In the job interview, the questions you ask can be just as important as the answers you give. You can stand out from other candidates by asking any of these 15 questions at your next job interview.
There are five key areas you want to succeed at during your job interview, and they are:
- Company knowledge
- Job knowledge
- Storytelling
- Connection
- Composure
Apart from composure, the questions below can help you excel in each category. Your composure is your ability to be confident, have a positive mindset, be cordial and on time.
Company research
These questions aim to demonstrate the depth of your knowledge of the company. As new immigrants in Canada and it’s essential to go above and beyond in the company research. You want to show a significant understanding of how the company operates in its markets. Take the time to do an in-depth SWOT analysis of the company, and know its main competitors. Make sure that the questions you ask cannot be quickly answered by doing a Google search.
1. Question: I noticed that your company launched a new XX last year. I was curious to know the role that your Department or team played in bringing this to life and the position that you will continue to play to take this to the next level question?
What you are trying to accomplish: this is an opportunity to demonstrate the research that you have done into some of the company’s success stories. You also want to understand how the team that you may work in contributed to achieving success.
2. Question: 2020 has been a challenging year for the company due to the effect of COVID-19. What are some of the ways the company plans to recover from the impacts of COVID-19? OR
I have been impressed by the way your company was able to pivot with the effects of COVID. What are some of the reasons the company was able to pivot quickly?
What you want to know: this question might be sensitive, depending on where the company is at with their recovery. So it would be best if you did your research to get a good grasp of the company’s recovery plans. The question might also be one that many candidates will be asking given that COVID-19 is top-of-mind. Be sure only to ask this question if you get a sense that the company is actively recovering, and the hiring manager will be happy to share if the company is experiencing success. If you have ideas of how the company might potentially improve, you can also frame your question by giving out one of your thoughts. You can replace COVID can be replaced with any challenge that the industry or company might be facing. You can learn more about questions to ask about COVID-19 by insights dice.
3. Question: Given that your company’s ability to do x has made it a key player in the x market over the last five years, how can you translate that into new markets? OR I read that the company is looking to move into this new market. I’m curious to know how your company’s ability to do X play into the new market?
What you hope to accomplish: Present your in-depth research into the company’s expansion plans. You also show that you have identified the company’s strengths and its ability to succeed in those expansion plans. There may be very little that the interviewer can tell you in answering this question. However, they will be able to expand on public information and be impressed by the depth of your research.
4. Question: Compared to other x companies, I noticed that your company is more or less involved in x? How has that played a role in your client acquisition strategy?
What you want to portray: Your position could be client-facing or employee-facing. Ask a question about the company’s ability to meet either their client or employee needs.
Job knowledge
These questions are essential to ask at your next job interview because your main goal is to understand the needs of the role thoroughly. When asking these questions, remember to show your experience and eagerness to accomplish above expectations. The first place to master your job knowledge is with the job description. Here is where networking with employees before the interview can play a vital role. You can learn more information about the key priorities of the position. See our blog post tips to networking from scratch.
5. Question: Where is your Department looking to grow in the next year or two, and how do you see this role supporting that growth?
What you want to know: this question shows your interest in a future in the company. It is also crucial for you to get a sense of what plans they have for the overall department growth. When you accept a role, you want to ensure that there is a future for you and the Department.
6. Question: If I were granted the opportunity to start next week, what would you like me to accomplish in the first 3 to 6 months?
What you hope to portray: This question shows your willingness to hit the ground running. It also shows that you are keen to focus on accomplishments in the very short-term. This gives the hiring manager confidence in your ability to learn quickly and succeed.
7. Question: From my project management experience at a manufacturing company and data analysis experience at a boutique strategy consulting firm, what do you find the most relevant/interesting about my experience for this role?
What you want to know: With this question, you have an opportunity to quickly recap your top experiences that are relevant to the role as well as find out from the hiring managers or interviewers what it was about your resume that they were excited about.
