During an interview, you will be asked questions about your background, your interests, and the skills you possess. These questions assist your interviewer in determining whether you are the right person for the job. However, interviews are a two-way street. Your potential employer has taken the time to prepare questions for you and you should do the same. “When preparing for your interview focus on the question, ‘How do you want to be remembered when you walk out of that interview room?’” (Jennifer Greenberg, CFS Baltimore). This is your time to sell yourself and demonstrate to your interviewer the skills you ultimately can bring to the table that separate you from other candidates. Try not to let the inevitable, “Do you have any questions for me” stump you. Ask thoughtful, insightful questions that demonstrate your abilities to succeed in the role and show your excitement for the opportunity.

Here are six questions that our expert recruiters have come up with to help you in your quest for success during your next interview!

1. Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?

This is your opportunity to learn as much as you can about the everyday responsibilities and tasks you will be performing if you were to be offered this position. This will allow you to determine if your skills and background align with the position and whether this job is really what you want.

2. What are the most important tasks/functions that you’d like to see accomplished in the first 30/60/90 days?

This question goes beyond the job description and indirectly asks your interviewer how you can be successful in this job. “This type of question asks about the qualities that the interviewer/company believes will help a person be successful within their organization” (Abigail Zimmer, CFS Fort Wayne). Additionally, this question allows you to think about your skills and reflect on whether or not you will be successful in completing the tasks and functions they list or explain.

3. Describe the culture and work environment of the organization.

An organization’s culture and work environment ranges from communication between leadership and employees to employee dress code. Asking questions about the working environment and the people within in the company will show that you’re interested in becoming part of their community. Your skills and background may align perfectly with the job description but if the organization’s values and ideals don’t align with yours then there could potentially be a problem in the long run.

4. What’s your favorite part about working in this organization?

Questions directly pertaining to your interviewer’s roles and responsibilities, their background, and why they enjoy working at the company are all ways to build rapport with your interviewer. These types of questions additionally give further insight into the company’s practices and culture. “I always encourage my candidates to ask the hiring manager about their background to try and make the conversation more personal while at the same time keeping it professional” (Zimmer, CFS Fort Wayne).

5. Are there any opportunities for growth or professional development?

If your goal is to grow within an organization, make sure to ask questions about the company’s career paths and advancement. This will show that you have an interest in growing with the company. In regard to professional development, this could include additional educational options, volunteer opportunities, or company engagement activities.

6. What are the next steps in the interview process?

This question shows that you are interested in moving forward in the interview process. In addition to showing eagerness, it should also give you a solid timeline for the hiring process so that you can follow up with your interviewer in a timely manner.

For more helpful tips, reach out to a CFS recruiter today! Click here to find a location near you!