Ace Your Interview: Questions to Ask Employers
Asking questions at the conclusion of an interview demonstrates interest and thoughtfulness! Always have at least 5 questions ready to share. Unsure of what to ask? Prepare yourself with the following questions:
Work Environment:
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- How would you describe the work culture?
- Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with?
Company Vision & Challenges:
- Can you describe the company’s values and how they are reflected in the workplace?
- What are the company’s goals for the near future?
- What is the biggest challenge facing the company right now?
Research-Inspired Questions:
- When researching the company, I discovered [fill in]. Could you provide more details or insights about that? [proceed to ask tailored question]
- In the job/internship description, it states that I would be working on [describe task/initiative]. Could you elaborate on the responsibilities related to that [task/initiative] to help me better understand the expectations?
- I noticed that the company recently [mention a recent development or achievement]. How does this impact the department/team I would be working with, and what opportunities might arise from this development?
Success and Support:
- How is success measured for both the company and this role?
- How does the company support the development and growth of its employees?
- What initiatives does the company have to recognize high-performing employees?
Candidate Qualities:
- What would be the difference between someone who is good at this job, versus someone who is great at it?
- What qualities help an individual thrive in this role?
- How do you evaluate if a candidate is a good fit for your team?
Advancement and Development:
- Are there opportunities for advancement within the company?
- What professional development and growth opportunities are available?
- Can you share an example of how someone in this role has progressed within the company?
Well-being:
- What does the company define as a healthy work environment?
- How does the company ensure a healthy work environment?
- Are there any initiatives or resources focused on promoting wellness among employees?
Diversity and Inclusion:
- How does the company promote diversity and inclusion within the workplace?
- Are there any employee resource groups or initiatives focused on diversity?
- Can you share examples of how diversity and inclusion are implemented in the company culture?
Concluding the Interview:
- Do you have any concerns about my background in relation to this position?
- Is there any additional information about my qualifications or experiences you would like me to elaborate on?
- What are the next steps in the hiring process?
Using your values is often a great way to develop tailored questions that are significant to you. Check out page 8 in the exploration guide to help you identify your top 10 values. Feel free to then meet with a career consultant if you would like support turning those into interview questions.
Disclaimer: There are questions you should avoid asking during the interview to appear professional, focused on the role, and respectful of the interview process. Examples of what not to ask include:
- How much does this position pay?
- What are the benefits and perks?
- How soon can I expect a promotion?
These themes can be discussed during the negotiation process.
For further assistance, attend our drop-ins, Mon-Fri from 12-4, schedule an appointment with a career consultant, and/or check out more resources on our website.
*This guide was made with the support of Chat GPT