Find out if the company is the right fit for you with the right set of questions to ask during an interview.

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Questions About The Role

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How would you describe a typical day in this job?

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‍This helps you to paint a mental picture of your day-to-day responsibilities and tasks. You’ll get a clearer understanding of the projects you’ll be working on, the teams you’ll be working with, and how you might allocate your time on a daily basis. 

What skills and experience would someone need to excel in this role? 

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While the job description might already give you a brief requirement for the role, asking this question will often lead to valuable information that’s not in the job description. It could also show the culture of the company and reveal if it might be a good fit for you. 

What sort of budget would I be working with, if any?

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While this question might be better for a second or third interview with a direct manager, asking this would help manage your expectations about the success of your role. For instance, would you be able to achieve the goals set with a small (or zero) budget? On the other hand, would you be able to identify the priorities correctly if given a big budget? 

Questions About The Company

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How would you describe the culture here?

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This is a straightforward question to see if you’re going to thrive in a particular environment. Make sure you’re comfortable with the culture and dynamics of the organisation, or you might spend most of your time feeling bad at work. 

What are some of the company’s plans in the next few years?

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If you plan to be in this role for several years; you’d want to know that the company is also growing so that you can too. Furthermore, you might find out more about upcoming projects and how you might feel about them. 

What do you like best about working for this company?

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This question could be tricky. Some interviewers might have reservations sharing their own experiences, while others might appreciate you getting a little personal. If you’re feeling good about how the conversation is going, asking about your interviewer’s personal experience might reveal additional insight into the company’s culture.

Questions About Career Development

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What training programs are available to your employees?

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It’s natural to want to progress at your job - which is why training programs are very much valued at a workplace. While this might not be a deal breaker, getting to know the training programs available might help you foresee how your skills should and could develop on-the-job. 

What is the performance review process like?

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You’d want to know that your hard work is recognised, strengths are valued and weaknesses can be developed. Getting to know the company’s performance review will not only allow you to be accountable for your performance but helps to keep your goals on track.

How are my responsibilities expected to change in the next 5 years?

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This is a great question to ask as it not only shows the interviewer that you plan to stay with the company, but also grow with the company. On your end, this helps you to take a sneak peek into the future and if it’s something that is aligned to your personal goals. 

Now that we’ve shared some of the top questions to ask during an interview, we’re not suggesting to ask all these in a rapid-fire style but instead address your concerns tactfully. Remember, a certain role might sound like it ticks all the boxes on paper, but it’s also equally important to find the right fit for you. Afterall, a job should be more than just a to-do list.