Asking Questions In An Interview
When the employers asks you if you have any questions, this indicates the interview is almost over and wants to find out what you are interested in knowing.
- Keep questions brief and watch for non-verbal signals from the employer that it is time to end the interview.
- Be confident but not demanding or self-seeking.
- Show that you have listened to the employer and that you have already researched the company.
These questions should be asked, if not previously raised in the interview.
- I'd be interested in learning more about (some aspect of the company's operations).
- What are the main duties of the position?
- What characteristics do you look for in people doing this job?
- Is this a new position? (If it is not, perhaps ask why the other person left.)
- Who are the personnel I would be dealing with in this position?
- What opportunities are there for advancement?
- Does your company have branches elsewhere?
- Do you have any plan for expansion?
- What area does your market cover?
- What kind of training does the company offer to new employees?
- What are the workplace expectations? i.e. work habits, dress code, uniforms, work hours, shift work, overtime, etc.
- How many workers does the company have?
- Can you give me some examples of the best results previous workers in this position have achieved?
- Does the company have an organizational chart? And where does this position fit?
- Will I be working independently or as part of a team?
- How much travel is required?
- When can I contact you/expect to hear from you about the interview results? OR When do you plan to make your hiring decision?
Don't bring up salary if at all possible but make sure you have done your industry research in case the interviewer brings it up. Usually salary is discussed after the employer has decided that they want to hire you. It is to your advantage to discuss salary when you get an offer. By avoiding salary discussion until an offer is made you minimize the risk of eliminating yourself from the running, and now that they have decided they want to hire, you have more room for negotiation.
Always go to an interview with an idea of the current salary range for that position in your area. Canadian salary ranges are available online at:
If you do not have Internet access, check with your local library, they can help you find the information you need. If the interview is coming to a close and the interviewer has not introduced the topic, ask for the salary range for the position as a point of information. Don't try to negotiate anything, even if the range is unacceptable to you. You can discuss salary if/when they offer you the job.
