How to: Interview the Interviewer
At the end of a job interview, the standard question is, “do you have any questions for us?” If you do not, this is a major missed opportunity for you. After all, job interviews are a two-way street. As much as they want to get to know you, you should want the same. This article will discuss why you should ask questions in your interviews and provide you with sample questions you could ask.
Many people feel shy about asking or think, “I don’t want to rock the boat”, “I don’t want to come off too abrasive”, or better yet, “I don’t think I should be asking any questions.” This type of thinking does not serve any benefit to you. And you ARE within your right to ask. Better yet, you DESERVE to ask questions so that you can make an informed decision.
Why Ask Questions
Here are a few reasons you should ALWAYS ask questions at a job interview.
Getting to Know Each Other
Interviews are designed to get to know people. They want to get to know you, and you should want to get to know them. You are well within your right to ask as many questions as you like … and quite frankly, you should!
Do You Like What You Hear?
It’s better to find out the type of people/project you will be working with/on early. Is this a team you will get along with? Is the project/role what is described in the job ad?
You are better off asking as many questions early on in the interview process, rather than being surprised 2 months in and then wanting to leave. You’ll have to start your interview process all over again if you decide to leave and that takes time and effort.
Demonstrate Interest
By having questions prepared it demonstrates that you are interested and want to learn more. I often hear hiring managers remark their surprise that no questions were asked.
Informed Decision
All of the above reasons why you should interview the interviewer lead to one thing: you making an informed decision. Questions are the only way you’ll get to know if the role/people are a good fit for you. So make sure you ask, because it will save you the headache of having to start your job search again once you realize the fit is not there.
Sample Job Interview Questions
Here are sample questions you could ask at your next interview in order to learn more about your future team.
How many candidates are being interviewed at this stage?
What are two strengths of your team and something you are hoping to improve? ● Describe a situation where the result was less than ideal. What happened and how did you respond?
How do you celebrate wins on your team?
Describe the team structure.
Can you describe the policy for Learning and Development?
What is the budget that I’d be working with?
Using three adjectives, how would you describe your team?
Why do you enjoy working on this project/team?
How did this opening come up?
Are you happy here?
I love asking this question at the end because it’s light hearted but the response also shows what type of person they are.
TIP: know your industry and tailor your questions accordingly. Is your industry/company relaxed and informal? Or are they, “old school”, rigid and formal? Your need to ensure you ask appropriate questions for your specific context
Interviews don’t have to be stressful, reposition your approach to ‘I’m meeting a new and interesting person today.’ Interviewing the interviewer is one way to do just that; by having a conversation and getting to know people.
Remember, this is your career and your life. Why not have a good time and have some fun?
