CandoCareer.com

Professional Resume Writing & Interview Preparation Services

What Questions Should You Ask in an Interview?

Make sure you are prepared to ask questions about the position and the company. Generally, you will be given an opportunity to ask questions near the end of the interview. The interviewer will usually ask if you have any questions - you should have at least two or three prepared. If you don't, the employer may think you are not really interested in the company.

Use the opportunity to ask questions that demonstrate your knowledge of the company and the industry. Show that you are interested in a long-term career that will be beneficial to both you and the organization. Don't allow this to become an interrogation, however - ask no more than four questions.

Do you know what questions you can ask at the interview?

It depends on your situation, the position you are applying for, and your relationship with the interviewer(s) and the organization. Below are some common questions:

What would a normal working day be like?
Can you explain the position and the type of candidate you would like to hire?
What do you expect from the successful candidate in the first two months?
Is this a newly created position? If not, what happened to the person who held this position?
Who will the new employee report to?
Do you see any major changes within the company that will affect this position?
How often are performance reviews given?
Is it possible to tour the facility?
Does the company provide any training or other educational opportunities for staff?
What is the dress code?

At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Give a short, concise summary of your qualifications, and stress your interest in the position. Here are some examples:

"This interview has convinced me that my abilities match your company's needs. I am extremely interested in the position - I know it's a perfect match."

"Can I ask what the next step is." or "When can I expect to hear from you?"

"Could I call you in a few days to check on the status of my application?"

The same day or the next day, send a personalized thank-you letter to refresh the interviewer's memory of you. This is your opportunity to mention any experience or skills that were not discussed in your interview. If possible, try to offer new information or discuss something that happened in the interview.

A "post-interview assessment", which is an careful analysis of what you did right and what you could improve on during the interview, can help improve your interview technique, build your confidence, and perfect your interviewing skills. After each interview, you will be able to fine-tune weak areas - after all, practice makes perfect. Analyzing the interview and discussing your feelings during and after it can be very helpful in preparing for the next interview.