Posted by With hundreds of candidates who hold the same qualifications and have equally experienced applying for the same role, recruiters have to base their hiring decisions on many other factors. Hence, being able to answer interview questions doesn’t determine your application success.
To most (if not all) of hiring managers, the most valuable aspects that they look for in a candidate are practical skills and the candidate’s employability. If you are a job seeker, you must be familiar with the part where you are invited to ask questions, and that when you can show those sought-after qualities.
The do-you-have-any-questions question is simply a way to end the interview, but you can still score an extra point if you do it right.
You should prepare the questions to ask about the job when it comes to this point. Reflect on what motivates you to apply for the job and what can you offer to the company. That’s what you need to figure out in order to make the most of this session.
Your questions should serve two purposes: (1) to convince the interviewer that you are a good fit and (2) to make sure the company is suitable for you.
Here are the 4 questions that you can ask the employer and nail the interview.
What is the company’s growth plan in the next 3 – 6 months?
Depending on your applying position, this question can reveal the expectations that the employer has for you. Be sure to equip yourself with thorough research of the company’s background, their products or services as well as the current challenges. By addressing those factors, you can simultaneously propose your ideas to help achieve the company’s goals.
This is a good chance for you to show the recruiters your genuine interest in the organisation and your passion for the job. So even if you don’t have a strong education background, you can still assure the employer that you have the required knowledge to get things done.
How is the team that I will be working with?
Besides the job function, company culture is among the most important factors that determine your career satisfaction. So you would want to get to know more about your future co-workers’ working styles as well. It is important to figure out if the company is suitable to you before carrying on to the next steps.
After asking the question, don’t just acknowledge the interviewer’s answer, try to explain what type of personality you are, too. The employer especially cares about your collaborative skills when making a hiring decision.
What is my potential career path in the organisation?
Even if you are applying for an entry-level position, it’s never too early to map out your career path. Advancement is not only for senior employees, everyone has the equal opportunity to grow. It doesn’t matter how long a person works in the company, the work result will speak for itself. So make sure that there is a clear career path available for you in the organisation to strive for. This question also reveals your personal goals, which leads us to the next question.
Will there be training or professional development courses available for this role?
No career advancement can happen without a good mentor or training program. Therefore, you have to make sure that the company offers learning opportunities for each and every role.
Explain to the interviewer what specific skills that you are expecting to gain. You can relate this part to the first question to convince them that your career goals are aligned with the company’s development process. Asking this question also reflects your desire to expand your knowledge, which is one of the most outstanding traits of a good candidate.
Note that if the company is unable to organise or offer professional training for all employees, you should emphasise your determination to learn on your own.
Last but not least, it’s time to verify with your interviewer about the next steps. Don’t just assume what will happen, you need to be aware of the job application timeline so that you know when to expect the result.
Tip: The first interview is only an audition, so don’t mention about what benefits you can get from the job yet unless the interviewer initiates such discussion.
Good luck to your next interview!