10 smart interview questions for candidates to ask in an interveiw
In a typical interview scenario, the last 10 – 15 minutes will be (or should be!) reserved for candidates to ‘turn the tables’ and put the interviewers in the ‘hot seat’. As a candidate, one of the most critical questions you’ll be asked during an interview is “Do you have any questions for us?”. It gives you the chance to impress the interviewer with thoughtful and intelligent questions while clarifying and filling in gaps in your understanding of the role. Your response to this important question can make-or-break your success in an interview so I’ve prepared a cheat sheet to help you land your dreamjob.
In no particular order, here are 10 questions that candidates should be asking in an interview.
Note: you won’t have time to ask every question in this list, so choose the ones that are most relevant and haven’t already been covered during the interview
1. What is not in the job posting that I should know about this role?
Career site job postings are often short, incomplete, outdated or don’t tell the full story so this question can fill in the gaps and/or correct any inaccuracies.
2. What do you love about working in this team, and why do you choose to work here?
This questions gives you authentic insight into the dynamics of the team and the broader company culture.
3. If applicable: How has the new CFO/CEO/CIO/Leadership change impacted the team and how has the transition been?
This powerful question shows that you’ve done your research and may uncover some important factors to consider when assessing the opportunity.
4. What are the some of the key short and long-term goals of the organization and how does this role impact them?
It’s good to know where the company is aiming to go, and what your impact (if any) will be to helping them get there.
5. What are some of the key short-term and long-term challenges that I’ll face in this role?
People are generally motivated by challenge and, if answered authentically, the question will reveal a lot about the role and what you’ll need to do to be successful in it.
6. What excites you about the future of this organisation?
An open-ended positive question that I love to answer. You’ll learn a lot about what your interviewer values and you’ll gain personal insight into the future of the organization.
7. What does success look like in this role, and how will I be measured against it?
This question will help you to understand some of the key deliverables of the role and give you insight into how the interviewer defines success.
8. How would you describe your management style?
As well as evaluating the position and company, it’s equally critical that you are also assessing whether you’ll work well with your boss.
9. I read about (x) when researching your company, what is your take/opinion on it?
If you’ve uncovered something particularly interesting during your research on the company then this question will give you some good ‘insider’ and potentially revealing insight into the company’s current events.
10. What does a typical day in this role look like?
This question will help you understand the day-to-day dynamics of the role so that you visualise what it will really be like if you get the job.
Don’t waste the opportunity to make an impression and gain a better understanding of the role by being unprepared when it’s your turn to ask the questions. Pick and choose relevant questions from my cheat sheet to help you land your dreamjob.
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