You’ve given it your all – you’ve handed over your polished CV, and answered every question to the best of your ability. But as a qualified candidate, it’s important to keep in mind that a job interview goes both ways. The HR manager sitting across from you is trying to gauge your potential fit at this company. However, you must also determine if this career opportunity will enrich and satisfy both parties. So when your interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?”, it’s in your best interest to take advantage of the chance to dig a little deeper. Will you be happy at this position?
Do you believe that your qualifications meet the expectations for this job? Will you be a good fit for the company culture? This is your opportunity to find out. Read on for some suggestions on what to ask in an interview to learn if this job is truly great, or too good to be true.
What is the most important trait you’re looking for in a candidate for this position
Your edge: Most candidates are so driven to dazzle their interviewers that they forget to be honest about their own traits and strengths. By asking your interviewer this question, you demonstrate that you want to understand whether you’re a good match for this position, and if you can meet the expectations of the hiring company.
Listen for: Valuable insight about the company culture – and more importantly, the current state of their staff. If your interviewer is honest, this reply will reveal what they expect from all of their employees… or what they currently lack.
For example, if the hiring manager tells you that “energy and creativity” are of paramount importance, you can draw one of two conclusions: either their company places a high value on upbeat and innovative team members, or they’re suffering from a lack of both.
Think long and hard – can you supply what your hiring manager is asking for? Are these traits you would use to describe yourself? Or are you more the “stable and dependable” type, for example?
I was looking at your company’s product, and I noticed… Has your organization addressed this
Your edge: While conducting your classic pre-interview research, you’d be well served to analyze their business model, their press packet, etc. The key here is to acknowledge an interesting detail, or even a mistake you’ve spotted, without appearing pedantic and nitpicky.
Rather, you want to convey that you’re interested in their company. If you have suggestions or ideas for how to improve the situation, you’ll really impress the hiring manager.
Listen for: How your interviewer or new company handles constructive criticism. It is imperative that you keep any arrogance out of the discussion. The point is not to indicate that you’re superior to your new company, but rather that you can pay attention to detail.
But how your interviewer deals with your suggestions will tell you a lot about the management style of your new employer. Do they bristle at the slightest contention? Do they embrace it? Do they initiate a lively discussion about your vision for the company?
What challenges are your company facing at the moment
Your edge: By asking this question, you illustrate that you understand not every job will be a walk in the park. Instead, show that you are curious about the potential future of your company – this means that if you take the position, you’d like to be invested in the company for the long-haul.
Listen for: Any potential red-flags that your interviewer may reveal, intentionally or not. Ideally, you’ll be looking to join the team for at least a year, and hopefully more. But this means that any issues affecting the company will affect you as well.
It’s smart to get a sense of the kind of organization you’re joining, and it makes you look like a realistic candidate.
How would you describe your company culture?
Your edge: Some candidates, especially in senior management, see every new workplace as a kingdom waiting to be conquered. But remember that in these situations, you’re the new guy.
This means that the interviewer is keeping in mind the current status quo, the current office vibes, and factoring your demeanor into their impression of how the departments will function. So show an interest in your new colleagues, and this optimism will only reflect well on you.
Listen for: Everyone functions differently in the workplace. While most recruiters will do their best to pitch you the “perfect team,” try to read between the lines. Get a feel for what the interviewer wants to communicate most. For bonus points, you can even ask for a tour of the office, if time permits.
Can you tell me why this position is now open
Your edge: This question shows some savvy. There are plenty of reasons why a position may be available. Perhaps the former employee is leaving for a better opportunity. Maybe they’re retiring. It might even be a new position, recently created during a corporate restructuring.
Or maybe the last employee quit after a stress-induced mental breakdown… Whatever the situation, this indicates that you’re genuinely interested in understanding the responsibilities, stressors, and benefits of the position you’re applying for.
Listen for: Any warning bells. The interviewer should be honest. Some companies can’t keep a position filled, but you should take the hiring manager’s words into careful consideration, and process if this position will be a positive career move for you.
