Ideally, you want a job interview to be a comfortable conversation. This must really come from both sides. If you do not actually participate during the interview, it becomes more of a one-sided interrogation rather than a conversation . It can lead to the conversation getting over quickly and leave an unpleasant feeling on both parties. By preparing a number of questions yourself and hooking in to what is being said, you provide a motivated image, learn more about the company and the whole event also starts to feel more like a conversation. There are, however, a number of things to look out for when asking questions. You can read what they are below.
What should you pay attention to?
When asking questions during a job interview, there are a number of things to look out for to ensure that your questions have a positive effect on the interview. First of all, make sure that the question you ask is relevant and relates to what has just been said. When you suddenly ask a question about a completely different subject, it seems as if you are not completely there and can give the impression that the current topic does not interest you at all. In addition, if you remember something regarding a previous question you can request to bring it back up at an appropriate time. If you have asked a question about the daily atmosphere in the workplace, another question may seem suitable after it’s answer. For example, does this atmosphere suit you? Do you think you can work well in this and, if so, why? Keep this in mind when you ask a question.
Appropriate Questions:
A number of questions that you can certainly ask during your interview are, for example:
- What is the highest priority for someone in this position?
This is useful for you to ask, so that you know what the position focuses on most. In addition, this question shows initiative; you don’t take a certain job title for granted, but really want to know more about it. - What is the division between the various tasks within this position?
This is also very useful to know and also shows that you realize that you will probably not do one thing, but will have multiple tasks for you to choose. - Who else works in the team / department where you hope to end up?
This indicates that you are not only concerned with your position and your place, but also with further cooperation within the company. - Does the company also offer training opportunities?
This question shows ambition and indicates that you want to grow further, which is also positive for the company.
Questions To Avoid:
- Do you enjoy working at this company?
Do you really expect to hear a no here? Probably not. This question is better to ask in the form: Why do you enjoy working here? That way you also get more information. - How much money will I earn?
This is not a question for a job interview. If you are hired, the financial side will come. You also don’t want to give the impression that your salary is more important than where you work or what you do. - How many vacation days are part of this contract?
This also comes later, once you have been hired. If you start asking about this during the interview, you can create the impression that you are more concerned with being free than actually working at the company. - Can you tell me something about yourself?
Of course you also want to know more about the person sitting in front of you. However, with this question you can give the impression of wanting to turn the conversation around. Often this person has introduced himself briefly at the beginning of the conversation, so if you want to find out more, see if you can respond to that.
Do you feel like you’re not able to reach the interview stage of the selection process often enough? Click below to practise some assessment tests to improve your chances next time.