Should you ask questions in a job interview? Yes, absolutely. Doing so will show you’re engaged and interested in the opportunity. That being said, avoid rapid-fire. Instead, keep the questions to about 3-4 in each interview, depending on what the interviewer has covered already (pay attention, please) and what stage you’re at in the interview process.
Early questions should ensure that you have a good understanding of the job duties. What does a typical day look like? What tasks and skills will be most necessary? After that, you need to broaden your understanding of how you will fit the job, the team, and the company culture. We asked our HT Group recruiters, practice directors, and account executives what interview question they recommend asking most often during this middle stage. Use these answers to craft your own line of questioning:
Do You Have Any Concerns About Me Or My Ability To Be Successful In This Position?
“Not only does this question allow you to address the concerns, but it also shows the client that you want to put your best foot forward,” says The HT Group Technical Recruiter Claire Arriaga. “For example, if the concern is that you don’t have enough experience in Java, you may be able to explain your similar experience in another language/framework. You can showcase yourself in a different light, provide a new example, prove your capabilities.”
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How Do You Measure Success In This Role?
“This lets the candidate see the expectation the employer has for this role and how that expectation can be achieved,” says Staffing Account Executive Chandler Davis. Staffing Recruiter Camila Lopez suggests a slightly modified question: “What have past employees done to succeed in this position?” Asking in this way gives the interviewer a chance to reveal how the company perceives success even when there are no defined measurements in place.
Can You Tell Me What Expectations You Have For This Role In The First 90 Days, 6 Months, And Long Term?
Employers will often use the term “hit the ground running,” but truly doing that isn’t realistic. “It’s important to get a good idea of expectations,” says The HT Group Vice President of Sales Claire Reese, CSP. “What will you be expected to accomplish in your first few months, and how will that change over time?”
Can You Tell Me About A Typical Path To Growth At This Company?
“It’s vital that a candidate ask if the potential employer has a ‘career map’ which outlines long-term growth opportunities within their organization based on their respective skillset,” says Practice Director of Professional Search Services Dave Benjamin. “As the job market becomes more competitive, culture and the opportunity for future growth are crucial differentiators and are become top-of-mind in many candidates’ eyes.” Junior Staffing Recruiter Gracen Pizzitola adds that there’s a subtle reason asking the question could win you points. “It lets the employer know that you’re a loyal employee and plan to stay with them for the long haul,” she states.
Why Is This Position Open?
Are you good at reading non-verbal cues? If so, then this question is a gem. “If the position is open because someone left, how the employer reacts to the question can be telling,” says Account Executive Chandler Davis. Many employers are experienced at reading body language, but job candidates rarely study up on the same. Check out these MasterClass tips, and you may find out more about the position or the hiring manager than they’re telling you.
What Do You Like Most About Working Here?
Pizzitola loves this question because it can give you insights into the company culture and the personality traits that fit well with the job. A related question posed by Account Executive Michelle O’Keefe is, “What attracted you to the company, and what has made you stay throughout your time here?” These questions are essential icebreakers for having authentic conversations about the culture. “Everyone has a different response, and it opens a larger conversation on the company and what to expect out of them as an employer,” O’Keefe says.
How Would You Describe The Company Culture?
This is another iteration of the previous question. You should have done your research on the company by now and know what the company “says” its culture is. But that can differ significantly within departments or teams. This question can root out that discrepancy. “I feel it’s essential for someone to know if they can see themselves being a fit with the others in the department or company,” says Executive Recruiter David Perez. “I’ve seen some candidates not like working at a company because of different cliques and being excluded. If you’re going to take a job and risk leaving where you’re at currently, I believe this question brings value.”
Can You Tell Me More About The Team I’ll Be Working With? Can I Meet Them?
In specific job functions—certainly software development and sales—your team dynamic can make or break your success at the job. That’s why meet-the-team interviews are typical in the final stages of the interview process. If the hiring process proceeds without this critical component, ask about it. And don’t forget to ask specifically about the project(s) you’ll be working on, too, says Technical Recruiter Mary Catherine Price.
How Long Do Your Employees Stay At Your Company?
Quick turnover is a sure warning sign. That’s why Account Executive Amelia Roden recommends this question. “Asking about average tenure per employee is incredibly important because you’ll gain a better understanding of how the company treats and values their employees,” she says.
What Headwinds Or Challenges Do You Anticipate The Company Navigating In The Near Future?
Particularly if you’re interviewing for a mid- or high-level technical or executive position, it’s essential to show your interest in the big, broad corporate picture. Technical Recruiter Scott Courville likes this question because it’ll also give you an idea of opportunities, projects, and plans on the horizon. You can follow it up with a question about what the hiring manager finds exciting about their job. They may not be able to give you details but, if it’s a fun place to work, their eyes should light up nonetheless.
With All Due Respect, Why Should I Work For You?
Feeling bold? The HT Group Practice Director of IT/Technical Services Paul McGaughan asserts it’s a fair question “because you know the hiring manager is going to ask you the same in some form or fashion. The hiring manager’s response will reflect how they sell themselves, the opportunity, and the company.” Prepare to answer the dreaded “Why do you want to work here?” question and then compare the two answers: Do they align?
Remember that the interview process goes both ways. Take the opportunity to ask questions and find your fit. And if you need help connecting to great job opportunities, be sure to reach out to us. We have new jobs—both with clients and internally—every single day.
FIND YOUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY WITH THE HT GROUP
Ready to move your career forward? Connect with The HT Group today!
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