Don't Leave A Job Interview Before Asking One Of These Questions (2024)

Don't Leave A Job Interview Before Asking One Of These Questions (1)

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No matter how prepared you are, a job interview is a nerve-wracking experience. You have to answer a torrent of questions on the spot and sell yourself to a hiring manager — sometimes even a room full of strangers. And when it comes time for you to do the asking, will you be ready?

These days, it’s pretty standard for an interviewer to conclude by asking if you have any questions about the job. And what you ask can make or break your chances.

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We talked to recruiters, hiring managers and people who landed jobs for the best questions to ask if you want to impress the interviewer and glean important information about your potential new gig.

1. What made you choose my resume for an interview?

“As someone who has been hiring interns and junior staff for the past 10 years, the most memorable question I had a candidate ask me was this one. It flipped the script on me because I was so used to asking ‘Why should we hire you?’ Instead, I had to tell her what I liked about her experience and application, which is absolutely great insight to receive during the interview process. It’s like getting free career advice.” ― Laura Meditz, vice president of Poston Communications

2. What are the biggest challenges faced by your company/department today?

“I like asking this question to get a real sense of what they feel is most needed in their business. It could be a specific skill, improved processes or just additional resources to handle workload. Answers to this question will help you understand what your job will entail and give you the opportunity to explain how you could tackle your employer’s biggest challenge. On the other hand, if their biggest struggle doesn’t match your skills or expectations, it could be a useful red flag before accepting a new job.” ― Daniel Buchuk, director of communications at Bringg

3. What makes you different from your competitors?

When I applied for my current job, I asked questions about the company’s competitors and how they differentiated themselves. This is a good question to ask because companies want to see that you are diligent enough to do your homework in advance of the meeting and have a genuine interest in the field you are moving into.” ― Casey Hill, blogger at Musings of Entrepreneurship

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4. Can you give me an example of how you live out the company values?

“I like to find out what values the company promotes on their career page — passion, integrity, accountability, etc. — and I’ll ask the interviewer how they live one or more of those values, especially as a manager. If the interviewer is dumbfounded, it typically shows that the values are nothing more than empty messaging. If they can answer the question, it shows the company believes in and instills its values in employees and the interviewer is probably a thoughtful manager.” ― Jennifer Bewley of Get Uncuffed

5. What is your training program like?

“I have found that reputable companies will answer this question by saying that the training period is as long as a new employee needs. Training that is rushed or fast-tracked to meet a quota or deadline isn’t an effective way to find reputable and reliable employees. Any new job comes with a learning curve; a good company will offer thorough training and help employees to obtain all the skills they need to be successful in the company.” ― Carlee Linden, writer for Best Company

6. What recent diversity hiring and promotion efforts are you most excited about?

“As a woman of color who is also very keen on advancing in her career, I often ask questions that would give me an insight into the company’s diversity efforts. I also almost always follow this question by requesting a tour of the office. You’d be surprised what you can glean just by walking around. It gives me an insight into whether their response is canned or truly embodied by the organization.” ― Stella Odogwu, founder and CEO of Intelle Coaching Solutions

7. What do you enjoy most about working here?

“First off, if the interviewer can’t answer this question, there should be sirens going off in your head that this might not be the greatest place to work. That said, most of the time, it allows an opportunity to get personal with the interviewer and allow them to talk about themselves for a change. This mutual exchange results in a stronger bond while allowing you to learn more about some of the great things the company has to offer.” ― Alex Benjamin, professional recruiter and owner of resume writing service Recruiter Written

8. What are the most successful team members doing differently from the average team member?

“If there is one thing that interviewees could do that would help them stand out from other candidates, it would be to be bold, speak with confidence and ask questions that hint you are a high performer who is looking to succeed with the company. This question shows drive to outperform mediocracy while also learning more about the expectations of the work required to achieve excellence in the position.” ― Emily LaRusch, CEO and founder of Back Office Betties

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9. How will you know whether you hired the right person three months from now?

“I love this question because as a job seeker, it gives you a clear idea of the hiring manager’s goals, expectations and objectives for you if you are hired. It also gives you a chance to pause and consider if the answer sounds like things you will enjoy. It can add a bit more clarity to the job and the results the company is hoping to achieve by filling this position.” ― Helen Godfrey, owner of career counseling service the Authentic Path

10. How would your co-workers describe your management style?

“It’s important to ask about your potential manager’s leadership style but not just what they think about themselves. Asking what their peers and direct reports would say of their management style is key ― even better if they’re open to you talking to one of their direct reports about their leadership. A manager can make or break a job, so getting more context around the people you’ll be working with most closely will help in decision making.” ― Julia Missaggia, human resources director at CMI/Compas

11. Can you show me around before we wrap up?

“This question allows applicants to differentiate themselves at the end of their interviews by creating a unique experience with the interviewer that won’t be shared among other candidates. In fact, I can still recall my interview many years back with a candidate who asked me this very question. It breaks hiring managers out of their routines and forces them to leave the interview room and interact more naturally with the candidate.” ― Peter Yang, co-founder of ResumeGo

A few more tips to nail your interview:

Stick to open-ended questions. Even though job interviews can feel like interrogations, they’re supposed to be conversations between you and the interviewer. To keep the conversation flowing, avoid questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.”

