One aspect that causes candidates dread more than others is the end of the interview. How should you respond when the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions?” Don’t worry, though, because we’re here to walk you through each step of the hiring process for a candidate. We taught you how to write a resume. And, you did such a great job on your resume the company scheduled a phone or video interview. Now, here are the 10 questions to ask an interviewer as a candidate, so you can get to the next step of the hiring process.

1. What are you looking for in a candidate?

The Balance Careers suggests you ask this, and for good reason. This question allows you the chance to fully understand the job expectations. And, you can even take a quick minute to explain to the interviewer how you possess these qualities. 

2. Why should I want to work for this organization?

Here, you can easily learn what the company culture is like. In fact, you’ll often hear what perks the business offers too. Now, you won’t have to worry negotiating or asking about that during the job offer phase—if you get there. 

3. What projects/contributions do you expect me to make within the first six months?

This question is designed to level-set. Look, organizations understand new employees take time with onboarding and the learning curve. The average employee takes up to six months before they’re making meaningful contributions to a company. But, they also care about productivity and can sometimes attempt to rush the process. So, Forbes argues how this question allows you to get very clear expectations about your responsibilities while you get acclimated to the position and organization.

4. What are the growth opportunities here? 

Often, this query quickly reveals whether or not this is a dead-end job. If there’s no potential for growth, this role may not be the best for your career. 

5. Can you show me examples of projects I’d be working on?

The Muse recommends this question, so you get a concrete example of the work quality you’re expected to reach. However, you need to take this with a grain of salt. The reason this position is available may be because the work you’re being shown wasn’t good enough. 

6. What does it mean to be a leader at your organization?

According to Inc., this is one of the best questions to ask. For starters, it reveals you’re ambitious because you’re subtly asking how you can be promoted. This query also lets you understand the company culture, so you can vet it to see if this is the right fit for you.

7. Why do you enjoy working for this company?

Remember, this question is critical to pay attention to body language and tone. According to Glassdoor, you can learn more about the interviewer, and that’s true. More importantly, you also learn a lot about the company culture. If the interviewer doesn’t enthusiastically paint you an inspiring picture of the organization and the role, you may want to reconsider working there.

8. Are there career development opportunities?

Organizations want employees that are lifelong learners. The insatiable need to continually improve is a valuable quality. Plus, you can learn how your boss(es) plan to help you improve your skills and develop new ones. 

9. What is your leadership style?

Inc. suggests you ask this without adding anything else—and only if the interviewer will be your boss. Listen carefully and allow them to speak uninterrupted. Analyze if this is a style you feel suits you. Remember, you want to put yourself in a position to succeed, not just take any job.

10. What questions didn’t I ask that you hoped I would?

This is another savvy query. You permit the interviewer to reveal critical elements of what they’re looking for in a candidate. And, you still have the opportunity to demonstrate how you meet this criteria by following up with past experiences that address these characteristics. 

These 10 questions to ask an interviewer as a candidate will show your interviewer how prepared you are. So, if you use any of the 10 questions to ask an interviewer, you should be ready for the next step of the interview process! Also, if you’re looking for a job, you should consider using Applied Resource Group, Atlanta’s premier staffing agency. When you work with our staffing agency, you get highly trained experts who have perfected the art of matching candidates with their ideal company. Either way, happy job hunting!

Resources

Inc

Indeed

The Balance Careers

Forbes

Glassdoor

The Muse

Zety

Career Addict

Forbes

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