8 Questions to Ask an Interviewer After Your Interview

Introduction

Whether it’s a classroom, a seminar or an interview, “do you have any questions” is usually met with soft murmurs and barely-audible NOs. However, we don’t often realise how vital it is to ask the questions on your mind in such situations. It is probably most important to ask questions to your interviewer during a job interview. You plan to commit to the workplace for a while after all!

Most people stop at asking basic questions to interviewers about the pay scale and the logistics of the job like work timings. There are quite a few answers you must seek to be well-informed before making your decision. Moreover, most of these questions will also help you make a good impact on the interviewer.

Looking for more career advice? Get in touch with our expert career counsellors to get personalised step-by-step guidance at any stage in your career journey.

Let’s take a look at the top eight questions you can ask during a job interview:

1. “How does my role align with the company goals?”

The information you’re looking for: It’s best to start off any endeavour with the big picture in mind. That way, you know your priorities and you’ll be able to plan your days well. Also, it’s motivating and satisfying to understand how you are contributing to the greater cause.

The impression you will make: It will help you establish that you acknowledge the difference you make to the company’s outcomes. It creates an impression that you are eager to contribute more and any recruiter would appreciate that.

2. “What are the parameters that define my success in the offered role?”

The information you’re looking for: Companies usually assign KRAs (key responsibility areas) to their employees. Performance is then measured against these KRAs. These totally depend upon your job role. Understand these parameters well so you know your job and what contributes to your performance incentives.

The impression you will make: While this makes you look eager and willing to succeed, it also tells you about your role. It will also help you motivate yourself, push harder, and achieve your personal and team goals.

3. “How do you think I will grow if I do well in the role that has been offered to me?”

The information you’re looking for: Say you join the company as an executive or a middle-level manager. After a year or so, you’ll think about what you’ve achieved thus far and you’ll also plan your next step. It helps to know if you have higher rungs to climb or add on to your CV by taking up newer tasks. For example – actively strategising is a step higher than execution. You need to know what your future can look like at this company.

The impression you will make: This question will show how serious you are about succeeding and that you are in it for the long haul. Which employer wouldn’t love that?

4. “How long have you been working with this company? What is your favourite part about this company? What are the company’s struggle areas?”

The information you’re looking for: If an interviewer asks about your strengths and weaknesses, it’s only fair to know the company’s strengths and weaknesses too. While your interviewer may exaggerate the positives and downplay the struggles, you’ll still get a fair idea.

The impression you will make: Firstly, people love talking about themselves.This should put both you and the recruiter at ease. Secondly, you come across as someone who knows how to listen to your fellow employees and respect their opinions. Finally, it shows that you’re cautious and thorough about your commitments. You understand how important it is to fulfil them.

Discover your skills and strengths with Mentoria! Our holistic psychometric career assessment combines your strengths, interests and personality to help you find your ideal career.

5. “How do you guys deliver negative feedback?”

The information you’re looking for: Many companies have a “no firing” policy. Here, HR personnel avoid firing employees and follow different disciplinary processes instead. If you were to make a mistake or score low on your performance, would you get an email about it? What would that email amount to? Is there a “warning” system at your workplace? It helps to know how things can escalate and how to be more careful. This will come in handy, especially during your training period. That’s the steepest learning curve for you in that workplace.

The impression you will make: Asking this question tells your recruiter that you understand that feedback can be negative sometimes. Since you think about this actively, it tells them that you can take feedback and you’re capable of making changes accordingly.

6. “How does a typical lunch hour look around here?”

The information you get: You are going to eat a lot of lunches here. Ask if you can eat at your desk (some companies discourage this on account of general hygiene). Ask if there’s a dedicated time period for lunch. Inquire about a pantry you can have your food at. Ask if you will have access to snacks and food within the office premises, etc.

7. “What should I wear on my first day?”

The information you’re looking for: Just that – what you should wear on your first day at work. It can also help you get an idea about acceptable attire and the overall culture of the workplace.

8. “Do you have any concerns about my experience or my qualifications?”

The information you’re looking for: This will give you a hint about what the employers notice on your CV. Even if you don’t get this job, you can prepare better for your next interview. Rest assured, recruiters will bombard you with all the questions they have on their minds.

The impression you will make: This question borders on being rhetoric. But it shows you are open to dialogue and excited about the job.

As you step into the professional world, it helps to have the right information to make an informed decision. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, it is your right to know everything before you commit to any employer.

Check out our tips on how to be job-ready and how you can sharpen your people skills so you are well-prepared for your dream job!

Hungry for knowledge? Check out Mentoria’s Knowledge Gateway! We’ve got a career library full of tips and advice as well as webinars from industry professionals. Sign up to Mentoria and get lifetime access to the Knowledge Gateway! Discover more here: