It would be very rare indeed to arrive at the end of a job interview without the interviewer asking “Do you have any questions?” This is definitely NOT the time to say “No”. Having a list of pre-prepared questions will demonstrate your professionalism and preparedness for the interview, your interest in the company and the position on offer, your personality and interests, and your ability to question, analyse and pursue information. The interviewer will certainly appreciate the lessening of the burden upon them to be the one asking all of the questions.
Here is a sample of 10 questions for you to pick and choose from:
About the Interviewer
- What do you like most about the company?
- What do you like most about your job?
- What are some qualities or attributes that you admire in the CEO and management team?
About the Company
- Where do you see the company being in 5 years time?
- What do you think keeps the CEO and/or the Board of Directors awake at night?
- What are the key issues and opportunities facing the business? The industry?
About the Workplace Culture
- What social activities take place amongst staff? Are there any sporting groups? Are there any charitable or fund-raising events that the company or staff supports? e.g. charity fun runs, Jeans for Genes Day, Movember.
- Describe the management style of the CEO.
- How does the company define success?
And finally,
- Is there anything else you would like to know about me, my skills or my experience?
Saying “No” when asked if you have any questions deprives the interviewer of the opportunity to get to know you better and may well leave the impression that you are not really interested in the company or the position on offer. Have at least 3 or 4 relevant questions at the ready and put as much thought into the questions you may ask as you do to answering questions. “Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.” ― Voltaire “Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.” Tony Robbins