7 Questions to Ask in an Interview

One of the most important goals of any interview is to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role. The best way to do this is to ask two or three sensible questions to show that you’re truly interested in the role. Here, we’re going to be looking at 7 questions to ask in an interview.

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Question 1 – What’s the biggest challenge for the company this year and will my role be able to help you overcome this?

This question shows you care about the company and that you want to help them grow and develop. In addition, the question shows you want a role within the company that will have the opportunity to make a POSITIVE difference. These 2 reasons are very attractive to hiring managers.

Question 2 – Will there be an opportunity for me to learn and develop as I progress within the role?

This question shows you intend staying with the employer for a longer period of time. The question demonstrates your willingness to grow and develop – it shows a high level of enthusiasm. A company can only grow if its employees are willing to grow.

Question 3 – What are your expectations of the successful candidate?

This shows you want to know what is expected of you before you join the organization. It shows you are serious about the role and the level of performance expected of you. The question also shows you want to know the employer is serious about standards, work ethics and also their own success. If your expectations, and the expectations of the hiring manager match, it will be a successful working relationship.

Question 4 – Who is your top competitor and why?

This question demonstrates your understanding that a business has competitors and that you want to help them beat them! The ‘why’ part of the question shows you want to delve deeper into the reasons why the competitor is the top one, which in turn will help you work towards beating them. Hiring managers want to employ smart people. This question will demonstrate you care about them and their performance.

Question 5 – What’s the culture like within the organisation?

This question shows you want to work somewhere that is positive, and embodies a motivated workforce. The question also demonstrates you care about where you work, which in turn shows you are more likely to stay with them for a long period of time.

Question 6 – Are there any skills you feel I could develop that would help me to perform better in the role? 

This question shows a willingness to listen to your manager and take on-board constructive feedback and criticism. The question shows you are willing to go away and develop further skills to help you perform at your peak within the role. Hiring managers want employees to be able to take feedback constructively.

Question 7 – What are the next steps in the process of selection?

This question demonstrates your levels of enthusiasm and keenness to start working for them. The question shows you are a confident person who is not afraid to ask what comes next. Confidence and enthusiasm are positive and attractive traits.

Bonus – What to Say at the End of the Interview

“I would like to thank you for inviting me to interview today and I have been nothing but impressed with your organisation from what I have seen during my research. I feel I have the skills and qualities to excel in the role, and if you give me the opportunity, I will not let you down. Thank you.”

Check out the video below!

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