Asking Questions During a Job Interview
Having questions to ask the interview committee is one of the ways an interviewee is assessed. This is an important opportunity to learn more about the department, and for the interviewer to further evaluate the interviewee as a job candidate. It requires some advance preparation. Here are some guidelines for asking questions:
- Prepare five good questions. Understanding that not all of the questions will be asked but having backup in case a question is answered during the interview process is essential. Ask questions concerning the job, the company, and the industry or profession. The questions should indicate interest in the profession and that a significant amount of research has been done prior to the interview.
- Don't ask questions that raise warning flags. For example, asking "Would I really have to work weekends?" implies that weekends are not available for job assignments. Also, avoid initiating questions about compensation (pay, vacations, etc.) or tuition reimbursements. Convey interest in the job not the paycheck.
- Don't ask questions about only one topic. People who ask about only one topic are often perceived as one dimensional and not a good candidate.
- Clarify. It's OK to ask a question to clarify something the interviewer said. Just make sure to listening. Asking someone to clarify a specific point makes sense. Asking someone re-explain an entire subject gives the impression that there are problems with listening or comprehending. For example, preface a clarifying question by saying: "You mentioned that this campus does (blank) Can you tell me how that works in practice?"
Questions to Ask During a Job Interview:
A job interview is an opportunity to learn more about a potential employer. Asking questions during the job interview may help a person determine if the job is a good fit for them. The following are examples of the types of questions to ask at a job interview.
- "If I work hard and prove my value, where might I be in five years?"
- "How do the position and the department contribute to the overall company mission and philosophy?"
- "What is a typical day (assignment) for a [the position applying for] in your department?"
- "What characteristics best describes individuals who are successful in this position?"
- "Does the position offer exposure to other departments on your campus?"
- "What other positions and/or departments will I interact with most?"
- "To whom does this position report?"
- "How much decision-making authority and autonomy are given to new employees?"
- "How will my performance be evaluated?"
- "How often are performance reviews given and by whom?"
- "What are the opportunities for advancement?"
- "How would you describe the organization's culture/environment?"
- "What makes your organization different from other educational programs?"
- "What industry-wide trends are likely to affect your organization's strengths and weaknesses?"
- "How would you describe you organization's personality and management style?"
- "How is the work environment affected by the organization's management style?"
