Asking Questions as an Interviewee

While normally we are used to being asked questions in an interview, it is equally important that we ask some of our own.

Here are some must-ask questions and why you should know the answers.

1. What happened to the person who previously did this job? (If a new position: How has this job been performed in the past?)

You need to know any problems or past history associated with this position. For instance, was your predecessor fired, or was he promoted? Is this a temporary position or brand-new? The answer will tell you about management's expectations and how the company is gearing to grow.

2. Why did you choose to work and stay here? 

This forces the interviewer to step out of their official corporate role and answer personally as an employee, potential coworker and potential mentor.

3. What is the first problem I should attend to as a new hiree?

You want to be clear on what the expectations are and confident that you can deliver.

4. What can you tell me about my manager and their work style?

You need to find out who this person is and what kind of manager they are, in order to avoid personality clashes or expectation miscommunication. If you're very independent, being supervised by a micromanager could be an issue.

5. Where is the company heading in the next five years?

You need to know about the future of the company you plan to spend time working for. You don't want to start work and realize the company is beginning to outsource, or worse, shut down. This question also shows you've done your homework and are serious about this company.

6. What's our next step?

This is probably the most important question to ask at the end of the interview. With more candidates already scheduled for interviews, they're not likely to make you an offer yet, but they may be able to provide you with a timeline as to their decision making process. 

 

• As an interviewer, make sure you have answers to these questions, since the interviewee will be asking you! Don't worry about getting the answers "right", but do get creative within the limits of the job posting (i.e. the retail position should not be asked to design a new clothing line as their first problem). This is all about critical thinking.