Questions to be asked at a Job Interview by Iain Menzies

In general terms most interviewers will give you the opportunity to ask questions once they have finished their series of questions. So it is important you make the most of the opportunity. Try to cover issues that are important to you combined with an interest in the company and of course the job you are applying for.

Given the type of interview that you have it is likely that most of the questions that you want to ask will have been covered in at least a general way. There is always more information available and the impression that you give will mean a great deal. You should appear to be curious and interested rather than passive and disinterested.

Don't forget you will never get a second chance to make a good first impression. So check the job specification and high light or underline areas that you would like to know more information on. This will act as a prompt and help you later.

Here are some questions that you may like to think about:

1. Why has the position become available?
2. What are the main requirements and responsibilities associated with the role?
3. What are the targeting expectations?
4. How do we know when the expectations have been met?
5. How do I know how successful I am in the role?
6. What problems (if any) do you think may come up to interfere with my success?
7. What kind of time line do I have in terms of measuring success?
8. What kind of development training and support are available?
9. How do I fit with the existing team?

Make sure you prepare for your interview by finding out about the company in advance. This process should help with questions and help you to find out about the company.

However some questions that you may consider asking:

1. What the best thing about working for the company
2. What is the main expectation that the company expects?
3. What is the staffing turnover?
4. What is the company looking to do in the future?
5. What is the culture and management style of the company?

Interest and knowledge is always very important. So establish what is currently happening within the business and ask relevant questions.

Example:

How do you think the new pricing structure will help the organisation? How the interviewer will respond to your questions will give you a good idea whether it is a good fit for you. Don't forget an interview is an opportunity for both you and the company to sell the benefits of your skills and find their fit.

Try not to ask about the pay because this may seem that this is all you are interested in. It should be more about what the company can do for you and not what you can do for the company. This data will either have been identified via the advert or the agency if not through the first interview. If all you have is an OTE figure (On Target Earnings) discuss the bonus and how it is arrived at.

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