The big day is here. You’re suited, booted, and hopefully, you’ve done your research. You’ve prepared answers to common interview questions and brushed up on your skills.
Interviews are a two-way street, and asking the right questions not only shows your interest in the company but also helps you determine if the role is the right fit for you.
In this post, we’ll explore essential questions to ask during a job interview that can provide insight into company culture, growth opportunities, and how you’ll thrive in your potential new role.
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Checking Boxes
But before you dive into your questions, it’s crucial to understand what your interviewer is looking for.
A thorough reading of the job description beforehand can provide valuable insight into the company’s priorities, allowing you to tailor your questions to align with the hiring manager’s criteria.
By doing this, you not only demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to understand the role, but you also position yourself as someone who is eager to meet—and exceed—the expectations of the position.
Now, let’s look at the types of questions that will set you apart as a thoughtful and engaged candidate.
What questions should I ask my interviewer?
- Question #1 – Can you tell me about your organization’s mission and how this role contributes to achieving it?
- Question #2 – How impactful will my role be towards your companies strategic priorities?
- Question #3 – How will your company support my personal & professional development?
- Question #4 – How do you approach hybrid or remote working?
- Question #5 – What opportunities will I have to progress within the company?
Question #1
Can you tell me about your organization's mission and how this role contributes to achieving it?
Asking about the organization’s mission and how the role supports it is crucial for a few reasons. It shows that you’re not just focused on the immediate responsibilities of the job, but on how you can contribute to the company’s overall success.
This question signals that you’re thinking beyond the day-to-day tasks and are genuinely interested in the company’s long-term vision. It also demonstrates that you’re looking to align yourself with a business that shares your values, which can leave a positive impression on the hiring manager.
On a personal level, this question helps you determine whether the company’s mission aligns with your own professional goals. This is especially important considering that 70% of Gen Z employees want to work for companies whose goals reflect their own values.
Understanding how your role fits into the bigger picture gives you a sense of purpose and helps you envision your growth within the company. If the company’s mission inspires you, you’re more likely to feel motivated and engaged in your work, leading to greater job satisfaction.
If not, it might indicate that this role isn’t the right fit for you in the long run.
Question #2
How impactful will my role be towards your companies strategic priorities?
This question’s important. Not only does it help you gauge how much pressure you’ll face in the role, but it also sheds light on how your work will impact the company’s big-picture goals.
Asking this shows you’re thinking about how you can contribute meaningfully and align your efforts with the company’s strategic priorities.
It also gives you a better sense of how significant the role will be within the organization. Understanding how your position supports the company’s main objectives can help you figure out if it offers the level of responsibility and influence you’re aiming for.
Question #3
How will your company support my personal & professional development?
Showing interest in progression (not only professionally, but personally too) can win you brownie points with your interviewer as it makes a considerably strong impression by showing you’re willing to take full responsibility of your own growth.
To add to this, most companies will willingly facilitate upskilling as it benefits both yourself & the employer. When a company invests directly in your development, it doesn’t just add to your career. It bolsters your value within the organisation with the employer also mutually benefitting from your progression.
Skilled and well-trained employees are more capable of taking on complex challenges, leading initiatives, and driving innovation.
By focusing on your growth, the company benefits from a more knowledgeable and effective team member in the long run. It’s a win-win situation: you get the support you need to advance your career, and the company gains a more skilled and motivated employee.
This question is probably one of the most important questions to ask, so make sure you use it!
Question #4
How do you approach hybrid or remote working?
Probably one of the most important questions irrespective of whether the role is hybrid/remote or not. With the growing trend of remote and hybrid work (from 4% pre-pandemic to 8% now), it’s crucial to know how the company manages these arrangements, including expectations for in-office versus remote work, communication practices, and how they support employees who work from different locations.
This information will give you a clearer picture of what your work environment will be like and help you determine if it fits your preferred working style.
Additionally, this question sheds light on the company’s adaptability and commitment to work-life balance. It shows that you’re considering how the work arrangement will impact your productivity and overall job satisfaction.
Understanding how the company supports remote or hybrid work can also indicate how they handle modern work challenges, which can be a key factor in your decision-making process when evaluating if the company is a good fit for you.
Question #5
What opportunities will I have to progress within the company?
Understanding the opportunities for career progression within a company is crucial. This question reveals your interest in long-term growth and demonstrates that you’re thinking about how you can advance and contribute to the organization over time.
It also provides insight into how the company supports employee development. Knowing about potential career paths, promotions, and professional growth initiatives can help you determine if the company aligns with your career goals and whether it offers the challenges and advancement opportunities you’re seeking.
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