A Candidate's Guide to Interview Questions

Every interview is different, but there’s almost always one constant — regardless of industry or tenure. In the last five to ten minutes of your conversation, the interviewer will ask, “So, what questions do you have for me?”?

While you may be confident in your ability to come up with questions on the spot, there’s always a possibility you may draw a blank. And if you don’t have anything to say, you risk coming off as unprepared, or worse, like you don’t care about getting the position.?

Instead, you want to come in prepared with questions that will show the interviewer:?

• You’re interested in the role?
• You’ve done your homework?
• You’re motivated to move up the ladder?

So, how do you do that? Keep reading — we’ve got sample questions you can use as inspiration and tips for making the end of your interview run smoothly.?

How to Ace the “What Questions Do You Have For Me?” Part of an Interview?

1. Have 4+ Questions Prepared?

You want to have at least four to five high-quality, thoughtful questions up your sleeve. That may seem like a lot, but, in all likelihood, two to three will be answered during the course of the interview —? and re-asking them at the end is a little silly. Having a few extra will ensure you don’t run out.?

2. Ask Yourself “Are These Questions Relevant?”?

These questions shouldn’t just be filler or serve as proof that you’ve read the company’s website. They should:?

• Help you decide whether you want to work at the company, and??
• Demonstrate your excitement about, commitment to, or curiosity about the role or organization.??

So, as you brainstorm your list of questions, go back to these two points and confirm that each question is both relevant and useful. If you’re unsure, try practicing with a friend or colleague — they can weigh in and tell you if a question seems off-base.?

3. Use Common Questions As a Jumping-off Point?

There are plenty of questions you can find on the internet, but to make the process a little more streamlined, here are some Planet Professional favorites:?

• Can you tell me a bit more about what to expect in the first few days? What does training look like at your organization???This will help you understand what kind of support you’ll have or flag that you may be thrown into the deep end.?

• What is a typical day in the life like??Their answer will help you better understand what responsibilities you’ll have and what they’ll expect from you.?

• What does it take to be successful in this position??This one gives you a sense of how they measure success.?

• What are the next steps in the interview process??Asking this shows you’re definitely interested in the position, and their answer will give you more clarity and reassurance.?

• Is there anything I can read or review to get up to speed??Asking this reveals that you’re proactive and care about doing what you can to excel in the role.?

Note: To sound like yourself, you’ll want to put your own spin on these questions.?

4. Don’t Ask Invasive Questions or Take Over the Interview?

Asking when benefits kick in or about your salary is presumptuous — and if you’re working with a recruiter, you’ll want their input on handling pay discussions once you’ve gotten an offer. If the interviewer asks you how much you’re looking for, avoid giving a number. You could say something like, ‘I’m entertaining offers that are around [insert range].’?

Wait to ask your questions until there is a natural pause in the conversation, or your interviewer asks you what questions you have. Otherwise, it can feel like you’re dominating the discussion when the interviewer should really be the one in charge.?

Nail Your Next Interview?

Want some help getting your name in front of some of the best workplaces in the world? Feel like you need some extra prep??

Contact us at Planet Professional. Our team has coached and placed thousands of candidates in their dream roles and is ready to help you succeed, too. Get in touch with us today to jumpstart your career.?

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