Often after a successful interview, It is very common for the interviewer to ask the question “ Do you have any questions for me?’ What should you say if such a question is presented to you, a yes or NO?
Truth is, many job applicants would rather not ask any questions. if you’ve been doing this, please stop. This is a red flag with many indications.
Although it may not be mentioned to you, not asking the interviewer suggests that you are not interested in the job and (or) you’ve not taken time to prepare for the interview.
Although this is relatable, according to Alison Green when the tables turn during interviews “people worry the invitation to turn the tables is a trap” And also, they have no idea how to express the question they wish to ask.
Are you on this table? You are not alone. You’ve probably asked yourself “What should I do when the interviewer turns the table” No need to be scared.
Here are ten common yet engaging questions you can ask your prospective employer should the table turn (trust me it definitely will)
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What are questions to ask an employer during interviews?
#1. Questions about the Role
Think about it, if this interview goes well you’ve landed for yourself another deal. As interesting as that sounds, you don’t want to mess up on your first day. So, when the tables turn you want to know what to expect on your first day at work.
The job description indeed explains the basic skills. Sometimes, the descriptions used for job adverts are not reviewed or serve to identify your Key performance areas, hence, it becomes difficult to a certain what exactly you will be expecting.
There, asking questions about the role you are to occupy is important. Not only does it tell about your enthusiasm, but it also shows your interest and desire to work.
Questions to ask in an interview: Common questions under this category are:
- What are the key responsibilities of this posting?
- What are the biggest challenges and opportunities I would face in this role?
- What does a typical workday in this role look
- How does this role contribute to the company?
- How many hours will I be required to work in a week?
- What other departments or units will interact in this role?
Depending on how much time you have and if these questions were not addressed during the interview, you must get clear with this.
Questions like these are what employers love to hear during the interview process. It helps them further evaluate your forward-thinking mind and proactiveness which are the most sought-after skills employers look for.
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#2. Questions About the Team
Another area you should consider drawing your questions from should be about the team members. No organization operates in complete isolation. Even though you may be applying for a remote role or on-site, you should be prepared to collaborate sometime in the future.
So, questions about the team as it affects your role and efficiency help you understand the structure and ethics of the organization.
Under this category, here are some very popular questions to ask:
- Please tell me more about the team I’ll be working with.
- What are the team’s biggest strengths and challenges?
- Who will I work most closely with? Who will I report to directly?
- How does the team communicate and collaborate?
Asking these questions gives you a glimpse into the future. At least, the future of you in the company. More so, knowing the team you will be working with and the order of operations will help you create a better work-balance structure to improve your efficiency.
#3. Questions about the Company
If you use this opportunity as you should, you’ll learn more about the company’s work ethics, culture, and interests. Asking questions about the company tells the employer that you are a good researcher.
However, when asking questions about the company, avoid asking questions that have been addressed in the course of the interview. This simply would suggest to the interviewer that you had not been attentive during the interview.
Also, you should avoid asking questions that would either require a yes or a No, because you can easily search that out yourself. Instead, ask open-ended questions that would properly the interviewer to tell you more about the core values, strengths, and weaknesses of the company.
Questions to ask an interview: Here are some top example questions for you:
- What are the company’s biggest competitors?
- What are some of the company’s most successful products or services?
- Why do you like working here?
- What are the company’s biggest challenges and goals?
- How does the company support professional development?
- What is the company’s management style and culture?
- What does it feel like to work with the company?
As already mentioned, these questions are centered on highlighting the working ethics in the company. This gives you valuable information about the career goals and objectives of the company which also affects your growth as well.
However, please note that this is not the time to start asking for employment benefits as regards vacations, salary and all. You can do all of that much later after your appointment is accomplished.
#4. Questions about Perform Evaluation
One thing you want to know is how the organization defines success and failure. What quantity or level of commitment gives the “Aha” feeling and when do you get a “You can do better” remark?
Asking questions about the measure of performance when the table turns is a great way to impress your boss or interviewer and get him talking.
To get a good shot at this, here are some top repetitive questions to ask to measure or evaluate your performance:
- “How is Success measured in this role?”
- How often are employees evaluated?
- What are the criteria used to evaluate employee performance?
- How is employee performance feedback delivered?
- How are employees involved in their performance evaluation process?
- How does the company support employees who are struggling to meet performance expectations?
Having a clear understanding of what success is and what it is not offers deep relief to the mind. Because it helps you quantify your tasks and responsibilities awaiting you. Employers like to hear and appreciate asking questions like this because it tells them how serious-minded and how ready you are for the job.
#5. Questions about Professional Growth
Finally, you want to know if the organization offers room for employee enhancement programs. This is a brilliant question to ask as it makes clearer the culture of the company as concerns employees.
Additionally, asking questions about professional growth provision creates in the mind of the interviewer the intuitive feeling that you are efficient and a growth-minded thinker. Now that’s a plus on your path
Here are some questions concerning employee professional growth you can ask:
- What kind of training and development opportunities are available to new employees?
- How does the company support employee growth and development?
- What are the opportunities for advancement within this role and the company?
Please note that you can also ask more specific questions directed at the services and products offered by the organization. This further tells more of your proactiveness and interest in occupying the position.
Further thoughts on Questions to ask an interview
Employers are eager to hear what you have to say or ask about the company, the role, or other aspects of the task you are given. So, do not be surprised when the tables turn and you become the interviewer.
However, please know that this is your one-time opportunity to either secure the money bag or lose it. Hence, in addition to listening keenly while the interview proceeds, note down key areas you would love to be clear on.
It is always advisable to come to the interview with as many questions as possible in case some are covered during the interview.
Above all, to scale through the table turn process, consider committing these categories to heart;
- Ask questions about the team
- Ask questions about the role
- Ask questions about the company
- Ask questions about performance evaluation
- Ask questions about professional growth opportunities and timeline
If you group your questions by category, you are most likely to remember them quickly.
Lastly, an interview is not an interrogation, it’s just a process of discovering a goldmine using a map. Follow this map and get as much gold as you desire.
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