Discover strategies to leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager, grasp company culture, evaluate your role, and secure avenues for personal and professional development.
Progressing through the various stages of an interview is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.
Among these different stages, there is one pivotal moment that often decides the fate of your job application – when the tables are turned and the hiring manager asks, “Do you have any questions for me?”
Though this may seem like a mere formality, adept candidates know this is a great opportunity to demonstrate their interest in the role and company. Asking the right questions also showcases to your interviewer your desire not to find just any job, but the right job. This can even sway whether you clinch the job or miss out on it.
Here are what questions to ask in an interview to leave a great impression on your interviewer and stand out from a sea of candidates.
5 questions to ask at the end of an interview
1. What is the company culture like?
One of the first questions you should ask the hiring manager is what their company culture is like. It is important to keep in mind that while they’re looking to determine if you’re the right fit for the role, you're also gauging if the role and organisation can provide you with an environment to thrive and enjoy working in.
This question gives you an understanding of the organisation’s core values which allows you to reflect on whether it matches your own professional aspirations and ethos. Think about the values and atmosphere you want to surround yourself with. Do you thrive in an organisation that's big on inclusivity and flexibility or one that is structured and hierarchical?
Take this chance to invite your interviewer to share some examples, get an idea of what makes this company tick and see if it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Having these insights will allow you to make an informed decision about whether this is the place where you can thrive, grow and achieve your career goals while contributing positively to the company's mission and objectives.
2. What would I be expected to achieve in this position?
Second on our list of what questions to ask in an interview, is understanding the responsibilities of what your role encompasses. Beyond just knowing your day-to-day tasks, it's important to understand the bigger picture of what's expected of you. This question highlights your eagerness to contribute meaningfully and your commitment to excelling in your role from the onset.
Having a clear understanding of what you'll be expected to achieve in the role serves two purposes:
It helps you to evaluate where your unique skills and experiences can be leveraged so that you hit the ground running and make an immediate impact from the onset.
It gives you a clear perspective on how your responsibilities fit in the larger context of the organisation and lets you connect your career goals with that of the company’s trajectory.
Don't shy away from probing about the challenges that may come your way. Initiating a dialogue about the possible challenges that comes with the role highlights a proactive mindset and willingness to work on the complexities of the role with resilience and innovation.
3. Can you tell me more about the team?
Now, let’s talk about the people you’ll be working with day in and day out: your teammates.
Doing so helps you to grasp the size and structure of the team but also the capabilities and expertise that each member brings to the table. It’ll help you better understand your potential role within the team and assess if you'll be able to work in synergy. After all, a team that gets on well is often the foundation of success in any workplace.
Depending on the response to this question, it could also be an opportunity for you to highlight to the hiring manager your experience or success in working with a similar team dynamic. Take it as a final opportunity to highlight to the hiring manager how you’ll fit into the team if given the role.
4. What support is provided for employee development?
Knowing that a company prioritises investing in its employees' professional development can be a game-changer for long-term success. It is important to find a job that you won't find yourself stuck in a stagnant role, but rather one that provides opportunities for learning and development for reskilling or upskilling.
Here are some areas of learning and development you should look out for when posing the question to your hiring manager:
Digital literacy development If there’s anything that the past few years shown as, it's that technology is evolving at a rapid pace. It is important to stay competitive by being trained in the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Leadership development Having opportunities to develop your leadership skills sets you up for success as it increases your chances of landing promotions in the organisation and pay raises within and outside the organisation.
Soft skills development From emotional intelligence to effective communication, these are essential skills that will help you thrive in any workplace.
Posing questions about the organisation’s learning and development programs demonstrate your commitment to self-improvement and desire to contribute meaningfully to the company.
5. What do you enjoy most about this company and what keeps you working here?
Beyond what you can glean from review sites like Glassdoor, there's no better way to understand the essence of a company than hearing it directly from the interviewer. By asking what the hiring manager enjoys most about the company and what keeps them motivated to work there, you're not only gaining valuable insights into the company culture, but you're also fostering a positive dialogue to conclude the interview on a high note.
Remember, asking thoughtful questions during an interview demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and the company. We recommend selecting at least three of the questions provided above, prioritising those that haven't been covered yet and align most closely with your needs.
Looking to land your next job interview?
This list of what questions to ask in an interview were designed to help you confidently tackle your forthcoming interviews – ensuring your ability to secure a role that reflects your career objectives.
On the lookout for the perfect career fit? Peruse our job listings to uncover opportunities customised to your aspirations. We excel in recruiting for both permanent and fixed-term contracts across diverse industry sectors in Singapore.
Visit our career advice page for additional insights and strategies to excel in your upcoming interviews.
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