10 Things You Should Ask In An Interview

There’s more to an interview than asking generic questions – salary, holiday, benefits, and packages are all things you need to know, but they don’t help you get the position. Asking engaging and thought-provoking questions shows you have thought about the position and the company you are interviewing with.

Having a deeper interest in the role will show that you might be the perfect candidate for the job. Try asking some of these questions…

1. What are the most important goals the person in this role needs to accomplish to be considered?

Ask what would make a person successful in this role. Doing this shows that you are already thinking ahead to your performance and what you would need to do to be the perfect fit. It shows that you are driven and are thinking about the inner workings of the company.

2. How will the skills you need be used in the job

When a hiring manager puts the skills together on a job description, they try to determine the job's needs.  By asking what those skills will be used for shows, you have thought about your skill set and how you will put those skills into action. If they struggle to answer the questions, they probably do not think about the job description very well.  Don't forget an interview is a two-way conversation – they qualify you, and you need to qualify them.

3. Why is this position open?

Asking why the position is open will enable you to get a better idea of who was in the role before you and why it's open. It may be a new role, which means you can shape it if you get it—or if it's an existing role, you should ask who you'll be working with and under to get more information about the role.

4. What improvements can the new person in this role make to the last person?

If you get the role, you always want to be better than the last person, so find out what you can do to be better. Asking the interviewer the question lets them know you want to be better. It shows initiative for improvement and planning.

5. How will my performance be measured?

You need to know how your performance will be measured so you know what to work towards.  Gauging your performance will show that you are interested in achieving goals, performance-driven, and motivated.

6. What's the manager's vision for this department?

Asking about the company's vision shows interest in its future and how you might fit into it. It also shows forward thinking and indicates that you're thinking about being in the role for a long time (something every hiring manager wants).

7. What recent changes have you made in the company, and are there any plans for change?

Again, learning about the future and the overall plans of the business allows you to see where you would fit in and where they see you fitting into the business.

8. Is there an opportunity to progress or learn in the role?

This question shows that you are thinking about staying with the company and where you want to be within it. Asking about growth and development shows a willingness to grow within the company.

9. What made you choose to work in the industry?

Make it apparent that you're interested in the company and the individual interviewing you.  Find out as much as possible about the people you'll be working with and show interest in their careers and how they got there.

10. Why did you join XXX?

This will give you a great insight into the person and their opinion of the company and opportunity, as well as allow you to learn more about them as a person.