You’ve submitted resume after resume after resume, and you FINALLY got that call! They want to interview you for the position! You’ve done your research on the company and position, and you go in feeling calm, cool, and collected. You’ve got this in the bag. At the end of the interview, your interviewer asks, “So do you have any questions for me?”
Ummm…
Well…
Do you?
You want to ask a couple of questions to show you’ve done your research about the company and the job, but you definitely don’t want them to be stupid questions or questions that won’t get you the job. But…what are the questions you should ask? Even more important, what shouldn’t you ask? Here are a few questions you shouldn’t ask and why. Don’t worry…there are a few you should ask too!
1) Questions that can be answered with a quick Google search
By asking questions you could have easily Googled, it shows you didn’t do your research on the company. You don’t know what they do? You don’t know what the job entails? You’re probably not the type of candidate that the employer is looking for. We already know you’re a rock star, so make sure they know it by doing your research!
2) “What are the salary and benefits like?”
This is something you discuss after being extended an offer. We know…you want to know how much you’d be making and what the health insurance and vacation time is like. But you kind of need the job before any of that is actually relevant, right? Hold off on this one for not!
3) “Why” questions
“Why” questions are actually kind of confrontational for some interviewers. Some questions could be “why were there layoffs last year” or “why did the person last in my position leave” and these can put your interviewer in an awkward position. You definitely don’t want your interview to be awkward!
4) “Can I work from home?”
If the job description doesn’t mention it, neither should you. They’re going to wonder why you want to be out of the office before you even get in it! Not a great impression you’re leaving.
5) “Do you want to see my references?”
Think of job hunting like dating. You want to entice the company with the awesomeness and the value you’re going to bring to the company. It makes them want to call you for a second “date.” Putting all your cards on the table reeks of desperation. Don’t be desperate!
So now you know what not to say when they ask if you have any questions. But what are some really good questions to ask?
1) “Can you explain the company culture with some examples?”
Everyone is going to say the company culture is great, but asking for examples shows that you are ready to jump in and be part of that culture!
2) “How have you recognized employees in the past?”
Of course we’re going to mention this question! We’re an awards company! But this is a really important question to ask because you want to know that the company keeps their employee morale up. There’s nothing worse than working at a job where everyone hates it there.
3) “What do you like most about the company?”
People love talking about themselves, so your interviewer is ready to share. If your interviewer is excited in their answer, that gives you great insight on whether or not you’d like it there.
4) “What would you like to see me accomplish in the first 30, 60, and 90 days on the job?”
Look at you, you go-getter! This is showing your interviewer that you’re ready to jump right in and get started.
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What are some of the best and worst questions someone has asked you on an interview?
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