­Your job interview is wrapping up, and the hardest question is about to be asked. “Do you have any questions for me?” You should have known this question was coming, but you forgot to prepare. The only thing you can do is shake your head no. The interviewer frowns, disappointed, and thanks you for your time. To prevent this scenario, we’ve come up with some questions for you.

• Why did you join the company? Always ask your interviewer why they are working for the company. This question shows genuine interest on a more personal level and can inform you about the company’s values. If the interviewer responds with an answer solely about benefits and pay, the job may not be right for you. However, if they talk about the exceptional people and fulfilling work, the job might be exactly what you’re looking for. With this question you have an opportunity to learn more about the culture of the company, without explicitly asking about it.
  • To follow up- What do you like best about working for the company? This will give you further insight into the company’s culture and provide you with more insight into what’s important to the person you may be working for.
  • What is the typical career path for this position? This is an opportunity to learn what others in this role have done, how quickly you can progress, and what goals need to be met in order to move up.
• How would you describe a typical day in the position? Take note of the day-to-day responsibilities and the pace at which they are completed. You need to be confident in your abilities to complete them, and it’s also important to know what your manager’s expectations will be.
• What are some of the company’s current opportunities for growth? Make sure you’re knowledgeable on the company before asking this question, so this can turn into more of a discussion. Show your knowledge of the company and willingness to contribute.
• What does success look like in this position? It’s essential to know your employer’s expectations of the job. If you’re confident that you can carry out the responsibilities that define the role, that’s a good sign. However, if you’re hesitating upon hearing what your interviewer thinks success in the role is, it might not be the right position for you.
• Do you have any concerns about my background that I can address for you now? By asking this, you’re showing that you are not afraid to talk about potential areas of weakness or lack of experience. It also provides you with an opportunity to address those concerns with additional examples to prove otherwise or for you to speak to how you will overcome those deficiencies if hired.
  • To take it one step further- How do I compare to the other candidates you are interviewing for this role? It could be a risky question, and the interviewer might refrain from answering it. However, if you think your interview is going well and you’re comfortable, this is another opportunity to convince your interviewer why you are the best fit for the job.
• What are the next steps in the interview process? It’s important to know what comes next because interview processes vary by company. Some have multiple face to face interviews; others conduct panel interviews with multiple people in attendance, and some require personality assessments or skills testing.
  • As a follow up – When are you looking to make your final decision? It’s helpful to know how quickly the company plans to hire someone, so that you can plan accordingly. If you don’t hear anything back in the timeframe given, you should reach out to inquire.

These questions work in nearly every interview situation. Type them up, print out copies and bring them with you each time you meet with someone new.  Good luck with your interview, you got this!

Final Tip! Send a personal ‘Thank You’ to every person you interviewed with. An email is fine, but a handwritten note makes a much more positive impression.