Being interview-ready isn’t just about presenting yourself well or showing a potential employer that you are interested in the position and can be of value to their organisation. It is also about being ready to determine if the job you are interviewing for is the opportunity you want, and if it’s a good fit for you.
With this in mind, here are the nine questions we recommend asking in a job interview to get the information you need and to really shine as a candidate.
Question #1 – Why is this position available?
Don’t be afraid to ask why the position has become available. Is it because an employee is leaving that role? If so, don’t be afraid to ask why they are leaving and whether it is due to promotion or resignation. If it is a new role, ask why it is needed, what they expect from the position and what strengths or experience they might be looking to add.
Question #2 – How is success measured?
If it is a newly created role, you want to make sure that the role is going to be taken seriously. You also want to know what the expectations of you will be and the desired results they want in what timeframe. This will also help in your evaluation of whether the role is right for you and that you are comfortable with what you need to deliver – and in what timeframe.
Question #3 – What skill gaps do you need to fill with this role?
By knowing what the skill gaps are within the team, you can identify where you can shine and add the most value. It also enables you to gain a greater understanding of what the company is looking for in the successful candidate.
Question #4 – How will the role handover be conducted?
This will give you an understanding of how you will be inducted and who will be doing it. It is essential to know what resources and support will be available as you settle into the organisation.
Question #5 – What are the organisation’s values?
By knowing what they stand for, you can determine what is expected of employees and how they want their brand represented in the marketplace. This also allows you to make sure the organisational values are aligned with your own.
Question #6 – Where do you see the organisation in five years?
Knowing a company’s long-term objectives enables you to have a greater understanding of where you will fit in and add value over the long term.
Question #7 – What are your current goals or focus, and how is the team working together support hitting those goals?
This question helps you to understand the priorities of this team, how they go about achieving it and perhaps most importantly, how the team collaborates.
Question #8 – What are the next steps in the interview process?
Asking what you the next steps are can be a great way to determine what to expect next and understand the recruitment timeframe. The answer may also identify ideal follow up opportunities, so you know when you might know when to get in touch to see how the recruitment is progressing.
Question #9 – Is there anything else I can provide you with that would be helpful?
This allows you to reiterate your interest in the position and your willingness to provide anything further they need to make a decision.
When it comes to preparing yourself for a job interview, the best approach is to practice the questions you feel comfortable to ask. Don’t hesitate to bring a notepad and pen with you too so you can jot down your notes and raise any further questions. Keep in mind that the interview is as much about determining whether the company is a good fit for you as it is about you being a good fit for the company.
