10 Perfect Questions For Young Professionals To Ask An Interviewer
Making it to the interview stage is an exciting step. Be proud of yourself! Interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience even when you are super excited about the role. You’re probably worried about what to wear and what questions the interviewer will ask you.
And while these things are crucial, there’s an important interview component that often gets overlooked: questions you can ask the interviewer.
Your main objective is landing the job, yes, but the interview is also a place for you and the interviewer to see if the opportunity is a good fit. So, don’t undermine the importance of asking your interviewer questions about the company and role you are applying for.
It’s totally professional to ask your own questions in interviews and your interviewer will take it as a sign that you’re genuinely interested and have done your part to research the company. A bonus? It could help set you apart from other applicants!
10 Great Questions To Ask An Interviewer:
Gain A Clearer Picture Of The Job/Role
The first set of questions should focus on the job itself. If the job doesn’t appeal to you, it doesn’t really matter how much it pays or how cool the company culture is. A good interviewer will likely answer most of these questions throughout the interview so that by the time you come to the end (which is where you traditionally get to ask your questions) you have answers to most of these but if not, be sure to ask!
1. What does a typical day look like? Are things pretty structured or is each day different?
2. If given this position, what would be expected of me in the first few months?
3. If given this position, who/what teams would I be working with directly?
4. Are there any immediate projects that need to be addressed?
Learn How The Company Runs
Now that you are sold on the ins and outs of the job, be sure to ask about the company. Job seekers have the power in deciding where and with whom you get to share your talents and time with, so be particular!
If you don’t like the company’s stance on social justice issues or don’t like their policies on mental health in the workplace for example, then keep interviewing companies until you find one more in alignment with who you are.
5. Can you tell me about the short and long-term goals of the company?
6. How does your company measure success?
7. Can you speak about the company’s views on things like social issues and equity?
8. What was the company’s response to Covid?
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Get To Know Your Interviewer(s)
At the end of the day, people hire people, not how good you are at Excel or what you know about media strategy. Making your interview personable and human centric is key in helping interviewers liking you and ultimately wanting to hire you.
It’s also a good opportunity for you to see if the people you are interviewing with are people you’d actually want to spend 40 hours a week with.
9. What do you enjoy most about working here?
10. Do you have any last questions for me?
BONUS TIP: Use LinkedIn to research your interviewers before the interview. Do you have any common interests (professionally or personally)? Or perhaps you both went to the same university? Try to incorporate this research into your question formulation in an natural way. Like this:
Jane, I saw on LinkedIn you went to the University of Louisville’s marketing program too. Go Cards! I’m curious, did you feel the program prepared you for a career in marketing? Specifically, your understanding of digital analytics? If not, what have been the key development opportunities you’ve taken to educate yourself in this area since graduating?
Lastly, if you’re curious about anything specific, just ask! These questions are great starting points, but don’t shy away from getting your questions answered. Good luck!
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Meet The Writer!
Hello! My name is Lea Rose and I am an avid writer with a love for all things international. I recently graduated from UNC Charlotte with degrees in Communication Studies as well as Dance Performance and hope to be a full time travel writer one day. My writing primarily focuses on the ways places and experience shape us as individuals. Please feel free to check out my blog or connect with me through LinkedIn or Instagram @writtenworldblog.
