At the end of every interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. One of the biggest mistakes a candidate can make during an interview is not to be prepared with three or four questions. The employer may perceive this as a lack of serious desire for the job. The interview process is your opportunity to conduct further research that will enable you to make an educated decision about whether or not to accept a position with that company. It is therefore important that you learn how to develop questions to ask the interviewer about the company and the position.

Listed below are sample questions that candidates may ask during a job interview. Use these as a guideline to develop your own questions. When considering what questions to ask, read over the job description and conduct company research then see what natural questions arise out of this. It is considered acceptable practice to write your questions down in advance and bring them to the interview in a portfolio.

Questions about the POSITION

What are the main expectations of this position? (May have already been answered in the job posting/interview) What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position? What do you consider to be the main skills and qualifications that the ideal candidate for this position should possess? (May have already been answered in the job posting/interview) How does this position contribute to the company’s goals, productivity or profits? (May have already been answered in the job posting/interview) What would be the first priority for the person who takes this position?

Questions about TRAINING/ORIENTATION

What type of orientation does your organization provide for new employees? (May have already been answered in the job posting/interview) Is there a training program available for all new employees? (May have already been answered in the job posting/interview) How long do you anticipate the training period to be for someone taking on this role? (May have already been answered in the job posting/interview)

Questions about JOB RESPONSIBILITES

What are the major responsibilities of this position? (May have already been answered in the job posting/interview) What is a typical day like in the department? What would be a typical first assignment? What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job? What is most pressing? What would you like to have done in the next three months? What are some of the long-term objectives you would like to see completed?

Questions about JOB EVALUATION : THESE SHOULD BE ASKED AFTER YOU ARE OFFERED A POSITION

How often would my performance be reviewed? What type of evaluation methods does your organization utilize to review performance? How does your organization recognize its employees for their contributions?

Questions about ADVANCEMENT OPPUTUNITIES : THESE SHOULD BE ASKED AFTER YOU ARE OFFERED A POSITION

What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this position? What is a possible career path for this position? What constitutes success within the company?

Question about THE ORGANIZATION

In term of products and services, how has this organization been most successful over the years? (You should also research this type of question BEFORE the interview – to demonstrate your knowledge of the organization) How would you describe the atmosphere of organization? What is unique about it? What significant changes do you foresee in the near future? What would be my most important relationships; clients, customers, other employees? What are some of the departmental goals for the upcoming year? Who would I be working most directly with? Who would I be reporting to? More than one person? (Ask this question AFTER you are offered a position.) What is the background of my potential boss? (Ask this question AFTER you are offered a position.) What are the company’s/organization’s long-term goals? What do you like best about this company/organization? Why? I’ve read that…. cite some employer research. What are the key reasons for this success?

Questions about THE HIRING PROCESS: