Surprisingly good questions to ask that will help you stand out in job interviews
Sometimes thinking of questions to ask at the end of the interview is harder than answering all the questions that will be bombarded at you during the interview. So to help you, we've compiled a list of great questions to ask that will also tell you a lot about the company.
Asking the right questions at the end of your interview will not only help you stand out as a candidate but they can also reveal a lot about the company and the people interviewing you. This can help you decide if it's the right place for you because remember, an interview is not just for the company to decide if you're right for them. It's also for you to decide if they are right for you.
So here are some really good questions to ask:
What is the team dynamic like? Almost every company says they are like a family but even families can have tough dynamics and you want to find the one that suits you best. For example if they say, everyone gets along but people tend to just carry on with what they need to do, but you're someone who prefers to work in a more collaborative manner then it might not be for you. The same applies vice versa. If you know your job will involve a lot of collaboration with other teams then it might be good to ask about how different teams work together.
Is there flexible working? Are you someone who would prefer to work from home at least one day a week? Or do you value the focus that everyone being in the office every day brings? The company's policy on this could impact your job satisfaction. If you have a health condition that means you need to be able to go to the doctor or hospital when necessary, it's important to bring this up in the interview so both parties know where they stand and if this would be an issue or not.
What is the social side like? Some companies have a voluntary social team who organise company wide events as a way for people to hang out and get to know one another outside of work. Some people love this but if you're not one of these people then this could be a source of tension if you feel obligated to attend. On the other hand, if you're a very social person, then a tap in, tap out, mind your own business workplace might not enjoyable for you.
Is this a new role or a vacancy? If it's a new role then they will want you to shape it, which may or may not be something you enjoy. Some people enjoy the freedom to make something their own while others prefer to have set parameters to adhere to. If it's a vacancy then they will have expectations which can be a great follow up question - was there something that the previous employee did which they'd really appreciate from you too?
How come the previous employee left? This is a tricky one because you don't want to seem nosey but if asked politely, there's no reason why they shouldn't answer. What the interviewer says and how they say it could reveal a lot. As could the body language between the interviewers, if there is more than one.
How healthy/profitable is the business? If you're interviewing for a small business or a start-up, this is a good question to ask to assess how they see the future of the business and the role you're interviewing for, in it.
What do you like about working here? This question could surprise the interviewer which means you're more likely to get the truth. The answer will tell you not only one of the reasons why they might be working there, but also what they value and how they would like you to fit in if you get the job.
What are some great questions that you think will help interviewees? Let us know in the comments below :)