7 interview questions that you should be asking

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Rachel Burge for CareerBuilder.co.uk

Job interviews can feel like a one-way interrogation but it doesn't - and shouldn't -
have to be that way. Ask insightful and well thought out questions and you will
differentiate yourself from the other candidates - and be able to make an
informed decision about whether the company is right for you when they offer
you the role.

Not sure what to ask? Here are seven questions you should consider asking
before, during and after the interview.

Before the interview:

1. Who will be interviewing me and what format will it take?

To properly prepare for an interview, you need to know who will be doing the
interviewing. You're unlikely to ask a HR manager the same questions as a panel
of department heads, so find out the names of who will be in the room and do
some digging (LinkedIn is a good place to start) on their background and role in
the company.

Don't forget to ask what format the interview will take - that way, you won't be
thrown when you find yourself faced with a panel, taking part in a group role play
scenario or asked to sit an aptitude test.

During the interview:

2. What goals do they have for the role?
You're likely to be asked about your personal career goals - but don't be afraid to
ask what goals the hiring manager has for the role. Do they expect the
successful candidate to increase revenue, improve inter-departmental relations
or streamline current processes? And how will they measure success?

Asking the question demonstrates that you are results focused and will give you
a chance to underline what you can bring to the role. Listen carefully to their
response - there's a good chance you'll find out what the job will really be like
and what challenges it holds.

3. How would you describe the company's work culture?

Is the company a stickler for red tape or do they encourage independent
thinking? Will your boss micro-manage your every move or leave you to sink or
swim? Does everyone go home at 5.30pm or are late nights the rule rather than
the exception? Work culture can make or break your happiness in a new role, so
it's worth finding out what to expect.

Ask about work culture outright though, and you're likely to get a bog standard
response. There are sneaky ways to find out. You could, for example, ask how
often the team meets. If the answer is "individually with the manager once a
week," that suggests a top-down interaction with your boss. If the answer is "we
have a group meeting every morning" it suggests a collaborative way of working.
Think hard about what you want to know and come up with some questions that
will help you read between the lines.

4. You have recently introduced a new product/client/service - what

direction do you see the company taking in the future?
You've spent hours researching the company, so why wait for an opportunity to
show off your superior knowledge when you can demonstrate your hard work by
asking a question?

By enquiring about a recent development, such as a service the company has

introduced or a client they've taken on, you will show that you are interested in
the job and the employer behind it. Listen carefully to their response and suggest
how you would be able to add value to their future plans. This shows you're
ambitious and plan to stick around.
5. Do you have any doubts about whether I'm suited for the job?
You're near the end of the interview but feel you haven't 'sold' yourself enough.
Perhaps the interviewer didn't ask the right questions (they may be inexperienced
or not very good) - or maybe you missed an opportunity to convey your abilities.
Don't worry, all is not lost.

Ask the interviewer whether they have any doubts as to your suitability for the
role. It takes a certain amount of confidence to do, but this is the last chance
you'll get to address any weaknesses the interviewee may think you have and
emphasise your strengths.

6. What is the timeline for filling the position?

Before you leave the room, don't be afraid to ask when you can expect to hear
back and what the next steps are.

The interviewer should be able to give you a rough idea of how long the
recruitment process will take, whether they plan to have second interviews and
when a final decision might be made. Whether you feel it went well or not, smile
and thank them for their time.

After the interview:

7. I didn't get the job - can you give me some feedback?

If you don't get the job you're bound to feel disappointed but take what you can
from the experience and use it as an opportunity to improve your interviewing
skills.

Be polite when asking for feedback, the company is under no obligation to offer
it, and listen to any criticism without arguing the case. The contact you have with
the hiring manager is a chance to display your professionalism - impress them
now and who knows, you might be the first person they call when a new position
comes up or their first hire doesn't work out.