Good Interview Questions to Ask



Tips and advice on best questions to ask in an interview



It is very important that you prepare a selection of good interview questions to ask in an interview in order to maximise your chances for selection in the recruitment process. The interview is not just for the prospective employer to assess you; it is also your opportunity to re-assess the job, the company and its corporate culture, first-hand; and decide whether they are in line with your expectations and career aspirations. Towards the end of the interview, expect to be given the opportunity to ask the interviewer(s) questions of your own.

The best questions to ask in an interview are always pertinent and relevant to the job. A candidate that fails to ask questions when prompted might be deemed unprofessional, and not caring sufficiently about the job or the company. The reason is simple: if you truly care about a job, your natural interest and enthusiasm towards that job will naturally germinate questions for job interviews, if not about the job itself, then the organization.

If you already have clearly defined career aspirations, you will more readily be able to formulate good questions for job interview success. There will be numerous questions you will want to ask yourself about the job, prior to the actual interview. Is it in line with your goals? Does it offer the challenge and responsibility you desire? Does it offer sufficient scope for career progression and advancement?. These are some of the issues an aspiring candidate will seek answers. Some of these answers will be in the original job spec, others can be found by researching the company prior to the interview. The more you research an organization the more you are likely to unearth further relevant questions you may wish to ask during your job interview.

Asking pertinent questions shows you have researched the company and are interested in them and the job. Remember to only ask questions when prompted. You should ask questions that show you are a serious professional, with clear career goals, eager to take on the responsibilities and challenges of the job.

Sample questions to ask on a job interview

  • How would you describe the main responsibilities of the job?
  • How would you describe a typical working day in this job?
  • What pathways are there for advancement in the organization?
  • What do you personally like most about working in this organization?
  • Who will I be reporting to?
  • What is the company's long term vision?
  • Are there any current arrangements for training?
  • What differentiates this organization from its main competitors?
  • How many staff members are deployed within this department?
  • How would you describe the organization's management philosophy?
  • What are the main objectives of the department in the coming year?
  • What in your view is the biggest challenges in the job?

The above questions are typical of good questions to ask during a job interview and are designed to give you a general idea of the type of questions to ask. You can amend them to suit your specific situation. Only ask questions that impact upon you, your circumstance and the specific job you are seeking.


Good Job Interview Questions To Ask
QUESTIONS TO ASK IN AN INTERVIEW