Don’t ask questions with obvious answers. You shouldn’t ask questions just for the sake of asking; interviewers will see right through you. Do your research ahead of time and avoid asking for basic information that could easily be found on the company website.

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Be respectful of everyone’s time. The interviewer likely has many other job interviews to conduct on top of meetings and regular job duties. Pick two or three important questions to ask rather than barraging them with all 11. Even better, try to weave in your questions throughout the conversation instead of waiting until the end of the interview.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly attributed a quote to Carly Kuper. Julia Missaggia at CMI/Compas was the source of the quote.

Don't Leave A Job Interview Before Asking One Of These Questions (2024)

FAQs

Should I wait until the end of an interview to ask questions? ›

Candidates often wonder whether or not they should ask questions at the end of an interview. The answer to this question is an overwhelmingly resounding YES – you should ALWAYS ask questions at the end of an interview!

How do you answer an interview question if you don't have an answer? ›

Try saying something along the lines of, “That's an interesting question, could I take some time to think it over and get back to you?” or “That's a great question, I could give you a partial answer, but I would like to consider it further and get back to you with a full answer.”

Why is it important to ask an interviewer at least one question at the end of an interview? ›

It lets them know you've done your research. Additionally, it gives the interviewer a chance to get to know you because the types of questions you ask can reveal a lot. So, don't disappoint them.

How do you know if a hiring manager likes you? ›

  1. The discussion extends beyond what you had anticipated. ...
  2. They're not at all distracted. ...
  3. Your interviewer asks you questions about your long-term objectives. ...
  4. The interviewer speaks specifically about salary and other compensation. ...
  5. At the end of the interview, the hiring manager offers positive information about the next step.
13 Feb 2015

Is it OK if you can't answer an interview question? ›

If you're stumped, you can ask to come back to the question later. The interviewer may forget to ask again, and that will allow you to follow up with your answer in your thank you email.

What to say instead of I don't know in an interview? ›

Know when to say “I don't know.”

You can say something along the lines of, “I haven't dealt with a situation like that before, but I would start by asking these questions…” You could also try something like, “That concept or situation is new to me. I'll have to look into it a bit more.”

How do you respond to you don't have enough experience? ›

A good response would be, “I don't have managerial experience, but I was allowed to take the lead on various projects where I delegated tasks to other co-workers and received specified results.

Why should I hire you examples answer? ›

For starters, I have all the skills and experience listed in the job description, and I'm confident that I can make an immediate impact on your company. It's not just my background in leading successful projects for Fortune 500 companies, but also my passion for the industry that drives me to succeed.

What should you not do during a job interview? ›

15 Things You Should NOT Do at an Interview
  • Not Doing Your Research. ...
  • Turning Up Late. ...
  • Dressing Inappropriately. ...
  • Fidgeting With Unnecessary Props. ...
  • Poor Body Language. ...
  • Unclear Answering and Rambling. ...
  • Speaking Negatively About Your Current Employer. ...
  • Not Asking Questions.

What is the star method in interviewing? ›

The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are describing.

Why is it important to have a few questions prepared to ask the interviewer? ›

Having a list of questions to ask an interviewer makes you look interested, enthusiastic and engaged - all qualities that the employer will be looking for. It also gives you one final chance to further highlight your relevant qualities and experience.

Is it good to ask a lot of questions in an interview? ›

Asking good questions during the interview helps promote positive dialogue and gives both the applicant and the employer a chance to get to know one another better. The questions you choose to ask can help determine the success level of your interview.

What is the one thing you don't want to do during the first interview? ›

Eat or drink. Don't eat or drink during the interview, unless the interviewer invites you to do so, such as when you're sharing a meal, Davis says. Certainly, don't eat during a phone or video interview. No one wants to see that.

How do you know if you bombed an interview? ›

If you did any of these things, you can assume you bombed the interview:
  1. You didn't do your homework at all.
  2. You didn't research the company at all.
  3. You lied on your resume.
  4. You didn't answer basic technical questions correctly.
  5. You dressed inappropriately.
  6. You behaved rudely.

How do you know if an interview went badly? ›

6 Signs of a Bad Interview that Mean You Didn't Land the Job
  1. The interviewer seemed uninterested in you. ...
  2. The interview was suddenly cut short. ...
  3. There was absolutely zero chemistry. ...
  4. That killer question stumped you. ...
  5. The interviewer didn't tell you about the role. ...
  6. You failed to ask any questions.

What things do interviewers say that let you know you won't get an offer? ›

Things that interviewers say that mean you won't get the offer might include "We are interviewing a number of other candidates," or "Competition for this position is very tough," or "We will reach out with next steps when we finish interviewing all other candidates." If the interviewer response is vague or non- ...

