Introduction: Why Asking Questions in an Interview Matters
Job InterviewsThe best way to avoid taking a job you will hate (resulting in another job hunt too soon) is to learn as much as you can about the job, the employer, your boss, your coworkers, and the environment before you accept the job offer.
Job interviews should be as great a source of information for you, as they are for employers. Be ready to answer the common interview questions, but also be prepared to ask your questions in every interview.
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Most of these questions are appropriate for every round of interviewing when you are interviewed by new people (to you) in each round.
If you see the same people again in a 2nd or 3rd round, as part of the interview process for the same job, you probably should not repeat a question unless you want to follow up on something another interviewer said. Hopefully, by that point in the interview process, you hopefully will have learned enough about the person and the job to have developed new questions to ask.
Read Also: How To Answer 'What Is Your Salary Expectation?' In Interviews
Questions to Ask at the Start of the Interview
At the start of the interview, understanding the people who are interviewing you will help you provide answers appropriate to the person's role in your work life. You will also become a bit more comfortable talking with the interviewer(s), hopefully turning the interview into a discussion rather than a series of questions and answers.
Ask These Questions to Learn About the Interviewer
You should be introduced to each person interviewing you before an interview begins. Make note of the person's name, and ask for their job title if it isn't provided. Ideally, you should receive a business card from the interviewer that contains all relevant information, including their contact information.
Particularly if the person will be a co-worker or your manager, understanding what motivates their questions and interest in you will give you more insight into both them and the job. You will also be able to ask the most relevant questions.
- How long have you worked here?
- How long have you been in this job?
- Who is your boss? Where is your boss located?
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- Why are you successful here?
- If the interviewer would be your boss, ask: How would you describe your management style?
- If the person is not a recruiter or the hiring manager, ask: Will we work together? How?
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