Preparing Questions for Employers

“What questions do you have for us?” Almost every interview will provide the opportunity for you to ask questions. Employers will expect questions and see this as a sign of your preparation. These questions allow you to gain information to determine if the employer and the position are a good fit for your skills, interests, values, and career goals. Have your questions written down and bring them out when it’s your turn to ask questions, ensuring you don’t forget any.

Impressive questions to ask in an interview:

General

• How long have you been at the company/organization and what makes you stay?
• What are some of the short and long term goals of the organization?
• How will I be supervised and evaluated? 
• Do you provide mentors/coaches for new employees?
• Is there support available for professional development and continued learning?

Job Description

• Can you describe a typical day in this type of role?
• Why is this position important to the organization and how it operates?
• Is this a new position or am I replacing someone? 
• Are there opportunities for creativity and individuality for employees?
• What would you anticipate as the most challenging/rewarding parts of this job?

Work Environment

• Will I be working in a team or group?
• How would you describe the work environment and corporate/organizational culture?
• How would you describe the most successful employees in your organization?

Next Steps

• Can you tell me what the next step will be in the hiring process?
• What is your time frame? When should I expect to hear from you?