Seven Questions To Ask At The End Of An Interview (And Nail It)
You’d think that getting the degree would be the hard part. But in reality, it’s just the beginning of your professional career journey – so buckle in!
The recruitment process can differ widely from sector to sector and even company to company. But luckily for you, we’ve dealt with enough of them to offer our grads a stock of knowledge to nail those nerve-wracking questions to ask at the end of an interview.
Let me set the scene.
You’ve deftly answered every smart question the hiring manager has put to you. You’re shining. It’s going great. You’ve not pulled a blank once and when the interviewer shook your hand, you felt cool, confident and not clammy at all.
Well, maybe a little. You’re only human.
But then it happens, the one thing you might not expect after being firmly in the hot-seat for the past 45 minutes: “do you have any questions for us?”
To make sure you’ve got that interview in the bag, the answer should always be an enthusiastic “yes!”
In this guide, we’ll give you some handy insight into the questions that make recruiters sit up and listen, making sure you and your CV makes the right lasting impression.
It’s kind of what we do.
Here at Timberseed, we’ve proudly helped thousands of grads across London and the UK achieve their career goals by giving them the tools to make the first step.
Caught your interest?
Why not send us your CV to kick-start your career development – or explore our industry-leading resources in the journal for even more expert advice.
So what are you waiting for?
Let’s dive in.
1. What do you love the most about working here?
These questions are all about putting the ball in your prospective employer’s court – with this one giving you a clearer understanding of company values and general job satisfaction.
It’s a common query for interviewees to ask, as it gives your hiring manager the opportunity to wax lyrical about all the great things they have to offer (they are trying to get new talent through the door, you know!) while giving you lots of food for thought.
Plus, it lets you get a feel for people’s personal preferences and working highlights.
2. Is there anything you find challenging about this role or organisation?
It can seem like a bold question – especially if you’re worried about your potential employer thinking you’re looking for ‘holes’ in their company – but this is actually a very useful counter.
Plus, hiring managers are usually very prepared, so you are likely to get a very tactful answer.
You’re likely to get something along the lines of, “There is a lot of client variety, which can make it very fast paced‘ – which lets you know that those looking for a more regulated environment might find things difficult.
But remember, all knowledge is good knowledge during the interview process!
3. How would you describe the company culture?
We’re set to spend over 50 years of our lives at work.
So it makes sense to find out during the hiring process whether your potential role and workplace is going to be a great fit for you, your personality and your ideals.
This is a great question, giving you the opportunity to get a glimpse into the work life balance, the team dynamic and what sort of place they are running.
It’s also the chance for your hiring manager to really sell the organisation and company, giving you a full run-down of any perks or benefits – as well as support and other crucial aspects that you can expect from your employment.
4. Can you tell me about the kind of support you provide?
No one likes being micromanaged. But it is good to know how your work will be logged and your development managed as you progress in your role, especially in those crucial early days.
This is a great opportunity for employers to talk about their probationary periods and available training, so you can rest assured that your career advancement potential is being handled properly.
It also gives you an idea as to how internal processes work, which is crucial to be especially insightful ahead of accepting a job offer.
5. What have past employees done to succeed in this particular role?
You’ll no doubt be keen to join a talented team, but before you can well and truly get ‘stuck in’, it’s helpful to know how your peers succeeded in the role – and what you need to do to carve out your own success.
Ambitious candidates will likely wow their hiring managers with their initiative in this instance, while gaining crucial insider information to help them make their mark.
Even if you don’t get the job here, it’s still another stack of knowledge to help you get the next one.
6. What does a typical day look like?
Ah, an oldie but a goldie.
Nothing gives you a better look into the day to day responsibilities of your role, as well as how you’ll fit into the wider structure of the team than this. Your interviewer will likely provide a more general overview as to how the company works, before honing in on what will be expected of you and how your job in particular operates within the wider environment.
7. How do you help your staff grow professionally?
Although job interviews can be a daunting experience all round, discovering how this role could be an exciting career-building opportunity is more than worth the stress.
Use this question to discover the more attractive aspects of the company’s overall structure, especially how they approach employees’ career development and the opportunities that are in place.
You’ll likely find out more about progression potential, training programmes and support networks that are there to make sure you shine, as well as the great things that could be coming in the months and years to come.
FAQs
What do recruiters look for in questions asked by interviewees?
Recruiters appreciate questions that demonstrate genuine interest in the company and role. Asking about company values, job satisfaction, and challenges within the organisation shows initiative and engagement, making a positive impression on the hiring manager.
How can asking about challenges in the role benefit the interviewee?
Inquiring about challenges demonstrates a proactive approach and a desire for transparency. It allows the interviewee to gain insight into potential areas of difficulty within the role or organisation, helping them assess if the position aligns with their skills and preferences.
Why is it important to inquire about company culture during an interview?
Understanding company culture helps applicants determine if the workplace environment matches their personality and values. Asking about company culture allows candidates to gain insight into team dynamics, work-life balance, and available support, ensuring a better fit for long-term career satisfaction.
Want to take that first step?
Or pick up the phone and call us on 020 3030 5045 to take the first step on an incredibly promising career ladder.