Good interview questions to ask an employer

Craft excellent questions for your job interview to impress employers and determine if the role aligns with your career goals. Learn effective strategies for inquiring about company culture, growth opportunities, and team dynamics.

By Brad Nakase, Attorney

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. The Kind of Interview Questions to Ask an Employer

3. Consider Your Goals

4. Tailor Your Questions

5. Refer to What Has Already Been Said

6. Examples of Good Interview Questions to Ask an Employer

7. Good Interview Questions to Ask an Employer About the Company

8. Good Interview Questions to Ask an Employer About the Company Culture

9. Good Interview Questions to Ask an Employer About Growth and Professional Development Opportunities

10. Good Interview Questions to Ask an Employer About the Team

Introduction

At the end of the job interview, once they have finished asking all the questions they have for you, they will usually allow you to ask them questions. This is your opportunity to ask the interviewer anything you want about the company or job. What are you going to ask?

The questions you ask in an interview are just as important as the way you answer the employer’s questions. That’s why it is recommended to prepare good interview questions to ask an employer so that you aren’t lost for what to ask.

The Kind of Interview Questions to Ask an Employer

We will give you some examples of good interview questions to ask an employer later in this article. But here are some tips that will help you formulate your own interview questions.

Consider Your Goals

There are two goals for the interview questions to ask an employer:

To assess whether the job is a good fit – The first goal is to get more information about the company and job to see if it is the kind of position you want. Examples of these kinds of interview questions to ask an employer are questions about the opportunity for progression, the company culture, and the team you will be working on.
To demonstrate that you are a good fit for the job – The interview questions you ask an employer will show that you are interested in the job. Depending on the kinds of questions you ask, you can show your research, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

Tailor Your Questions

Tailor the questions to each company and job. While it’s a good idea to prepare interview questions to ask an employer, your questions shouldn’t sound prepared. It will also be helpful to phrase your question in a way that helps the employer picture you in the role.

For example, you could ask: What would a typical day look like for me in this role?

Or you could ask: What should I aim to achieve during my first 3 months in the role?

These interview questions to ask an employer are tailored to you in the role.

Refer to What Has Already Been Said

You shouldn’t ask questions that you already have the answer to based on what the interviewer has already told you. However, good interview questions to ask an employer will build upon the information you already have and continue the conversation. This shows the interviewer you have been listening and retaining information. It also mimics what would happen during meetings where you would listen and consider information and ask questions at the end.

Examples of Good Interview Questions to Ask an Employer

It can help to prepare interview questions to ask an employer in advance so your mind doesn’t go blank due to interview nerves. Pick some of the example interview questions below to prepare, and then add some of your own.

Here are the examples of good interview questions to ask an employer.

Good Interview Questions to Ask an Employer About the Company

What are the company’s values?
How does the company plan to grow in the next 5 years?
How does this team contribute to the company’s goals?
What are some of the most exciting things you have planned in the near future?
What are some of the things this company does well as an employer?

Good Interview Questions to Ask an Employer About the Company Culture

Are there opportunities to network and socialize with other teams and departments?
What is the training and onboarding process like?
Is there anything I can read or do to give myself a jump start on success?
What do new employees typically find surprising after they start?
What do you think is different about working here than other places of work?
What kind of traditions and team morale activities does the company organize?

Good Interview Questions to Ask an Employer About Growth and Professional Development Opportunities

What are some examples of career paths of people who started in this position?
How are performance reviews and feedback handled in this role?
What are some common career paths from this role?
What learning and training opportunities will I have in this role?
How does this department support employees who have indicated their interest in promotion?

Good Interview Questions to Ask an Employer About the Team

What are the biggest challenges I may face in this role?
What skills gaps are you hoping to fill when hiring for this role?
Could you please tell me a little bit about the team I’ll be joining?
Which teams and departments will I work with in my role?

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