Top 10 Interview Questions to Ask Your Interviewer

When the interviewer ends with "Anything else you would wish to discuss?", take this opportunity to ask what else you want to know about them.

Preparing these top interview questions not only shows your interest in working in the company, but also helps you assess if the job is right for you. It is also your chance to further highlight your skills and talents that are essential for the position. Here are some key questions worth considering to ask in an interview.

1. What are the challenges of this position?

When the interviewer answers that there are absolutely no challenges, you should take that as a red flag. All jobs have their challenges and rewards. It can be working late at night to finish reports or dealing with irate clients daily. Knowing these obstacles early on will help you prepare for the workplace. If the interviewer does divulge the challenges of the position, you can share about similar issues you handled in your past jobs to assure your probable employer that you are the right candidate.

1. What is a typical workday?

The interviewer might answer "It's quite different in the office every day." If you are not satisfied with the response, follow up with asking how the company's year is going so far despite the pandemic. It will help you visualise if you are going to start working in a chaotic workplace or one that has a solid foundation amidst a crisis.

1. What are the needed qualities for this position?

While employers look for jobseekers with these qualities, it is also good to possess certain qualities that will match the position right away. If you are applying for an IT job, your manager will look for analytical skills that involve a lot of problem-solving and decision-making work. On the other hand, a customer service representative must have empathetic skills to meet the demands of their customers. Showing that you understand the pain points and needs of the manager will set you apart from the other candidates.

1. What is your staff turnover rate?

While this is a tough question as the interviewer may not be open to answering, it is still worth trying. The cause of high staff turnover is usually due to unrealistic management expectations or failure of the company to address the basic needs of its employees.

Ask the interviewer how they deal with staff turnover. It is also useful to know how long the previous employee held the position and the reason for leaving.

1. If hired, what do you expect from me in six months or a year?

Aside from accomplishing onboarding tasks, knowing your manager's expectations and standards will make you confident to take on the new role. It is also the perfect time to ask about possible changes in your duties before committing. Let's say you are taking care of your ageing parents or are starting a family--are there instances where travelling for business is expected from you? How about relocation? Consider these factors before agreeing to join the company to avoid conflict later on.

1. What makes employees stay in the company?

Company culture is necessary, and this question gives you peek into it and if you would fit into the company. Why employees stay could be because the company never fails to recognise the hard work of their employees and are always empowered to take on more challenges in the workplace. Getting genuine answers from the interviewer is a good sign. It means that they are not just about their work but the company as a whole. But if the interviewer talks more about the importance of paycheck alone, consider it as a warning sign.

1. How would you describe the work environment here?

If the interviewer talks about a highly competitive yet collaborative work environment, then this kind of work setup might be ideal for you. But if you enjoy thinking out of the box yet the company talks more about the importance of structure when getting things done, you may have to think things through.

1. How do you deal with conflicts in the company?

Giving specific scenarios such as "How do you deal with employees' complaints about their managers?" will help you understand how they plan to resolve problems professionally in the company.

1. Are there opportunities for professional development?

Employers like jobseekers who think long-term. By showing that you want to grow with the company, you increase the chances of getting accepted in the job. Upskilling in the new normal is essential, which is why companies invest in employees who value growth and advancement because they are vital to the success of the company in the future.

1. When should I expect to hear from you again?

The next steps in the hiring process may take up to two to four weeks. Having a timeline will help you decide if you have to wait longer or start another job hunt.

It is best to keep questions that focus on the role you will be playing in the company, department or team. As much as possible, refrain from asking "me" questions--queries like vacation time, health insurance, or changes in work schedule. Discussing personal queries is better when done during the final interview, or when the hiring manager presents a job offer.

Job interviews can be stressful, but with preparation and enthusiasm, you are sure to advance to the next level. Best of luck!

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