Navigating the final moments of a job interview is crucial, especially when you're invited to ask questions. But the question is, what do you ask your potential employer?
This moment is the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into the company culture, know more about the team, understand the employee benefits, and assess if the employer can support your career growth goals.
Thoughtful job interview questions not only demonstrate your commitment and professionalism but also reinforce your suitability for the job role. They allow you to address any uncertainties, highlight your strengths, and show that you've done your research for the job.
To make the most of this opportunity and leave a lasting impression, it's essential to prepare key questions in advance. In this article, explore 8 job interview questions you can ask at the end of your job interview to find out more about the job role and organisation.
questions to assess whether you’re the right fit for the job role
Asking questions at the end of a job interview serves two purposes:
- Clarify any remaining uncertainties about the job role or company.
- Highlight your skills and how they align with the position.
Prior to the interview, it’s important to identify the key messages you want to convey about your expertise and abilities. This preparation ensures that your questions reinforce your suitability for the role, demonstrating your proactive engagement and strategic thinking.
There is a third purpose to asking your hiring manager job interview questions. Asking targeted, personalised questions about your fit for the role can help potential employers visualise you doing the job, according to career strategist John Lees.
1. what will a day for me look like?
Asking your interviewer about what daily tasks you will be working on helps you gain a clear understanding of your job scope, so you can assess whether the role aligns with your skills and expectations. You’ll also be able to decide whether the job's tasks and challenges are something you will find engaging and manageable.
Asking about your daily tasks also demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and your commitment to being prepared for your responsibilities.
2. what metrics or goals will my performance be evaluated against?
Understanding how your performance will be evaluated provides clarity on the job expectations, allowing you to gauge if the role is a good fit for your skills and career goals.
When you find out how you’ll be evaluated, you will learn which job responsibilities are key to your success. If the manager can't define success for the position, proceed with caution.
3. what are my opportunities for professional development?
Like many job interview questions on the list, this is another useful two-pronged approach to finding out more about your prospective employer, while clarifying how the organisation can support your career.
This question underscores your dedication to personal growth and skill enhancement while finding out how much your employer invests in their people’s development.
Lifelong learning is especially crucial for keeping one’s skills relevant, especially in a competitive global job market. The last thing you want to do, regardless of which stage of your career you are in, is to be saddled with a dead-end role.
4. what are some of the challenges I might face in this role?
Some key factors to consider when deciding if a role will suit you are the challenges you may face. This might include demanding clients, tricky budget constraints, or different personalities on the team that demand patience and skills to manage.
These elements hinge a lot on your personality - if you’re a non-confrontational person who prefers to work behind the scenes, the challenges of working with a team that has a more straightforward style of communication may not be suitable.
Discussing these challenges with your interviewer can also provide an opportunity to highlight how you've successfully managed similar situations in the past.
5. can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with?
Similar to the previous question, understanding the people and team you'll be working with in your future job is important because it directly impacts your workplace satisfaction and overall well-being.
Knowing the team's interpersonal dynamics and working styles helps you assess whether you’ll fit in and thrive within the environment. It also allows you to build strong relationships from the start, which is key to effective teamwork and communication.
6. do you have any feedback on my skills, experience or interview performance?
Asking for post-interview feedback allows you to show hiring managers that you’re open to constructive criticism while gathering points for improvement. If a hiring manager or potential employer is sincere about offering helpful information, it could point towards having a culture of transparent and supportive management.
Their guidance can also be used as an encouragement for you to explore new roles, industries, or skill sets, aligning your career path more closely with your strengths and market demands.
7. how did this position become available?
Most of the time, the answer to this question is shared with you by a recruiter or at the first interview.
However, if it has never been brought up before, now is a good time to ask. If it’s a newly created position, it could indicate that the company is investing in expansion and diversification and will likely value your skills and experience.
If it’s to replace someone who has recently left the organisation, this is not a red flag in itself. You can follow up with more job interview questions to understand the average tenure in the team to determine whether the company faces high turnover rates — which could be indicative of a bad manager, a toxic workplace culture or overwhelming workloads.
8. what is your favourite thing about working here?
Typically, people who enjoy their jobs and their work environment will have good memories, or experiences to share readily. But if the answer to your question is awkward silence or the interviewer struggles to answer, that’s telling of a certain work culture.
But if you get a blank stare or a long silence before your interviewer answers, or the answer is something like “the paycheck,” consider that a red flag. And, of course, if everyone raves about the company's happy hours and frequent team-building events and you’re an introvert who prefers to mostly keep to yourself, that’s useful information to take into account too.
don’t forget to thank your interviewers
Sending a thank-you email after a job interview is more than just a courteous gesture - it's a strategic move that can significantly improve your job prospects.
In today's competitive job market, small actions can make a big difference. Employers often face tough decisions when choosing between candidates, and those who express gratitude and professionalism tend to leave a more favourable impression.
A well-crafted thank-you note can set you apart from other candidates by showcasing your attentiveness and interest in the role. It's a good chance for you to highlight specific topics from the interview that resonated with you or to follow-up with some of the information needed, such as proof of certificate or a link to your digital portfolio.
Additionally, a thank-you email opens the door to future opportunities, even if you don't land the job immediately. Maintaining a positive relationship with potential employers can lead to networking benefits and potential job offers down the road.
Here’s a thank you template you can use after job interviews. You can edit it to suit your experience and writing style.
thank you email template to send after job interviews
Email Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. It was a pleasure speaking with you and learning more about the exciting work being done with your team.
I am excited about the prospect of joining [Company Name]. Our conversation has strengthened my interest in the role, and I believe my skills and experience could genuinely contribute to [specific aspect of the job or company you discussed]. I also look forward to all the learning opportunities with your team and courses which your company offers.
Thank you again for your time and consideration, and please feel free to reach out if you need any additional information.
Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
always be prepared for job interviews
Navigating the job market can be daunting, no matter your age and experience. By asking the right job interview questions, you’ll be able to gather important information and position yourself as a thoughtful, genuine and engaged job seeker.
This is why you should always prepare for job interviews, no matter how many times you’ve done it before. Connect with our specialist recruiters who can help you navigate the interview process so that you’re always prepared to answer any questions, no matter how challenging they may be.
Equip yourself with these questions, and you’ll be well-prepared to make informed decisions about your career path. Explore our latest job listings, explore your career options, and apply for a role today.