Best Questions to Ask Your Interviewer to Get Hired

At the end of an interview, you might be asked if you have any questions. While there is a possibility you might come up with a few questions during the interview, it is always a good idea to have some questions already prepared. Learn more about why interviewers ask if you have any questions and the best questions to ask your interviewer.

The best questions to ask your interviewer

The following best questions to ask your interviewer during your interview are open-ended but focused on a specific topic.

What is the next step in the hiring process?

Asking about the next step in the hiring process shows that you are eager to move forward and excited about the prospect of working for this company. It can also give you a good idea of the hiring timeline so you know when to follow up.

Learn More: Complete Guide to Common Interview Questions and Answers

What does a typical day look like in this position?

Knowing about the typical day gives you an opportunity to learn about the daily responsibilities of the position so you can decide if you are truly interested. By learning more about the daily tasks you would be expected to complete, you can figure out what additional skills are needed for the job.

What types of training programs are available to employees?

Since you will be starting a new position, it is important to know what types of training programs are available. You can also ask about professional development programs to make sure you have opportunities for growth with the company.

What do you like best about working for this company?

Asking your interviewer about their personal experience with the company gives you an opportunity to learn more about the company’s culture from someone who is actually there.

What is the typical career path for someone in this position?

By asking about the typical career path for someone in the position you are interviewing for, you can find out if the company usually promotes from within and if the position lines up with your own career goals. It also shows your interest in growing with the company.

Why is this position available?

Asking why the position you are interviewing for is available can give you some good insight. Knowing whether the position has a high turnover or whether it is open because of internal advancement can tell you more about the company.

Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?

Knowing where the company is headed in the next five years helps you find out if the position fits into your overall career goals and lets you make sure you can grow with the company.

What are the biggest opportunities facing the company right now?

Asking about the biggest opportunities the company faces can give you an idea about the path the company will be taking over the next few months and how you fit into that path.  

What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now?

You might also want to ask about the biggest challenges the company is facing. This question can help you learn more about issues and trends in the industry and possibly identify areas where your skills can help.

Learn More: How to Answer the ‘What’s Your Greatest Weakness?’ Interview Question

Interview tips to help you prepare

Here are popular and helpful tips can help you during your job interviews:

1. Research the company. 

Researching the company before you enter the interview will help you understand its culture and values. Use what you learned during your research to create some solid questions that show you have prepared for the interview.

2. Practice answering common interview questions. 

While every interview is different, many interviewers will ask the same common interview questions. Take some time practicing your response so you feel more confident during the interview.

Learn More: How to Answer ‘What Does Customer Service Mean to You’ Interview Question

3. Bring a notebook. 

Since you will need to have about 10 questions prepared to ask, consider writing them down in a notebook that you can bring to interview. Having a notebook will also give you a chance to take notes that you can use when crafting your follow-up email.

Even if you feel confident about your interview, your interviewer will expect you to ask some questions. Be prepared with open-ended questions that will help you determine if the job is right for you.