The best questions to ask during an interview

Interviews are opportunities to better evaluate potential employers and positions. Here are some questions to ask to make sure you understand the role you’re interviewing for.

1. Can you walk me through a typical day or week in this position?

Asking about a standard workday or week offers valuable insights into day to day responsibilities and expectations. Understanding the daily tasks, priorities, and potential challenges you may face can help you decide if the position fits your relevant skills, interests, and approach to work.

2. Are there opportunities for advancement or additional training in this position?

Demonstrate your interest in long-term growth with the company by inquiring about career path opportunities and additional training. This helps you understand the available career development initiatives and whether the organization invests in employee progression, which can help you make informed decisions about what your future with the company might look like.

3. Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with and their roles within the organization? 

With more information about the team structure and roles at the company, you can better understand the collaborative setup that’s in place and the expertise of your prospective colleagues. It’s important to know if the organization’s cross-departmental collaboration practices align with your work preferences.

4. What specific skills is the team lacking, and what qualities are you seeking in a new team member to address those gaps?

With 87% of companies anticipating or experiencing a skills gap, according to McKinsey & Company, don’t be afraid to ask for a list of skills and qualities that the team is lacking or that they’re seeking in candidates. It’s a proactive step toward understanding how you can contribute while highlighting your commitment to boosting the organization’s overall performance.

5. What values are most important to the organization, and how are they demonstrated in day-to-day operations? 

In the long run, being happy on the job depends on how well the work aligns with your values. Understanding the organization’s mission reveals its culture and commitment to its people. This question also shows potential employers your interest in the company’s principles and work environment.

6. What are the current goals that the company is focused on, and how does this role contribute to them?

This question will help you learn more about the company’s current objectives and the open role’s involvement with them. It shows your curiosity about the organization’s direction and how the position you’re interviewing for fits its broader goals. The questions above provide opportunities to gather more information about the open position and assess your fit within the organization. Conversely, there are questions that can do more harm than good, especially if you ask them right off the bat.

• Annual gross salary expectation or benefits offered by employers
• Time off, vacation, or flexibility.
• The company’s financial stability or rumors you may have heard about layoffs or downsizing.
• Personal matters that are unrelated to the job or could be perceived as invasive.