What questions to ask in an interview

You’ve been asked about your skills, your experience and your gap year backpacking through the Far East. But there’s still one killer question – “Do you have anything that you’d like to ask us?”

If you prepare thoroughly, this could be your opportunity to not only gain deeper insights into your potential employer and the job you’re applying for, but develop a rapport with the interviewer and make a lasting impression.

So when asked, and you will be, don’t say “No, you’ve answered them already”. Take a look through our advice on what questions to ask in an interview, and give yourself the edge.

Stay relevant

Make an effort to think of questions relating to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re interviewing for a highly technical role, be sure to ask about the software. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a client-facing role, it’s maybe a bit bizarre to ask about the programmes used by the invoicing team.

Top 10 questions to ask in an interview

Here is our top 10 list of questions to get you started. They should give you some insight on working with the company and give you an opportunity to restate your suitability for the role. There are also a couple of tips on how to turn one question into a conversation. Keep to two or three questions, and if you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.

1. First of all, is there anything you’d like me to explain in more detail?

2. You mentioned/I read/I researched that there will be a lot of presenting/liaising/new projects to work on – how will this affect my role?

3. What’s the team like?

Use this as a springboard for a conversation about all aspects of the day-to-day working experience.

4. What has the previous post holder gone on to do/why has this role been created?

5. What do you see as the priorities for this job in the first three months?

6. How do you see the role evolving in five years’ time?

This is a natural follow-on from the previous question, maintaining that conversational feel.

7. How do you think the company might grow over the next five years?

Another follow-up, demonstrating that you’re serious about staying with the company and forging a career path.

8. What is the performance management like?

This can be used to start a conversation around line management styles, training opportunities, career paths, targets, recognition etc.

9. Could you go into a bit more detail about the company structure?

10. When will I hear about this job?

What not to ask

Questions about salary, working hours and benefits can wait until the final stage of the process, when you’ve been offered the job and are able to negotiate from a stronger position.

For any further support, contact your local Michael Page team.

Good luck with your interview.