To make an optimal first impression on the hiring manager during your job interview, it’s not just about how you answer their questions – you also need to be prepared to ask questions of your own. Asking questions demonstrates that you are enthusiastic and thoroughly vested in pursuing the opportunity; however, the questions must be tailored to learning more about the opportunity and how you will be an asset to the company, as opposed to focusing only on self-serving topics (i.e., time off and other perks.) By posing thoughtful, intelligent questions, you put yourself in the driver’s seat!
Be Prepared
A couple things to keep in mind for any interview are:
- Research – Make sure you take an hour and research the company and the person/people you’ll be speaking with.
- Questions – Make sure you have well thought out questions prepared before the interview (we usually recommend 8-10). Try to derive at least a few of the questions from the research you do.
Questions to Ask During Your Interview
- Tell me about the history of growth in your company?
- In the recent history of the company, what have been the biggest advances?
- What special projects would I be working on during my first six months or my first year?
- Tell me about a typical day. (What would I be doing on a daily basis?)
- What are the characteristics of your top people?
- Where do you see your company going in the next five/ten years?
- What are the main qualities you seek in a candidate?
- How do you see me fitting in with your company?
- What does your interview process entail?
- What do you like about working at your company?
- What are the firm’s overall strengths?
- Who are your major competitors, and how do they stack up against you in terms of product, market share, methods of marketing, and strengths and weaknesses?
- How is the department organized? How many people?
- What are the major challenges and objectives currently faced by the department?
- Why is the position open? If new: Why created? If not: Why did the past employee leave?
- Why isn’t the position being filled from within the company?
- What are the key ongoing responsibilities of the position?
- To whom does this position report?
- What new products (markets? ventures?) is the company planning to introduce that will support future growth?
Set yourself up for success in your job search by using IMPACT Payment Recruiting to find opportunities that align with your career goals. From career advancement to increased compensation, IMPACT can help you achieve your employment objectives by matching you with opportunities from our global network of clients. Start your job search today with IMPACT!
Connected. Fast. Reliable. IMPACT.
