Interviews tend to be one of the most stressful experiences in any job seeker’s life. You have to be careful not to come across as nervous, yet at the same time, you want to be engaging and personable. It can be tricky to find that balance, but if you’re well prepared, it’s definitely doable.
One way to help you prepare is by coming up with thoughtful, insightful questions to ask your interviewer. This will not only show that you’re interested in the company and the role, but it will also give you a chance to learn more about what they’re looking for and whether or not you’re a good fit.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of 9 great questions to ask in your next interview and impress the company you’re applying to.
1. What Does a Typical Day Look Like in This Role?
This is a great question to get a better understanding of what the day-to-day responsibilities of the role you’re applying for would entail. It’s also a way to gauge if the position is a good fit for your skills and interests.
“When I interview potential candidates, I love when they ask me questions about what a typical day looks like,” says Kevin Miller, Founder of Kevin Miller.
“This shows me that they’re truly interested in the company and the position, and it gives me a chance to talk about what I love about my job. I like to use this opportunity to give the candidate a well-rounded view of what they could expect if they were to come work for us.”
Business owners appreciate it when candidates take the time to learn about their company and the role they’re applying for. By asking this question, you’re sure to make a great impression and improve your chances of getting the job.
2. What Are the Company’s Core Values?
This is another excellent question to ask early on in the interview process. It shows that you’re interested in learning more about the company and its culture, and it gives you a chance to see if your values align with those of the organization.
“I’m always impressed by candidates who inquire about our company values,” says Lilian Chen, Co-Founder and COO of Bar None Games. “It tells me that they want to be sure we’re a great fit for them, and they’re a great fit for us.”
Asking about the company’s core values is a great way to show that you’re invested in finding a role where you’ll be happy and fulfilled. It’s also a way to make sure that you’re applying to companies whose values align with your own.
3. What Do You Love About Working Here?
This is a great question to ask your interviewer if they seem like they genuinely enjoy working for the company. And it serves as a way to get some insight into what it’s like to work there and what the company culture is like.
“I always love it when candidates ask me this question,” says Lina Miranda, VP of Marketing at AdQuick. “It shows me that they’re interested in more than just the job itself, but also in the company as a whole. It’s a great way to get a feel for whether or not someone would be a good fit for our team.”
If you’re hoping to make a great impression and learn more about the company you’re interviewing with, be sure to ask your interviewer what they love about working there. You’re sure to get some valuable insights that will help you make your decision about whether or not to accept a job offer.
4. Can You Tell Me About a Time When You Had to Overcome a Challenge?
This question is an insightful one to ask if you want to get a better sense of how the company deals with challenges and adversity. It’s also a way to see how your potential future boss handles difficult situations.
“Many job candidates are afraid to ask their interviewers insightful questions,” says Alex Wang, CEO of Ember Fund. “But I think it’s so important to get a sense of how the company deals with challenges before you commit to working there. Likewise, this question gives me a lot of insight into a candidate’s thought process and their ability to think on their feet.”
When you interview for a position, it’s important to tread carefully and not come across as too confrontational. But asking your interviewer about a time when they had to overcome a challenge is a great way to get some valuable insights into the company while also showing that you’re not afraid to ask tough questions.
5. What Are the Opportunities for Career Advancement?
If you’re hoping to find a position where you can grow and advance within the company, be sure to ask your interviewer about opportunities for career advancement. This question shows that you’re interested in more than just the job itself but also in your long-term career prospects with the company.
“Candidates who ask about advancing in the company let me know which ones are more likely to stay with us for the long haul,” says Cody Candee, Founder and CEO of Bounce. “It’s always a good sign when someone is interested in growing with us and making a career out of their job.”
Asking about opportunities for career advancement is a great way to show that you’re looking for a long-term position with the company. And in turn, you will gain insight into the company’s promotion process and what you need to do to move up within the organization.
6. Do You Have Any Hesitations about Me Being the Right Fit for This Role?
It’s no secret that interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences. But if you want to make a great impression, it’s important to put your nerves aside and ask your interviewer this tough question.
“Asking your interviewer if they have any hesitations about you being the right fit for the role shows that you’re confident in your abilities and that you’re not afraid to address any concerns head-on,” says Rachel Reid, CEO of Subtl Beauty.
“So often, candidates are afraid to ask their interviewers tough questions. But I think it’s so important to get a sense of where they stand before you leave the interview.”
If you want to make a great impression and learn more about where you stand with the company, be sure to ask your interviewer if they have any hesitations about you being the right fit for the role. This question shows that you’re confident in your abilities and that you’re not afraid to confront challenging or uncomfortable situations.
7. What Do You Think Sets This Company Apart from Its Competitors?
In today’s competitive job market, it’s more important than ever to ask your interviewer what sets their company apart from its competitors. This question shows that you’re knowledgeable about the industry and that you’re interested in working for a company that is truly unique.
“When candidates take the time to ask me this question, it shows me that they’ve done their research on the company and they understand our unique position in the market,” says Karim Hachem, VP of eCommerce at Maxine of Hollywood.
“It’s always a good sign when someone is interested in working for us specifically, and not just any company in the industry.”
Asking your interviewer what sets their company apart from its competitors is a great way to show that you’re knowledgeable about the industry and that you have a genuine interest in working for the company.
8. What Kind of Challenges Can I Expect in This Role?
When you’re interviewing for a position, it’s important to have a realistic understanding of the challenges you’ll face in the role. And asking your interviewer about the challenges you can expect is a great way to get some insights into what the job will be like.
“It’s not enough to just be interested in the challenges of the job,” says Michael Burghoffer, CEO of PicoSolutions. “You need to be able to show that you’re excited about them and that you’re ready to take them on.”
When you know what potential challenges lie ahead, you can better prepare yourself for the position. What’s more, it demonstrates your enthusiasm for the job and your willingness to face challenging tasks.
9. How Long Did the Previous Person Last in This Position?
Asking your interviewer how long the previous person lasted in their position is a great way to get some insights into the company’s culture. If turnover is high, it could be a sign that the company isn’t a great place to work. But if employees tend to stay with the company for long periods of time, it’s a good sign that it’s a supportive and enjoyable place to work.
“This question shows that you’re interested in finding a long-term position with the company,” says Dr. Minhas, Founder and CEO of GerdLi. “And it’s always a good sign when someone is interested in working for us long-term.”
Adding to that, Lionel Mora, CEO of Neoplants says, “When we hire someone, we’re making an investment. Sometimes, that investment doesn’t pay off because the person isn’t a good fit for the company. But when someone asks this question, it tells us that this is likely a good investment.”
In Closing
Asking thoughtful, insightful questions in your next interview is a great way to impress any company. By demonstrating your knowledge of the industry, your understanding of the company, and your genuine interest in the role, you’ll be sure to stand out from the competition.
