Questions to ask in a job interview

You've been called for a job interview – sweet! This is your chance to impress the employer and show them why youre the best candidate for the job. But with only one interview opportunity, you want to make sure you make the most of it. And the best way to do that is to ask the right questions. Most interviewers will allow you to ask questions when they are done with their questions. Do not squander that opportunity. Prepare a list of \"what questions to ask in a job interview\". The questions must not be too many, but enough to leave a lasting positive impression on the interview panel.

Do your homework and know all about the job you're interviewing for. But that doesn't mean you cant use an interview to further your understanding of the role and the company. The questions you ask during an interview offer an opportunity to clarify anything unclear, expand on only briefly mentioned topics, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

And you can also use the questions you ask to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and the role, your thoughtfulness, and your interest in finding out as much as possible about the job, the team, and the organization.

So what questions should you ask in the job interview? When you're in a job interview, it can sometimes be difficult to think of the right questions to ask. However, asking the right questions can help you learn more about the job and show the interviewer that you're keen and enthusiastic about the role. The questions you ask can also help you determine whether the job is right for you – for example, if the interviewer doesn't answer your questions about training and development or career progression, that's a red flag, and you should consider whether the role is a good fit for you.

Questions to ask in a job interview are not easy to develop. This is la because you are unsure whether they are the right questions. You want to ask questions that will help you learn more about the job, the company, and your potential colleagues. But you don't want to come across as too nosy or intrusive. The best questions to ask in a job interview are likely different for every candidate. Still, some questions can help you learn more about the job and the company, regardless of your background or experience level.

Related: 10 signs that your job interview went well [and 5 Bad signs]

What questions to ask in a job interview?

There is no correct number of questions to ask in an interview, but 3 or 4 are usually enough. Pay attention to the interviewers non-verbal cues when you ask your first 2 or 3 questions. Avoid asking questions about salary and benefits unless the employer mentions these topics first.

Having a list of questions to ask an interviewer makes you look interested, enthusiastic, and engaged. It also gives you a final chance to highlight your relevant qualities and experience further. Avoid asking questions that require a yes or no answer, as you will likely find this information on the companys website.

As you prepare for an interview, think about the questions you want to ask. It can help to write down a few questions you want to ask the interviewers so you dont forget them when it comes. If youre unsure what questions to ask, here are a few job interview questions you can use as a starting point. 

Related: How to take the fear out of job interviews

Sample questions to ask in a job interview

What questions to ask in a job interview: Questions about the job

The questions to ask in a job interview should always start with the job itself. Asking questions about the job shows the panel that you are interested in learning more about the job. Here are some of the questions to ask in a job interview related to the job.

1. Is this a new job or you are replacing someone who left?
2. Would you please share the reporting structure for this role for my benefit?
3. Are there any specific performance indicators that you consider a top priority for this role?
4. When would you like the successful candidate to start?
5. What have been some of your biggest concerns in the past with regard to this role?
6. Are you able to share the career path for this role?
7. Are any specific projects the successful candidate is expected to handle immediately upon assuming duty?
8. If you expect the successful candidate to start immediately, are you prepared to address the notice period issues?
9. Can you share if this role is fully resourced to meet its mandate?
10. Is this role on a fixed-term contract or a contract without a time limit?
11. I see this role is on a fixed-term contract subject to renewal; what are the conditions one needs to fulfill to renew the contract?

Related: 25 Unique Questions to ask interviewers [& 10 Questions to avoid]

What questions to ask in a job interview: Questions about the organization.

1. Are there any specific organizational challenges you would like me to know as I decide to accept this role if I am successful?
2. Are there any specific organizational developments you would like me to know as I decide to accept this role if I am successful?
3. Does the organization support employee professional development, and if so, to what extent?
4. Given that this is a senior role, to what extent would this role interact with the board or board members?
5. Are there any other issues I need to be aware of as I decide on this opportunity?

Related: Ways Of Winning An Interview Panel

Conclusion

As you prepare what questions to ask in a job interview, focus on questions about the job and the organization. You can raise remuneration issues once you have been offered the job, and such questions should be raised in your negotiations. Focusing on remuneration questions when you have not been offered the job would be ill-advised. You should avoid asking questions about proprietary and confidential matters that the organization would not want to disclose. Always remember the interview panel has no obligation to impress you. You want to impress the panel so they can offer you a job. Avoid any questions that may irritate the panel. Above all, ask no more than two questions if you are provided with the opportunity to ask questions.

Memory Nguwi is an Occupational Psychologist, Data Scientist, Speaker, & Managing Consultant- Industrial Psychology Consultants (Pvt) Ltd a management and human resources consulting firm. Email: mnguwi@ipcconsultants.com or visit our website https://www.thehumancapitalhub.com/ www.ipcconsultants.com