Questions You Should Ask

Toward the end of most job interviews you will be offered the opportunity to ask questions. This is your chance to fill any gaps in your knowledge about the job and the organisation and clarify the next step in the interview process. It is important that you ask a least one question, otherwise it may seem that you don't really have any interest in the job or the company. However, don't ask a question simply for the sake of it; make sure that the answer isn't obvious or readily available or is something that you have already discussed in the interview. You should also avoid asking about salary and benefits unless they are raised by the interviewer.

Focus your questions on the job, rather than on general information. They should reflect your eagerness to work for the organisation and show evidence of thorough research.

Questions About the Job

• Why has the job become vacant?
• Where does this position fit in the overall organisation?
• What are the day-to-day expectations and responsibilities of this job?
• Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?
• What is the biggest challenge facing this team at the moment?
• What are the strengths and limitations within the team?
• What will you expect from me in the next six months?
• How will my performance be measured? How often?
• What development opportunities are there?
• What would my future career prospects be?

Questions About the Company

• Could you clarify the structure of the organisation?
• What are your strategies for growth?
• Can you describe the company's management style?
• Does the company support ongoing training and education for employees to stay current in their fields?
• What are the traits and skills of people who are the most successful within the organisation?
• What plans are there for reorganisation, expansion or retrenchment?
• Who are the company's major competitors?
• Who are your major customers? Are they mostly local, national or international?
• What do you think is the greatest opportunity facing the company in the near future? What is the biggest threat?
• Why did you come to work here? What keeps you here?

Questions About Your Future Colleagues

• Who would I report to?
• How many people will be reporting to me?
• Are they all located in one place?
• What is their experience level?
• Does management have regular meetings?

Questions About the Interview Process

• When will I hear from you?
• What is the next step in the process?
• How will I be informed of your decision?
• Do you need any further information from me?

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