12 Questions You Need to Ask on Your Next Interview

When most people get ready for a job interview, they prepare for interview questions or work on their handshake. But there's a part of the interview that's often overlooked. At the end of the interview, you'll be given an opportunity to ask questions. Prepare for your interview by knowing what questions you will ask. Find out what you should ask and why you should ask those questions.

The Importance of Asking Questions

Before you start your preparations, you should know why it matters. An employer wants to know that you're genuinely interested in the position. Additionally, they want to have confidence that you're not afraid to speak up. If you don't ask any questions, they may think you're disinterested or too timid.

As you prepare your questions, keep in mind that it's all about balance. You don't want to ask too many questions, or you could make a negative impression. Choose two or three questions to ask and listen carefully to the answers. For the best outcome, ask questions that require more than just a simple yes or no.

The Questions You Should Ask

Still not sure what to ask your interview team? Consider asking one of the following questions:

1. What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?

Even though you can learn a lot about a position from the actual job description, there's more to learn. If you want to find out whether or not a job is right for you, it's important to learn what happens on a daily basis.

When you get an answer to this question, you can gain more insight into what an employer expects of you. This could make the job seem more or less appealing. In any case, it will help you decide whether or not you should accept a job offer.

Don't be afraid to use this question as an opportunity to demonstrate why you're right for the job. After the interviewer explains the position, feel free to give an example that shows you've done a similar role in the past.

2. What qualities would help an employee excel in this position?

Often, employers don't want to include a list of desired qualities in the job description. Doing so would make it easy for applicants to say what they think the employer wants to hear, rather than speak the truth.

Asking this question during the interview gives you deep insight. If you have the qualities the employer wants, there's a good chance you would excel in the position.

3. What expectations do you have for the first year?

If you don't know what an employer expects of you, there's no way of knowing whether or not the job is right for you. Find out what an employer has in mind for you within the next year. You may be surprised at the answer.

4. What's the company culture like?

You should enjoy your workplace, or you'll be miserable and unproductive. Before you accept a position, you need to know about the culture of the company. Is it a relaxed environment, or highly structured and professional? It's important to feel comfortable with the environment in the workplace.

5. Where do you see the business in five years?

Just as interviewers will ask you where you see yourself in a few years, you should ask about the company's future. Does the company plan on expanding? If so, taking the job could open up new doors for you.

6. Who is your top competitor?

Before you go into an interview, you should research a company's competition. However, you might miss something. When you ask the interviewer this question, you can learn more about the competition. This is a great way to show genuine interest in the position and the company.

7. What opportunities does the company currently have?

The company you're applying for could be on the verge of something major. Unfortunately, you won't know that unless you ask the right questions. Ask about the opportunities facing the company and think about whether or not you want to be a part of that.

At times, a company's plans don't line up with your own beliefs or goals. This question is one of the best ways to find out if there's a deal or plan in the works that goes against your own beliefs.

8. What challenges is the company facing?

Every company has its fair share of challenges. If you can find out what those challenges are, you may be able to showcase how your skills can help the company. In addition to using this question to highlight your assets, you can also use it to learn what to expect in the coming months.

9. What do you enjoy most about this company?

You don't need to limit your questions to general questions about the company. Instead, you can ask the interviewer about their specific experiences. Their answer will tell you a great deal about the company and what you can expect from working there. As an added benefit, the question is unique enough that it might make you stand out.

10. What advancement opportunities would I have?

Some companies prefer to promote from within, while others hire out for higher roles. If you plan on staying with a company for the long-term, you should consider how frequently they advance their own employees.

Although this is a valuable question to ask, you need to be cautious in how you ask it. If you don't word it properly, you'll end up sounding presumptuous or making it seem as if you're self-serving.

11. How do you measure success?

It's important for employees to know how they're doing. Therefore, you should work with a company that has a concrete way of giving you feedback. During your interview, ask how the company measures success.

12. What's the next step in the process?

If you want to appear eager to work for a company, ask this question. It will also allow you to know what to expect and when you should follow up about the position.