Questions to Ask at The End of an Executive Interview

Congratulations, you've made it through the entire job interview, and now the interviewer turns the tables, asking, "Do you have any questions for me?"

This moment can be critical in leaving a lasting impression and showcasing your genuine interest in the position. In this video, I shared my favorite questions to ask at the end of a job interview, ones that will set you apart and help you stand out as a top candidate.

What not to ask

There are some questions you should avoid asking the interviewer. Let's go through them together:

A. Take the 'Me' out of Your Questions: Avoid asking questions that solely focus on how you benefit from the job. For example, questions about salary, job promotion, medical insurance, flexi-time, remote working, and annual leave days should be saved for negotiation if you receive an offer.

B. Don’t Ask Closed Questions Leading to 'Yes' or 'No' Answers: Instead, aim for open-ended questions that require more developed responses. Start your questions with words like "what," "which," "when," "where," and "who" to draw out detailed answers. Avoid "why" questions, as they tend to be more philosophical and confrontational in nature.

C. Don't Ask Questions That You Can Find Answers to Online: Do your research beforehand to find answers to basic questions about the company on their website or through a quick Google search.

D. Avoid Explanations: When asking your questions, it's important to be concise and specific. Avoid going into lengthy explanations; you don't want to come across as a leader who rambles or appears indecisive.

So, which questions should you ask at the end of an interview? I will start with my favorite:

1. Make it about Your Qualification:

When asked, "Do you have any questions for me?" consider asking:

First option: “Yes, I do have a few questions for you — but before I get into those, is there anything else that you are looking for in this role that I haven’t already addressed?”

This question is valuable as it allows the interviewer to share any additional expectations or concerns they may have. It also demonstrates your genuine interest in their needs and provides an opportunity for you to clarify your qualifications.

Another great question to make it about your qualification: “Yes, I do have a few questions for you — but before I get into those, is there anything I've said that makes you question whether I would be a great fit for this position?”

This question shows your courage in seeking honest feedback and addressing any potential concerns. It displays your confidence and openness, which can work in your favor during the interview process.

2. Make it about the Interviewer:

Engage your interviewer with a discussion about their own professional passion. A question you can ask is:

"What's the most exciting project or strategic area that you've worked on?"

This question encourages the interviewer to reflect on their experiences and can create a positive impression. It shows your interest in their career journey.

3. Make it about the Job:

Consider asking the following:

Option 1: "If hired, what are the most important things you'd like me to accomplish in the first 6 to 12 months at the company?"

Understanding the hiring manager's expectations and success metrics can help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your fit for the role.

Option 2: "I read that the company's vision is XXX. How would the person in this role contribute to this success?"

This question showcases your research and demonstrates your big-picture thinking and long-term commitment to the organization.

Option 3: "Is this a new position? If not, why did the previous person leave this role?"

While it may feel uncomfortable, this question can provide insights into the role's dynamics and potential challenges. It also offers information about growth opportunities within the company.

4. Make it about the Team:

Consider asking:

A. "Who would I be reporting to?" Understanding the reporting structure helps you navigate the organization effectively.

B. "What have past employees done to succeed in this position?" This question reveals the company's definition of success and allows you to tailor your responses accordingly.

C. "What's the current structure of my team?" Knowing the team's composition and dynamics helps you evaluate your fit and potential for success in the role.

5. Make it about the Process:

A great question is:

"Who else will I meet with in the interview process?"

This question provides clarity on the interview stages and duration, helping you manage expectations and plan for upcoming interviews.

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