Interviewing the Interviewer: Back Pocket Interview Questions

By Sarah Jacob . This article originally appeared on the Lookahead blog.

Remember, interviews are a two-way street – not just for hiring managers to learn about you, but for you to see if the job is ticking your boxes,?too. It's normal to feel a bit anxious and draw a blank when it's your turn to ask questions. But fear not, the questions you ask at the end of the interview?can really make you stand out.?

Here's a list of 5 great questions to ask employers to keep in your back pocket.

1. What do you think are the biggest challenges this individual will face in this role?

This question shows that you’re a realist who is aware that every role, no matter how good it sounds, comes with its own set of challenges. In addition to showing the interviewer that you’re forward-thinking, it demonstrates that you are critically thinking about whether you’re actually the best person for the job.

2. How will I know if I’m doing a good job in this role?

At the heart of this question, you’re essentially asking to know more about the metrics for success for the position on offer. Framing the question in a more personal way adds a more human touch, but also allows you to really determine whether the role is going to play to your own individual strengths.

3. What does a typical day look like in this role?

By asking to be walked through a standard day, you'll be able to determine whether the types of activities described are ones that resonate with you. This question is especially helpful if you're a recent graduate, or stepping up into a new level or role, as it will allow you to learn about the role's responsibilities in a more tangible way.

4. Where do you see <insert company name> being in 6 month's time, a year's time or even 3 years' time?

This question is particularly good if you’re someone who prefers longer employment stints. Not only will you be indicating that you care about long-term success, but it also shows that you’re able to think about the big picture, which is always a plus.

5. What do you like most about working at <insert company name>?

This one is good because it forces the interviewer to do some reflection themselves. More often than not, this is the question that can take your feelings around a job from being just a ‘yeah’ to a ‘hell yeah’.

At Lookahead, we can pretty much guarantee that when interviewing you'll be asked if you have any questions you'd like to ask. Some people do make the mistake of thinking that the interview is over when you hit this point, but that's not quite the case.?

If anything, it's the questions that you ask at the end of an interview that can have a game-changing effect on whether you're asked back for a second, third, or final interview. With that said, do your homework, have some questions ready, and make the most of your opportunity to interview the interviewer.

Looking for a job in tech? Subscribe to our job alerts here.

Want more? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter Ducks In A Row ??????