10 Questions You Need to Ask During a Job Interview

Sure, every job posting describes what an ideal candidate should look like but having this restated at the beginning of the interview will help keep both parties focused on the task at hand and will give you a reminder of how you should position your responses. 

A company’s structure and where you will fit in is important to understand right from the get go. Make sure to find out the reporting structure and how your responsibilities are reflected in the overall company. Asking this question will help both you and the interviewer envision how you might fit into the company as a whole. 

Ask if the company is currently experiencing any problems or challenges. Even if these things are not directly associated with the position you are applying for this may be an opportunity to offer insight or expertise that you otherwise may not have expressed and could put you one step ahead of your competition.   

It is important to have a good understanding of what the goals of the company are and how to measure wins. Asking this question not only makes it clear that you are willing to do what it takes to get the job done but also that you want to exceed expectations and are willing to go the extra mile. 

This is a good question for two reasons. First, it gives you some piece of mind as to why you really want to get this job; and two, it forces the interviewer excited about the position and share that excitement with you. Anytime you can engage with people, especially over something positive, will make your interview all the more memorable. 

It's important to know who you're going to work with and what the dynamics of the workplace will be. Ask the interviewer if they're able to disclose any information about the team you'll be working with. What are their goals, how well do they perform and what are they looking for in a new member? 

Most employers want to see their employees develop and grow. Asking about opportunities to improve your skill set will not only show your dedication to the position but will also demonstrate that you want to be an asset for the company. 

Demonstrating an interest in where the company is going, as a whole will let interviewers know that you are interested in this job for the long haul and not just trying to pick up any old position. 

Though some may argue that it's a bad idea to put yourself in a position of vulnerability, opening up the conversation to allow the employer a chance to speak directly to you about their concerns will give you a chance to defend yourself and maybe offer up some information you had mistakenly held back. Worst-case scenario, you'll know precisely why you didn't get the job if it comes down to it. 

So, now that you've sold your best assets and learned everything you need to know about the company, what are the next steps? Asking this question will let the interviewer know that you are game to move forward and give them a chance to disclose how many other applicants they're looking at and when they would like the selected applicant to start. Try not to be too pushy with this question but to implant the idea that this conversation isn't over yet.