In the competitive job market of today, the interview is your prime opportunity to distinguish yourself from the pack. One surefire way to do this is by asking thoughtful, insightful questions. However, the key is to ask the right questions. The wrong queries could potentially derail your chances of landing the job. In this blog post, we will delve into the top questions you should and shouldn’t ask in an interview.
Table of Contents
- Introduction #introduction
- Why Ask Questions in an Interview? #why-ask-questions-in-an-interview
- Top Questions to Ask #top-questions-to-ask
- Questions to Avoid #questions-to-avoid
- Conclusion #conclusion
Introduction
As an interviewee, you might view the interview as a one-way street, with the interviewer asking the questions and you providing the answers. However, this is a misconception. In reality, an interview is a two-way street, with both parties evaluating each other.
Why Ask Questions in an Interview?
Asking questions during an interview not only helps you gather valuable information about the job and the company, but it also shows the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the role and have done your homework.
Top Questions to Ask
Here are some exemplary questions you could ask in an interview:
- What does a typical day look like in this role?
- What are the opportunities for professional development within the company?
- What is the company’s culture like?
- What are the expectations for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- What are the key challenges this role is likely to encounter?
- How do you measure success in this role?
- What is the company’s leadership style?
Questions to Avoid
Avoid asking questions that show a lack of research or self-centeredness. Here are some examples:
- What does your company do?
- What will my salary be?
- How quickly can I get promoted?
- How soon can I take vacation days?
- Do you check social media accounts?
- Do you do background checks?
Conclusion
Remember, an interview is not just about selling yourself but also about determining if the job and the company are a good fit for you. By asking the right questions, you can leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of getting the job.
“The only stupid question is the one not asked.”
So, don’t be afraid to ask questions in your interview – just make sure they are the right ones!
Cherie Richardson
President
Cherie is the owner and president of Carter Recruiting and Associates. She holds a BA in psychology from the University of Mississippi and has over 30 years of experience in the recruitment of executive and manufacturing professionals. Cherie’s work has been instrumental for new plant start-ups, as well as building and maintaining relationships throughout the region and state of Arkansas. She is a member of the National Association of Female Executives and the National Association of Women Business Owners.