrates you made no effort to learn about the job. These are some questions you can ask:
What would you like me to accomplish in the first three months? How is the success of this job measured and evaluated?
If you’re already asking about job objectives, the interviewers may feel that thinking about success so early in the process could translate into success on the job. It also suggests you’re confident, excited about the opportunity and eager to start working. Asking this also means you know this job is special—it’s not like any other and you need to know how to succeed right away.
What do your most successful employees do differently?
You don’t settle. Getting this job isn’t enough—you want to be one of the best in the company and you want to be the best at what you do. Also, this shows you’re open to staying with the company, which earns you additional points because companies don’t want people who will quickly jump on to the next opportunity. They want someone they can develop and shape into a leader.
What is the most challenging aspect of this job?
This gives you the opportunity (provided it is true) to tell them you’re great at performing what the interviewers believe is the hardest requirement of the position.
Is there anything about my qualifications that you need me to clarity?
This is the time to clarify! If there’s anything about your background, education, experience, skills or anything else listed on your resume or cover letter that you’re worried the interviewers may misunderstand or harm your chance of earning the job, address it now—you’ll regret not doing so.
What do you like most and least about working here?
This shows you have the courage to address tough issues and seek honesty. If the worst part of working there is a deal-breaker for you, move on. But if it’s something you don’t mind, the job is worth accepting. Asking the interviewers what they like and dislike could also direct the conversation from a formal interview to an informal conversation, and show you’d smoothly fit it in socially.
What are the next steps of the interview process?
This is the simplest method of letting them know you don’t have any more questions and allows them to end the interview.