Storytelling
Using the SPAR or SPARR method when answering interview questions can be adapted to ask great questions. Always remember to describe the Situation, Problem, Action, Result and Reflection. The second R for Reflection is relatively new and is not necessary for every story. Storytelling during an interview is a critical skill that everyone must master. This is especially crucial for newcomers who may not be used to this style of answering interview questions.
8. Question: In my previous roles, I have used x and x for x. What are some of the tools that you use for x, and how important is it to be comfortable using them at the start?
What you want to portray: You are demonstrating your experience in tools and software that are important to the role. Be careful to listen carefully to the interviewer. They may mention some of the tools which can change how you ask this question. You want to demonstrate your experience using similar tools and your eagerness to learn.
9. Question: One of the things that drew me to this company is its values. The value collaboration is one that resonates with me. How does the importance of collaboration contribute to the company’s success? OR How does the company expect employees to demonstrate this value in their day-to-day?
What you want to portray: Here is where you show the interviewer what you love most about the company. Whether it is the company values, mission or vision, give an actual example of something about the company that you connect with. Avoid making something up here, because most interviewers will be able to detect it if you’re making something up.
10. Question: In my previous role, I led several brainstorming sessions. What are some of the ways your team ideates or brainstorms whenever the team is feeling stuck or challenged?
What you want to portray: Show your experience and your ability to lead a team through challenging times to success. Bring examples from times that you were able to shine and helping to solve a problem as a team. Aim to have a story that connects to the heart of what the hiring managers are looking for.
11. Question: I believe my ability to x and x make me a great candidate for the role. In your experience, what are some of the other qualities that will make a person successful in this role?
What you hope to accomplish: With this question, you gain a chance to reiterate your strengths as well as find out other traits that are necessary to succeed in this role.
Connection
It’s essential to create a connection with your interviewers. This will help shape the interview from feeling like a question and answer session to a conversation. Ideally you want to ask a few questions during the interview and avoid waiting till the end of the interview to ask all your questions. 85% of jobs are filled via networking and this shows the importance of making a connection. If you’re unable to connect with anyone in the company before the interview, you should prioritise making a strong connection in the interview.
12. Question: What are some of the strategic objectives that you are working on, and how would you like someone in this role to support you?
What you want to know: Here, you want to show the hiring manager your interest in the work that they are doing. You would like to learn more about the Strategic objectives that your work will be supporting. Listen carefully to the answers here and ask, possibly ask a follow-up question if time permits.
13. Question: I noticed that you have been working here for the last ten years in different capacities. What would you describe as your most rewarding role or experience while working here? OR I noticed that you are relatively new to the company, what have you enjoyed about your journey so far?
What you want to portray: Here is where you want to know more about the hiring managers’ experience working for the company. You want to establish a quick connection with what they most enjoyed about the company and listen carefully to the points they make. There is also a different version of this question in case the hiring manager is new.
14. Question: What are some of the initiatives that your Department is leading over the next two years that you are most excited about?
What you want to accomplish: People genuinely want to talk about things that they are excited about, and it usually helps them relax and puts them in a good mood.
15. Question: What do you enjoy most about working for this company, and what are some opportunities for growth? OR You mentioned that you enjoyed x and x about working for this company, what are some of the things the company could do more to make your experience even better?
What you want to accomplish: At this point, you should have read several reviews on Glassdoor to get a good sense of what employees think are the positives and negatives of working for this company. Even companies that are considered the best places to work for always have room for improvement. Be sure to phrase the question in a way that doesn’t come across as you wanting to know what is wrong with the company but rather what could be better.
BONUS Question to ask at your next interview
Question: Could you tell me about the team’s structure and how you work together to achieve Department goals?
What you want to know: Gain insights about the team that you may be working in. Learn how the team structure works to achieve department goals. Listen out for any red flags or any critical information that will help you thrive in that Department if given the opportunity.
Remember to ask these questions in your own words and adjust them if necessary to suit your unique situation.