Part one discussed possible interview questions one can ask when auditioning for a potential employer. Let’s review:
- How will my role impact the larger scope of this company?
- What will be expected of me in the first month?
- How could I measure my success in this position?
Part two of “What Interview Questions Do I Ask?” will focus on three additional questions you can ask during your job interview, that may give you the edge you need.
If hired, what roadblocks are challenges should I expect to come my way? A question like this indicates that you’re already envisioning yourself in the role, and thinking through a plan of attack should you land the gig. It’s also a sign that you’re well aware no job comes free of roadblocks, and not only are you not afraid to deal with those challenges, but you’re also prepared for them.
How It Helps You: You’ll be informed of some of the less-than-ideal aspects of a new job, be it difficult colleagues, bureaucratic processes, or internal politics. You can use that information to decide that the role really isn’t a good fit for you or that you’re up for the challenge, armed with approaches to help you deal with those issues.
Other questions to ask may not fit after the theme of “if hired.” Instead these questions are more so personal and not immediately related to the job itself.
Ask about the traits and characteristics of the other employees in the office. Ever work with people that just get it? That’s who hiring managers are looking for. This question demonstrates that you understand a job is about more than just going through the motions … successful people have a specific frame of mind, approach, attitude, work ethic, communication style, etc. and you want to know what that mix looks like at this company.
How It Helps You: Because these characteristics are often hard to pin down, this question forces a hiring manager to articulate that “it factor” they’re really looking for, even if it wasn’t written in the job description.
Ask your interviewer why they decided to work there? This question gives an interviewer a chance to do two self-serving things: 1) talk about themselves and 2) do a no-holds-barred sales pitch on the company. For promising candidates, the sales opportunity is welcomed. And most people love any excuse to talk about themselves.
How It Helps You: This gives you insight into what motivates your future colleague or manager, as well as insight into what the company offers its employees. If those all line up with what you’re looking for in a job, you’ve got yourself a good fit.
For more job interview tips, head over to our blog and look through our Jobs Search page for current open positions.
