What are the best questions to ask during a job interview? Everyone has their favorites and our recruiters are no exception. We polled our experts and challenged them with “what are the critical questions job seekers should ask during an interview?” Here are their responses.

About the Role

• What are the qualities that would make someone successful in this role? Based on their answer, you can tailor your responses to the skills they are looking for.
• What does success look like in this position, and how do you define / measure it?
• Who is the ideal candidate for this job? Or, do you feel as though I could be the candidate for this job?
• How do you think my background aligns with this job?
• Why is the job open? Is this a replacement or new position? If a replacement, what did the former employee do that you liked or didn’t? If it’s new, what caused a need for the role?
• What is the technology stack / tools that are currently being used in the role?

About the Future

• What would your expectations be for the chosen candidate in the first 30 / 60 / 90 days?
• Is work at home an option? (Note: during the crisis, this question is okay to ask up front in the process; afterward use caution as to when you bring it up.)
• What future challenges should someone in this position expect to see?
• How do you see the position growing / changing in the next 2-5 years?

About the Team & Organization

• What is the team dynamic?
• What is the largest problem facing your group and how can I/this role help you solve it?
• Describe the company culture. What makes it special and how is it different from your competitors?

About the Interviewer

• Ask about the interviewer’s own experience with the company. People like talking about themselves and it can be a nice way to develop a rapport with them. It can of course, also give nice insight into what kind of company it is.
• What has caused you to stay with the company?
• What is your favorite part of working at the company? Why do you like working here?
• What is the one thing you would change about your job or the company?
• What is your management style?

Closing Questions

• Make sure you ask closing questions like, do you have any concerns about my ability to do this job?
• Ask the interviewer how you did in the meeting. Is there anything in my background that concerns you or do you have questions regarding my qualifications / fit? This gives you the chance to address any doubt they might have in your candidacy and shows that you can take constructive criticism and ask for feedback.
• Many people forget, but simply asking at the end of the interview: Can I help answer any more questions or provide any additional information?

COVID-Specific Questions

• Are you comfortable with me wearing a mask while we are talking? Are you able to hear me clearly through the speaker / audio on my phone / headset / computer?
• What’s the policy on wearing masks and/or social distancing at the office?
• What has your organization done to put it in a position to succeed now that we’re entering a post-COVID environment?
• What’s something positive you personally experienced during quarantine?
• What is your company’s policy regarding working from home or hybrid work models? What are your on site work expectations?
• How have operations and / or culture changed since the start of the pandemic?
• What does the company view as their new normal now that we’re entering a post-Covid world?

One of the most common reasons job candidates get rejected is not asking questions during an interview. Reference this list before your next meeting to help prepare. When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, make sure you do!

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