Regardless of the kind of company you’re interviewing with, you can be pretty confident that your interviewer will wrap up the discussion by asking if you have questions. The questions you toss out during this time can shape your interviewer’s impression of you, so make sure to pose them carefully. Here are some inquiries to ask, as well as some to avoid:
What to ask
What kinds of people have been successful here in the past?
This shows that you’re focused on the big picture and aren’t just looking to land the role and leave a few months later. You want to grow and succeed, and are in it for the long haul. You want to contribute positively to company culture and help the organization succeed. This is also a fairly unusual question, and will probably impress the interviewer due to its insightful approach.
What makes you love working here?
This can give you some insight about what it’s like to work for this company. If the individual is hesitant to answer or can’t think of anything, you want might to reevaluate your decision. However, if they rave about the company and their experiences, you can feel good about signing on the dotted line. Plus, everyone loves to get a chance to talk about their own career.
What kinds of growth opportunities are available?
Hiring managers want to know that you’re here for a career and not just a temporary job. By asking about growth opportunities, you’re showing that you’re interested in sticking around.
What to avoid
While you may be tempted to ask these questions, they can do some serious damage during an interview. Avoid asking the following questions if you want to impress your interviewer:
How much vacation time do I get?
While everyone needs a vacation, this shouldn’t be the first thing on your mind as soon as you come on board. You want to show that you’re excited about the job, not about the time off that comes with it.
What do I do if I have a problem with a co-worker?
If you’re asking this question during the interview, it sends a signal to the hiring manager that you encounter issues frequently. Even if you’re asking the question completely innocently, it’ll throw up a red flag that you’re a problematic presence in the workplace. Don’t ask anything that might suggest that you incite office drama.
How often do I get raises?
You can ask about raises in a tactful way, but don’t just assume that you get them regularly. Ask about performance reviews, but don’t come out and demand regular raises.
A carefully planned question can help you stand out in a hiring manager’s mind, while blurting out something off-hand may make them reconsider bringing you on board. Choose your inquires carefully in order to earn an offer from this organization.
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