What Questions Do You Have?

At the end of your interview they are going to ask you if you have any questions. Your answer is unequivocally, “YES”. You do have questions. If you don’t have questions. Here is a list of 7 questions you could ask at the end of an interview. Keep in mind you only need 3-4 powerful questions. The purpose of the questions is to gain more information about the position, the organization and the expectations they have of you – or the candidate they select. This is your one opportunity to glean as much information as you can to make an informed decision about whether it is really a place that you want to work. You do have a vote. It is not all about waiting on the organization to decide if they like you. You get to choose. Use your opportunity to ask questions to find out information that will help you move forward in the job search. Even if moving forward means looking somewhere else.

Here are some questions to help you:

1. Define success for me in the first, 30, 60, to 90 days. How will you measure the success of this candidate in the first 30, 60, or 90 days? This is my favorite question to ask in an interview. First, if they answer it, and most want to – it will help measure whether the organization has a good handle on the position they are hiring for. You will walk away with an understanding on what needs to be accomplished in the first 30, 60, or 90 days. That is valuable information for a job seeker. You will be able to assess whether you can accomplish what they are expecting from the candidate they select.

2. Who are the key customers for this position? What is their role and how does this person – or this position fit with their priorities?

3. What growth opportunities are available in the organization?

4. What happened to the last person who filled this position? Are they still with the organization? Did they promote up or do a lateral move?

5. Talk to me about your leadership/management style. This is a great question to determine whether your style and the style of the hiring manager are compatible. I personally will not work for a micro manager. I asked this question in an interview at 8:00 am in the morning. The interview was scheduled for 8:00 – 4:00. The first thing the manager asked me was “what questions do you have?” Before he asked me one question, he asked me what I wanted to know. It was for a senior level position. The first thing out of his mouth, “I am a micro manager.” I knew at 8:00 in the morning I wasn’t taking the position. I stayed for the entire interview, but I was done at 8:00 in the morning. This is a great question to ask.

6. Ask about the culture and climate of the organization. Tell me about the culture of your organization.

7. How do you on-board new employees? Is there an orientation process, a peer mentor available to help new employees orient to the organization?

Here’s the bottom line for me: Ask questions. Go to your interview prepared to ask questions. No questions can mean no job. The interview is expecting you to ask questions. Your ability to ask good questions demonstrate interest in the position, and it demonstrates a desire to know more about the organization and expectations of the organization.

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