Mastering the Art of Job Interviews: The Best Questions to Ask

Job interviews are a two-way process designed to determine if you and the potential employer are a good fit. It is essential to ask the right questions, not just to get the information you need, but also to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the role. Here are some of the most effective questions you can ask during an interview.

The Employer's Perspective

When interviewing someone, it is crucial to ask questions that help you understand their organization, the position, and the candidate's fit within the company. Here are a few examples:

Company Metrics and Position Details

How do the company’s key metrics, such as revenue, EBIT, and the number of employees, look like? This helps you understand the financial health and size of the company. Why is the position vacant, and why did the previous incumbent leave? This can give you insight into the dynamic of the current team and potential reasons for job openings. What are the role expectations, KPIs, and short to mid-term goals? This ensures you understand what is expected of the candidate and aligns them with the company's objectives. How is this role positioned in your organizational structure? This helps the candidate understand their place within the company and how they fit into the overall strategy. Who will be my main stakeholders? Knowing who the stakeholders are can help the candidate prepare for interactions and understand their impact. What is the biggest challenge your organization is facing? This can provide insight into the current landscape and potential future challenges for the candidate.

These questions are not only useful for gathering information but also for making a strong impression on the employer.

The Interviewee's Perspective

As the interviewee, you can also ask a series of strategic and insightful questions to understand the job better and ensure it is a good fit for you. Here are some questions you should consider:

How long have you been with the firm, and how do you feel about the company? This can give you an idea of their loyalty and passion for the organization. What is the interview process like, and what are the next steps? Understanding the timeline can help you manage your expectations and prepare accordingly. Can you talk about the company culture and values? This can help you understand if the company’s environment aligns with your personal values. What is the career path for someone in this position? This can help you understand the opportunities for growth within the company. Do you have any idea about the KPIs for the role? Understanding the performance metrics can help you prepare for the job. What did you find challenging about your current or previous roles, and how did you overcome those challenges? This can help the candidate gauge your problem-solving skills and experience. What do you think the biggest challenges are for someone in this role? This can help you prepare for any potential obstacles and show your readiness to face them. What is your own experience like in the interview process? This can help you understand the process from their perspective and adjust your expectations.

Additional Effective Questions

Here are a couple of additional questions that can be particularly effective:

What do the first 90 days look like for this position? This can help you understand the onboarding process and the expectations for the initial period. Why is the position open? This can give you insight into the current state of the company and whether the position is new or if there are challenges within the team. What does success look like for an employee in the first year? This can help you understand the short-term and long-term goals for the role. What do your star performers have in common? This can provide you with a clear picture of the qualities and skills that are highly valued within the company.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of job interviews is about being prepared, asking the right questions, and understanding the company and the role thoroughly. Whether you are the interviewer or the interviewee, these questions can help you make a positive impression and achieve your goals in the job search process.

Ready to become a smarter job seeker? Join my free newsletter to get weekly tips and advice on job searching and interviews. Good luck!