7 Smart Questions One Can Ask in a Job Interview
When interviewing for a new job, it is essential to ask intelligent and relevant questions. You would need to learn about the company and the role, and the best way to do that is by asking your interviewer the right questions. This will help you ensure that the employer is right for you and vice-versa. To understand what is considered a valid query, here are seven key questions every candidate should ask an employer:
What is the biggest challenge the department is facing?
The department’s area of concern is the current state of its business. The question regarding the biggest challenge can help you understand what they think is going on with their company and how they intend to solve it. Their answer should be able to tell you the following details:
Who is responsible for solving this problem?
What is your timeline for solving this problem?
What is the best part of working here?
By answering this question, the employer can discuss the company’s work culture and environment. If the employer has been with the organization for a long time, they can give you a glimpse of what it would be like working here and what they look forward to in their workplace. The answer can also offer an understanding of the perspective of the employer.
How has the company changed since you joined?
This question shows that you are interested in the company and want to know how it has evolved over the years. It allows you to understand the company’s history, dynamism, and growth, along with the milestones it reached. It allows you to appreciate the employer’s journey with the company and the role they played in the company’s growth.
Is there anything I should read before joining to help me become a better part of the team?
This question indicated that you are a team player, which is an essential trait for all employees. Every employer wants cooperative employees on their team to have a smooth experience working with them. Apart from this, in answering the question, the employer can introduce the company’s culture and the team’s key colleagues or other employees with whom you might need to coordinate. Also, this question helps you better understand the work philosophy.
What other opportunities might open up for me if I do well in this job?
This question can help you picture your growth trajectory in the company. This is a great way to understand if they value your skills and experience. The opportunities may include traveling, networking, and incentives or perks that allow you to pursue higher education or hone your skills. This can also indicate how much time and effort is spent on coaching or development opportunities.
What are my key performance indicators or goals?
Your goal should be to ensure that the KPIs and performance measurement process is made clear from the beginning so that you know what is expected from you. The answer to this question will also help you understand the information or feedback you are provided about your performance.
Are there any internal or external stakeholders with whom I need to build strong relationships?
Depending on your role, this could be a fundamental question for you to know the people who will be working with you on a day-to-day basis. The internal stakeholders could be your colleagues, manager, HR personnel, and other teams. External stakeholders could include clients, suppliers, or partners. This can help you work on building strong bonds as soon as you start working.
Never refrain from asking your employer questions before signing up for a job. The right questions are always the ones that can indicate an interest in the company’s well-being and your own growth. Asking intelligent questions is also crucial for establishing a healthy relationship between you and your employer.