18 smart questions to ask at the end of a job interview

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

These phrases will show your interest in the job, help you find out more about the employer and distinguish you among the applicants.

Lifehacker took as a basis, compiled by Business Insider, and asked Alena Vladimirskaya to comment on them.

1. Have I answered all your questions?

Before you start asking your questions, find out if the other person has them. You might say something like, “Yes, I have a few questions for you, but first I would like to make sure I answer yours. Perhaps you want me to clarify something or give examples? " If he says, “No, I have no questions left,” it means that you are on the right track. If he decides to clarify: "Could you tell me more about …?" or "Explain what did you mean when you said …?" is your second chance to make the right impression.

Your interlocutor will certainly appreciate such a proposal, and you can understand how interested he is in your candidacy.

Alena Vladimirskaya

Just remember to assess the situation before asking such a question. Yes, on the one hand, this way you can understand the interest in you as a candidate. On the other hand, if you had an extremely active interview before, during which you were bombarded with questions at a rate of six per minute, such an appeal may sound like inappropriate irony or even sarcasm.

2. What are the mission and values of the company? How would you describe your corporate culture?

These questions will give you a general idea of the company's philosophy and whether you are ready to follow its principles. You will also be able to understand how the priority is the satisfaction of employees in the general system of values of the organization.

3. Who do you consider your main competitors? What is your advantage over them?

This question will illustrate your ability to see the big picture of the market and to think critically.

4. How do you rate me?

“Given that you most likely already know the criteria for an ideal candidate for a position, the recruiter's response will tell you whether he considers you a suitable candidate or not. Don't expect people to rush to praise you. Most likely, there will still be criticism, however, by the way it will be presented and by the general assessment, you can understand whether you need to keep asking the recruiter smart questions or whether it makes sense to end the conversation early,”says Alena Vladimirskaya.

5. Do you have any doubts about my candidacy?

If you feel the employer is hesitant, have the courage to ask this question. He puts you in a vulnerable position, but you will show that you are confident enough in yourself and willing to openly discuss your weaknesses. You will be able to assess the current situation and work through the objections that the recruiter may have while you still have full control of his attention.

6. What do you like most about working for this company?

This question allows you to get closer to the interviewer, because he, like all people, probably loves to talk about himself and what he is well versed in. Also, the answer will give you the opportunity to look at the company from the inside.

7. Is there someone else I need to meet?

Getting to know potential teammates or boss is essential for any interview. In addition, if the recruiter tells you that you will need to go through four more stages of interviewing other employees, you will get an idea of the timing of the hiring process.

8. How do you help your team grow professionally?

This question will illustrate your willingness to work hard to grow with the company and convince the other person that you are interested in a long-term partnership. And you will learn about possible advanced training programs, which can be an additional plus of the vacancy.

Alena Vladimirskaya

This is a really good and correct question, especially for young candidates who need to grow in their first positions, and not get stuck in the daily turnover.

9. What are the 3 most important tasks facing the employee in this position for the next six months?

Think of every job opening as a problem the company hopes to solve with the right employee. The more you know about a recruiter's expectations and success metrics, the easier it will be for you to demonstrate your suitability for the job and to prioritize.

10. What was the most interesting project of the company?

By asking for a specific example, you will become more familiar with the working environment and the role of employees in it.

11. Why did the previous employee leave this position?

This question may sound uncomfortable, but the desire to find out why someone was unhappy with this job is natural. It also demonstrates your analytical skills. If the previous employee left due to the promotion, this information is also important for you.

12. How long is the trial period and on what basis will its results be summed up?

“You need to think for the future, and if you see that your candidacy for the company is close, then it is better to understand in advance what will be expected of you and to warn yourself against possible mistakes,” comments Alyona Vladimirskaya.

13. I read an article about your CEO / your company project. Could you tell us more about this?

These questions show that you are well prepared for the interview and have a genuine interest in the company and its leaders. Most importantly, make sure that these are not rumors.

14. How are you doing with staff turnover and what are you doing to reduce it?

This is a sensible question to show that you understand the importance of consistent performance.

15. When do you plan to make a decision on my candidacy?

This knowledge should be the final goal of your interview after determining your attitude to the position and the culture of the company.

16. Is there anything else I can do to help you make a decision?

This is a simple, polite question to make sure you did the best you could and to the interviewer that you are enthusiastic and eager for the job.

17. Is there anything on my resume that might prevent me from getting this position?

“Even if you are not eventually hired by this particular company, make the most of the interview - in particular, to get feedback on your resume. If there are any errors or brake lights in it, it is better for you to find out about it. And then adjust your resume and continue your job search, presenting yourself in a more favorable light,”says Alena Vladimirskaya.

18. Is there something we haven't discussed that you think is important for me to know?

This is a good closing question that requires you to just sit back and listen. In addition, you can get answers to questions that you did not think of asking, and they are likely to be really important.