Questions for the Hiring Company
Many candidates are stumped when it comes to what questions to ask at the end of an interview. When the hiring manager is wrapping up with that last, beautiful open ended question: Do you have any questions for me?
Doing your homework about a company is a major plus before you go for that in-person interview. However, if you have no questions; that means the interviewer either covered every conceivable topic, or you are perceived as not actually being interested.
Assuming these areas have not already been addressed, you can learn a great deal about the company and the position by asking:
I once interviewed a recent high school graduate for a receptionist position. She had a list often questions at the end of the interview, including: Who are your major competitors? Are your financial records open to the employees? It appears to me you may not be marketing your product to the correct vertical market, would you be open to discussing this? And my favorite…Have you considered redesigning your electronics to incorporate the latest in RF technology?
She read these questions from a bulleted list without waiting for answers in between. It was obvious she was coached by someone and had no idea what she was asking.
You want to leave the interviewer with the impression that you are first and foremost interested in the job and the company.
Doing your homework about a company is a major plus before you go for that in-person interview. However, if you have no questions; that means the interviewer either covered every conceivable topic, or you are perceived as not actually being interested.
What Not to Ask
Most people know NOT to ask: What does this pay? When do I get my first pay raise? What are the benefits? When do the benefits start? What are the hours? When can I take my first vacation day? When can I schedule my first surgery? These all translate into: I’m not really interested in the job or the company; I just want to know what’s in it for me.Assuming these areas have not already been addressed, you can learn a great deal about the company and the position by asking:
- How would you describe the company culture?
- How long have you been with the company? What attracted you to the company? What attracted you to your current role?
- I’m very interested in this opportunity, is there anything else I can tell you or share with you that will help you to see me as the perfect employee?
Appropriate Questions
One final word of caution: Ask appropriate questions of the appropriate person, and only if they apply to the role you are seeking.I once interviewed a recent high school graduate for a receptionist position. She had a list often questions at the end of the interview, including: Who are your major competitors? Are your financial records open to the employees? It appears to me you may not be marketing your product to the correct vertical market, would you be open to discussing this? And my favorite…Have you considered redesigning your electronics to incorporate the latest in RF technology?
She read these questions from a bulleted list without waiting for answers in between. It was obvious she was coached by someone and had no idea what she was asking.
You want to leave the interviewer with the impression that you are first and foremost interested in the job and the company.