- Author
- Abi Talbot
- Published
- 10th January, 2025
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also an opportunity to learn more about a company, and whether the job is the right fit for you. While it's crucial to prepare answers for the questions you could potentially be asked, it's equally important to come prepared with your own set of questions to ask the interviewer. This not only shows that you're genuinely interested, but it can also help you assess if the company and the position align with your career goals and values.
Here are some essential questions you should consider asking in your interview:
Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with?
Understanding the dynamics of the team is crucial for assessing whether you’ll be able to thrive in the work environment. A collaborative, positive team culture can make all the difference to your success and job satisfaction.
Why Ask This:
This question gives you insight into the team structure, how you’ll be expected to collaborate, and the personalities you’ll be working with on a daily basis.
What does a typical day look like in this role?
Knowing what your day-to-day responsibilities will entail helps you gauge whether you’ll enjoy the role. This question also gives the interviewer a chance to clarify the primary duties and expectations.
Why Ask This:
This shows that you’re focused on the realities of the job and want to understand the practical aspects before committing to the role.
What are the biggest challenges someone in this role might face?
Every role comes with its own set of challenges. By asking this question, you’re not only getting a realistic sense of what to expect but also signaling that you're mentally preparing to face potential obstacles.
Why Ask This:
It helps you assess whether the challenges are ones you're equipped to handle and if the company's support structure aligns with your needs.
How does the company support professional development and growth?
Your career progression is important, so it’s essential to understand how the company supports employees in their professional development. Does the company offer mentorship, training programs, or opportunities for advancement?
Why Ask This:
It shows that you’re thinking long-term and are serious about your career growth. It also helps you gauge whether the company values growth and development.
What are the company’s values and culture?
Company culture is vital for long-term job satisfaction. Understanding the core values of the company gives you insight into how they treat employees, what behaviors they value, and whether your personal values align with theirs.
Why Ask This:
This helps you determine if you’ll feel comfortable and motivated within the organisation and if the company’s values resonate with your own.
How do you evaluate success in this role?
This question gives you a clear picture of what will be expected of you in terms of performance and outcomes. Whether it’s hitting specific targets, completing projects on time, or demonstrating leadership, understanding success metrics is key.
Why Ask This:
It helps you understand the performance expectations and ensures you're on the same page with the interviewer regarding your potential contributions.
What opportunities are there for collaboration with other departments?
Even if your role is within a specific department, working across teams can broaden your experience and create more opportunities for growth. This question helps you understand whether the company values cross-functional work.
Why Ask This:
It shows you’re thinking about the bigger picture and are open to collaborating, which can make you a more valuable asset to the team. It also gives you an indication as to who you could potentially be working with.