How do you tell if you didn't get the job? ›

How do you know you didn't get the job?
  1. The interview was cut short.
  2. You don't hear back after a job interview.
  3. The interviewer repeatedly cut your responses short.
  4. The interviewer did not share details about the job's duties or its salary.
19 Sept 2022

What if interviewer says all the best? ›

It doesn't mean anything, it's just a pleasant remark. When you are accepted or rejected for the job, you will be notified formally, not by vague remarks at the end of an interview. In the meantime, keep applying and interviewing for other opportunities that interest you.

What do interviewers say at the end of an interview? ›

"I am grateful for interviewing with you today. You have given me a clear overview of the position. I think my experience and accomplishments can provide value to the organization. Is there anything else you need to confirm if I am the right candidate for this position?"

› Inspiration ›

Many people walk out of the job interview feeling two ways, either they know they nailed it or just fully bombed. Whichever is the feeling between the two, you ...
Few people enjoy going to job interviews, even though it means they have gotten through several steps of the hiring process. Job interviews are nerve-racking, e...
Conversely, if the interview stops right after it started, probably not the best sign. Zippia helps over 5 million job candidates find jobs and get interviews e...

Should I give interview questions ahead of time? ›

Unless everyone at your company is a great interviewer and they always agree on candidate quality, the likelihood of hiring the right person is slim. Giving the candidates the questions ahead of time might just be the right answer.

Should you provide questions in advance of an interview? ›

I would recommend providing questions at least 24 hours before the interview; 48 hours would be even better. Candidates already have very full lives, and are taking time out of their day to speak to you. Providing questions earlier will make it easier for them to also carve out enough time to prepare.

What is a good question to ask at the end of an interview? ›

14 Great Example Questions to Ask At the End of An Interview. Can you tell me exactly what I would be expected to do if I was hired for this position? Can you walk me through a typical day here at Company X? If I were hired for the position, would I be going through any training prior to actually starting the work?

Should you always ask questions in an interview? ›

One of the final things you'll be asked will be, 'Do you have any questions for me?' To have a chance of securing the job, always say yes. Having a list of questions to ask an interviewer makes you look interested, enthusiastic and engaged - all qualities that the employer will be looking for.

Should you share interview questions? ›

It makes your company stand out. Most companies aren't candid with their interview process. Being transparent signals that you're fair and empathetic, as mentioned above, and thoughtful, organized, and professional.

Can I send interview questions before the interview? ›

Sending interview questions in advance won't hurt in most situations and will be greatly appreciated by some, especially the more nervous or skittish interviewees. Just don't expect the interviewee to look at them in advance. Where you SHOULD focus your efforts is getting everyone aligned on metrics.

Can I ask for a copy of interview questions? ›

A job applicant can ask for a copy of any notes made by an interviewer about their interview or application. The interviewer has to provide this information unless there are reasons to withhold it. Interviewers should therefore write their notes with release to the applicant in mind.

How do you ask if the interview is still on? ›

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I hope all is well. I just wanted to check in and see if there's an update on the timeline or status for the [job title] position I interviewed for on [date of interview]. I'm still very interested and look forward to hearing back from you.

What questions should I ask the hiring manager? ›

Questions to ask hiring managers
  • What is the overall purpose of the position? ...
  • How do you evaluate the performance of the person in this position? ...
  • What is the typical career path for someone hired into this role? ...
  • What is the history of this position? ...
  • Why is this position being created?

Why does HR want to talk to me? ›

HR may ask to meet with you if your employer is offering you a bonus or promotion or if they have to decrease your pay or offer you a lower pension. HR may also ask to meet with you to explain any upcoming changes to overtime pay, paid time off, paid holidays or extended leave policies.

Why should we hire you answer best? ›

Show that you have skills and experience to do the job and deliver great results. You never know what other candidates offer to the company. But you know you: emphasize your key skills, strengths, talents, work experience, and professional achievements that are fundamental to getting great things done on this position.

What are the top 5 questions to ask an interviewer? ›

Smart questions to ask about the interviewer
  • How long have you been with the company?
  • Has your role changed since you've been here?
  • What did you do before this?
  • Why did you come to this company?
  • What's your favorite part about working here?
  • What's one challenge you occasionally or regularly face in your job?
20 May 2022

What happens if I don't ask questions in an interview? ›

Failing to ask questions can make it look as if you're not really interested in the position—even if you are. Make sure you don't repeat questions that have already been answered. Asking the right questions can mean the difference between moving forward and having your candidacy declined.

What questions should you ask before an interview? ›

9 Questions to Ask Before an Interview
  • Who Will I Meet With? ...
  • Where Will It Be? ...
  • How Long Will The Interview Take? ...
  • What Are Your Company's Remote Work Plans? ...
  • What's the Format? ...
  • Is There Anything You Want Me to Prepare? ...
  • What Date and Time Is It? ...
  • What Should I Be Prepared to Speak to in the Interview?

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