7 Questions to Ask in an Interview: 5 Interview Prep Tips

Asking questions during your job interview can be a great way to show sincere interest in the company, its business model, and the potential job offer in front of you. For a first job interview, some prefer to keep the questions more general. Most interviewers won’t be giving away any trade secrets, though it really depends on the mood of the room. Here are some useful first interview questions.

1. 1. What does a typical day at this company look like? The interview process is how employers get a first impression of you, as well as giving you more insight into a company’s structure. Figuring out the day-to-day responsibilities and inner workings of the business can give you a sense of what your work life may look like. It can also give you a sense of how you may fit into the company environment.
2. 2. What particular skill sets are you most looking for in an ideal candidate? It’s important to figure out what exactly your employer wants from the person in this role. This way, you can get a sense of what will be expected when and if you land the job.
   
3. 3. Are there career advancement opportunities? Showing interest in long-term growth within an organization can help you stand out, because most companies want to avoid employee turnover. Asking about professional development and growth trajectories can help you establish yourself as a committed candidate who is interested in growing with a company.
4. 4. What is the company culture like? Inquiring about a job’s culture can help inform you about the company values and work environment. Ask about how the different departments interact. Get a sense of company-sponsored events or unique traditions. Company culture can significantly influence your day-to-day experience of a job.
5. 5. What is your favorite part about working here? Remember, your interviewer is a potential future colleague. Asking them about their experiences can help show that you’re a curious and pleasant coworker. It might also reveal the levels of employee morale. This can help inform your decision on whether you take the new role or not.
6. 6. Who would I be most closely working with? Ask your interviewer about which departments you’ll have the most contact with. Get a sense of how collaborative the daily duties of the job are. Every job involves teamwork to varying degrees, and the right personality chemistry can make or break your experience.
   
7. 7. Do I seem like a good candidate for this role? It’s a good idea to get a sense of why you’re being considered as a candidate, and what an ideal candidate for the role looks like. This can help to inform you how your specific skills and experience are valued, or if they’re just looking for anyone to fill the role.

Asking smart questions during an interview can make you stand out in your potential employer’s eyes. Here are some interview tips to consider when deciding what to ask and how.

1. 1. Prepare a list of questions. Most hiring managers or recruiters will usually ask you if you have any questions at the end of the interview. Come to your interview with a few prepared questions for the end of the interview. Avoid asking questions that have already been answered by the job description or posting.
2. 2. Do your research. Research the organization and its accomplishments, as well as your potential new position before your interview. You want to appear well-informed about the company to show your interviewer that you’re serious about contributing to its success.
3. 3. Avoid overwhelming the interviewer. Keep your first interview questions more general, especially if there are multiple rounds of interviews to complete. You want to ask questions that will facilitate a dialogue. Avoid a stream of questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no.” Ask your very in-depth questions during the next interview round.
4. 4. Be confident and professional. You want to avoid questions that can be interpreted as aloof or confrontational. Avoid questions that are driven by self-interest (i.e., questions about time off, overtime, etc). Allow yourself to be curious rather than arrogant, and show how you’re able to naturally facilitate open communication between yourself and your co-workers.
5. 5. Send a thank-you note. You should follow up every interview by sending a thank-you note to your interviewer or interviewers. This shows that you’re serious about the job, and grateful to the team members who took the time to speak to you.

Get the MasterClass Annual Membership for exclusive access to video lessons taught by business luminaries, including Sara Blakely, Chris Voss, Robin Roberts, Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, Anna Wintour, and more.