If you spend your interview preparation time only preparing for the questions you will be asked during the interview, you are only half prepared for the interview. It is also critical to prepare the questions you will ask the interviewer. Asking questions demonstrates your interest in the position as well as your approach to preparation. The answers will also provide you valuable insight into the new position.
Of course you should always be fully alert during the interview and question anything that causes you concern. In addition to the in the moment, questions, you should consider asking some of these questions to ensure you have the best picture possible of the opportunity.
Questions About the Role
- What is the history of this role? Is it a new position or is it a replacement hire? What justified approval of this position?
- What does this role contribute to the achievement of departmental and company goals?
- What technology is used by the person in this role?
Questions About the Department
- How does this department fit into the overall organization?
- What are the key roles in the department and how do people in those roles interact?
- How does this department interact with other departments across the organization?
- What internal customers does this role support?
- Is there formal training for this position or it is it expected that the person will just jump in and ask questions?
Questions About Management Style
- How do you prefer to interact with the new hire? Do you prefer regularly scheduled check in meetings, ad hoc meetings, email, team meetings, etc?
- How do you communicate with your department? How are key project deadlines tracked and monitored?
Questions About Success
- What are the success measures for someone in this role?
- What do you hope the new hire will accomplish in the first three months on the job?
- What will success look like for this position at the end of the first year?
- What are the critical goals in the year ahead for this position? How do those goals support the success of the department and the company?
General Insights
- What do you like most about working for this company? In this department?
- How did you get to this role at this company?
While it is unlikely you’d ever have the opportunity to ask all these questions in an interview, it is important to be prepared to ask the ones that matter most to you. Some questions can be handled via email as follow-up. Put your best foot forward in the interview by asking insightful questions.
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