The 5 best interview questions to ask in an interview.

Many job candidates prepare so extensively for an interview that they forget to have some of their own interview questions ready to ask in an interview!

Employers are impressed with candidates who ask impactful questions at the end of an interview. This shows the candidate is genuinely interested in the role and wants to find out more about the opportunity and the company. Asking insightful and well-thought-out questions can differentiate you from other candidates.   It is also important to remember that effective interviews are not one-sided.  Candidates need to ask questions to not only foster a two-way conversation, but to truly understand what it would be like working for that particular company and team.

Set yourself up for success by knowing what questions to ask in an interview!  

1.    Can you share more about the current projects the team is working on?

A job ad online can often leave essential requirements out, or the company's job description may also not reflect the current requirements of the role. By asking what projects are currently underway, you will gain more of an insight into the type of essential requirements of that role and team, and the type of skills it will take to succeed.

2.    What is a typical day or week like for someone in this position?

This is a great follow-on question, because it will help you learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role.

A Hiring Manager will usually be able to explain what the basic schedule or structure looks like in a day and provide general information about projects or tasks. The purpose of this type of question is to understand “a day in the life” and any further insights on the weighting of your duties.

3.    How would you describe the company culture, and what do you enjoy about working here?

This is such an important question for candidates to ask in an interview. This question shows your interest in understanding the work environment and whether it aligns with your values and working style. 

You can also ask what culture-building initiatives the organisation has in place. Companies with a positive working culture will easily share their unique values and the benefits of working there. 

4.    What kind of opportunities does the company offer for career growth and personal development?

Asking about career progression and opportunities for learning and development shows the Hiring Manager that you’re passionate about your career. This question also demonstrates your eagerness to grow within the company and your interest in understanding long-term opportunities. For you, it's about understanding whether there will be opportunities available within the company for you to continue developing professionally.

5.    How does the team collaborate and communicate?

Understanding the team dynamics and communication processes can give a glimpse into its dynamics. Are they more collaborative, or does the work involve more independent tasks? Understanding this helps you evaluate whether the team structure suits your preferences and working style.  Further, this question also provides a greater understanding of the team's communication and collaboration methods and all-important insights into the company's culture.

General tips and reminders on asking questions in a job interview:

Questions always need to be tailored to suit the job or company you are interviewing with. Here are some other tips to keep in mind when preparing for your next interview:

•    Research the company, the job, and the market before attending the interview so that you are well-prepared and can avoid asking questions that are answered on the company’s website.  
•    Always ask open ended questions instead of questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or no”.  
•    Tailor your questions based on the information you've already gathered during the interview. Asking thoughtful questions not only demonstrates your genuine interest but also helps you make an informed decision if you receive a job offer.
•    Remember that the interview process is a two-way street. You should always ask questions, especially if you would like greater clarity on any points or even if just to confirm the next steps post-interview.   

Preparing interview questions is a crucial aspect of the overall interview process. It allows you to actively engage with the interviewer, gather essential information, and strategically position yourself as a well-informed and thoughtful candidate. 

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