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Question To Ask In A Job Interview: Quick guide to succeed in your job search



if you want to stand out from the rest of the applicants, here's a list of questions to ask your interviewer to make an unforgettable impression.

Question mark highlighted from the background

Job interviews can become very stressful for everyone involved. The employer wants to hire someone who fits their team and culture, but they also want to get the most out of the candidate. They intend to see whether you are a good fit for them or not. And you, as a candidate, want that new job and are looking to provide the best impression possible to increase your chances of being hired.

Therefore, you should go prepared to explain details about your work experience, your accomplishments as a professional, studies, etc. However, in most interviews there is a time for the interviewee to ask questions as well, and sometimes these questions speak more for the candidate than their answers to the interviewer's queries.

You don't want to come across as arrogant or unprofessional during the interview, but you also don't want the hiring manager to think you're too nervous or that you weren't prepared. So if you want to stand out from the rest of the applicants, here's a list of questions to ask your interviewer to make an unforgettable impression.

These are key to clarify the job description, so you can orient your professional skills to the position you are applying for. Ask your interviewer what the day-to-day of the position is like. He or she may respond with an activity where you have had an outstanding performance in your previous jobs, at that time complement the conversation with real examples of your performance and details of how you overcame similar situations. This is your opportunity to share success stories that are related to the job. Here is a small compendium of such questions: 

  • What are the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks involved in this position?
  • What would be an ideal candidate for this position?
  • How do I know if I am suitable for the position?
  • What are the indicators used to evaluate the performance of this position?
  • What is the long-term career plan for this position?
  • What is the most enduring challenge I will face if I am hired?
  • What are your goals for this role in the first 6-months and first year?
  • Do you anticipate any changes to the responsibilities of this role in the near future?
  • What are some common mistakes people make in this position?

If you are not clear about your compensation or benefits package, you can make the appropriate inquiries. However, you should be very careful when negotiating your salary and defining your wage expectations, you don't want to set the bar too high or too low and find yourself in an unpleasant situation later on. Overall, doing your research and making sure you are confident in what you can bring to the table will help you to get a great job and package.

Questions about the company

This is the type of question you use to learn about the company's corporate culture and show interest in the organization. Remember that to shine in your new position, your prospective employer must be aligned with your expectations and values. Have these questions ready to ask your interviewers to gauge your knowledge of the company. The answers will help you learn more about your future with the workplace.

In addition, it is important that you know the organizational structure, both at the general level and at the level of the work team of which you will be a part. You can also inquire about how your new position will fit in with the overall structure of the company.

  • What are the company's short- and medium-term business goals?
  • What is the company's long-term vision for its production sector?
  • What makes this company so special?
  • Is the company open about its operations, revenue, and future plans?
  • What training or development plans does the company offer?
  • Are there other positions available within the organization?
  • Who will be my direct boss?
  • What are the company's main strengths?
  • How is the unit where this position is structured?
  • Who is the most senior employee in the organization?
  • What type of people or personalities do well in this environment?

Questions about the selection process

Recruitment processes can be very simple or very complex depending on the company. The assessment, in addition to several rounds of verbal interviews, may include a practical exam, drug testing, medical exams, background checks and even group interviews with other prospective employees. For this reason, it is crucial that you are familiar with the entire process from the beginning so that you can be as well-prepared as possible. Here are some sample questions that might help you get a better understanding of what to expect and get an edge over other candidates:

  • What are the next steps in the selection process?
  • How many stages are there in the selection process?
  • When will I be able to know the results of the process?
  • Is it possible to meet my team members during the selection process?
  • How long do you have available this vacancy?
  • Do you have other vacancies available?

Direct questions for your interviewer

Normally, human resources personnel evaluate the candidate's overall impression, focusing especially on his or her personality. An empathetic, educated and prepared person has a lot of potential to assume an important role within any organization. One of the best ways to make a good connection with recruiters is to be enthusiastic, friendly and approachable. However, you should avoid getting too personal or projecting an image of overconfidence. Respect is paramount at all stages of your working life. The following questions will bring you closer to your interlocutor and help you make a good impression.

  • What would you recommend to someone who is just starting to work in this company?
  • What do you like the least about working here?
  • What do you like the most about working here?
  • What caught your attention in my resume?

Questions to ask at the end

Before you leave and end the job interview, it's a good idea to confirm that you have provided all the information you have been requested, ask some of these powerful key questions:

  • Did I answer all of your questions?
  • Is there anything else you would like to know about my career path?
  • What is the next step?
  • Do you have any doubts about my ability to successfully take on the job?

Questions to avoid

These are the worst questions to ask the interviewer and will play against you as a jobseeker. These questions will only demonstrate your lack of interest in the company and that you may not be familiar with corporate environments. By asking these questions, you may come across unprofessional to the hiring manager, so avoid them like the plague.  

  • What does this company do?
  • When can I start requesting vacation time after being hired?
  • Will I be hired for the job?
  • Any personal question related to politics/religion/sex

I hope this quick guide helps you succeed in your job search and that you arrive at your next job interview prepared with good questions to ask your interviewer. Your main goal in the interview is to demonstrate that you have the skills to do the job. However, by asking intelligent questions you will also show that you are different from most people because you have something to contribute and when you have questions, they are not insignificant. This makes you a more attractive candidate for the selection process and will allow you to take better advantage of the opportunity.

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