Many jobseekers approach the interview process as if it is only one-sided. With their resume in hand and fully prepared to answer any questions their potential employer may ask of them, these people typically have fully rehearsed responses and the type of answers that they think their potential employer wants to hear. Unfortunately, these jobseekers are rarely as successful as the candidate who is prepared to ask their own questions during the interview process.
For starters, do not forget that the initial interview is a fully interactive process. Most employers are expecting to answer as many questions as they ask, if not more, and any hiring manager worth their merit will certainly take the time to answer your questions in full detail. Don’t be afraid to write down any questions you have beforehand, as you may forget them in the midst of the interview, but what happens if you cannot think of any questions to ask in the first place? Thankfully, there are a few common questions you can rely on to show your interest and learn more about the company you are applying to.
Mission Statement
Asking a hiring manager to recite or explain the company’s mission statement is one of the first questions you should ask during the interview process. This gives you a clear-cut picture of the organization’s goals, visions and primary purpose, and it can be used to make sure that your intentions are in alignment with the objectives of the company.
Describe the Position
There are a number of questions an interviewee can ask of their interviewer in order to gain more insight into the job in question. Inquiring about the day-to-day responsibilities, how a typical work week progresses or even why the previous employee was terminated is a great way to develop a clear understanding of the whole picture.
Future Advancement
Never be afraid to ask about any career advancement opportunities associated with an entry-level position. Not only does this show career dedication on your part, but it can help you to understand what skills and abilities are needed to progress to the next level. If there are no advancement opportunities, you may be setup for a dead-end job.
Enjoyment and Satisfaction
You can gain some insight into the atmosphere of the workplace by asking a hiring manager how satisfied they are with their own position and experience in the company. This is especially helpful when the interviewer has progressed through the company from an entry-level role, as they’ll be able to provide viewpoints that stem from their own experience in different positions.
Follow-Up Communications
Inquiring about follow-up communications is a great way to put an end to an otherwise successful interview. Asking a hiring manager when you can expect their response is a surefire way to show your interest in the job, but try to set a deadline if you can. Don’t hesitate to ask the interviewer if you can contact them within a few days, just to make sure your resume is still being considered. Not only does this give your potential employer motivation to initiate contact sooner rather than later, it also demonstrates your dedication toward the company as a whole.
