What top interview questions should candidates ask during an interview?
That is what we answer in this guide.
Whenever an interview is coming to an end, the interviewer always asks, “Do you have any questions for me (us)?”.
The wrong answer should be No.
The right answer is a list of the top interview questions we have listed below.
Below, you will find interview questions candidates should ask based on:
Questions about the specific job
Questions about the company
Questions about the team
Questions you can ask the interviewer
Other questions you can ask during an interview.
Before you continue, you might want to take a look at our top interview tips for passing a job interview.
While you are getting ready to ask your questions, here are some things you should keep in mind while asking your questions:
Do not focus so much on questions about what the organization will do for you. Put priority on questions that will give you more insight into the company and your possible responsibilities.
Avoid questions about salary and holiday allowance till when you are given an offer letter. Chances are that the issue of salary would have been brought up during the course of the interview, so leave them till you have an offer letter.
Do not ask questions that will make the interviewer repeat what has already been covered. This will send a message that you weren’t paying attention and won’t make you look good.
Questions that involve a direct yes/no answer will most likely be on their website, so you can try to avoid those questions.
Here is a list of questions you can ask and why you need to ask them.
Asking this question will enable you to understand in detail what the daily responsibilities of the role are and if you have the right skill for it. It will also let you know if you need to skill up in some areas to meet the responsibilities that the role will come with.
Asking this question will enable you to know what the twists and turns of the job role will be and help you prepare for it. This way, you do not meet any surprises on the job that you are not equipped to handle, or at least, be aware of.
Every company wants skills, but there are also values, goals and visions that must match those skills to be employed by different organizations. And those skills differ from one organization to the other. Getting the interviewer to answer this question helps you know not just the skill set that they need, but also the values that are a priority so you can fit in properly into the organization.
If you’re interviewing for a role that needs immediate filling, then this question is really necessary. It shows you are willing to make a meaningful contribution to the firm. Beyond the general goals of the company, there may be certain goals or milestones that need to be achieved immediately. Asking this question will give you clarity on that, and also prepare you for what you should pay attention to immediately after you resume the role.
One of the major reasons you'll need to ask this question is to be sure that if the responsibilities change, you have the skill to meet up with the deliverables. This can enable you to prepare by gathering the relevant skills required during the window period you have and getting ready for the change
Working overtime certainly comes with some jobs, but when you ask this question, you won’t have to guess anymore. You will know for sure. You will also get to find out if there are benefits attached to working overtime and how often you’d expect it.
You really don’t want to get stuck in a particular role in your career journey. If you’re looking to build a long-term career, then you must ask this question. When this question is answered, you’ll know for sure if the role will help your long-term career goals or not.
This question will give you an insight into what the progression of the company is going to be like and if you want to be a part of it. It will also show you what you need to know about the job security of your about-to-be job, helping you make a better decision.
With this question, you’ll have an insight into the biggest competitors of the company and what you’ll likely expect while working with the organization.
When the interviewer answers this question, it helps you understand what kind of environment you’d be working in if you get the job, and also if it will be a friendly one. Whatever environment you find yourself in affects the level of work you would do.
This question shows that you are interested in whatever the company is interested in, and you want to be a part of it. This is always a good sign for the recruiter. When you get an answer to this, you’ll realize what areas you should focus your strength on, to achieve maximum results for the company.
Every job has benefits, but some benefits simply outweigh others. Getting a response to this question will help you know if the job is worth it after all!
If you are going to be a remote worker, you may probably have to ask this question. Remote work is changing the nature of work rapidly, and you may need to get clarifications on how the company navigates through remote work.
Companies have different onboarding processes for new hires. This question gives you a sneak peek into what it is like, and how long it may last for you in the new role.
If you’re filling a position that people have worked in before now, chances are that they may have made some mistakes during their stay with the organization. This question helps you know those mistakes, and avoid them.
You’re definitely not going to be working alone whenever you get the job. Having an insight into the team you’ll be working with increases your enthusiasm about the job and helps you prepare for what is coming.
You sure would want to know who you are to report to. When you get an answer to this question, you get to understand what kind of structure the organization runs and how effective it is.
Every team always has its strengths and challenges. This question will help you know what may be lacking in the team or what the team may be struggling with and how you can help meet that need. That way, you are coming onboard prepared to add value to your team.
Some departments in some organizations are interwoven and work closely together. Getting clarity on this question helps you know what to expect while you do your job.
Who’s best to tell you how nice it is to work with the company except for the recruiter who’s interviewing you? Getting an honest answer to this question will make you understand how you’ll probably feel in a few years’ time about the company too.
Being interviewed by an employee who has worked with the company for a long while is a sign that there could be a future in the company. It means that the company is doing a good job at retaining their employees on a long-term basis and you may need to keep that information handy.
When you ask this question, the interviewer knows that you are quite attentive and are interested in details. A response to this question will do two things for you, let you know your chances of getting hired by them and also where you need to improve in case you have another interview.
In situations where it is not clear what the next steps of the interview process will be, it is usually a good idea to find out what the next step is and what may be required of you.
It’s always necessary to ask this question during an interview. This way, you know exactly when you’re getting feedback from them. It sure feels good to know you don’t have to wait forever to get a response, so ask the question.
At the end of the day, here’s one thing you should know. An interviewer expects you to ask questions at the end of your interview. This simple but neglected act proves to him that you are going to be an active team member who won’t just swallow everything the company brings. Every recruiter wants one who can take initiative and asking questions is one sure way, to begin.
So, when this question ever pops up during your interview, “Do you have any questions for me (us)?” you definitely know what to do!
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