8 smart questions to ask employers and leave your interview on a positive note

Almost every job interview concludes with the same question, and yet still a large number of candidates are known to make the same mistake when answering it.

“Do you have any questions for me?” is undoubtedly the most important interview question you will be asked. Since this is your last chance to create a good impression, you should always be ready with a response. Failing to ask a question conveys a lack of interest and engagement, which is not the impression you want to make on a potential employer.

Asking questions at the end of any interview is highly beneficial. It demonstrates to an employer that you are serious about the position and shows your interest in the potential role. It also indicates to a potential employer that you have taken the time to think carefully about the role and prepare for the interview.

With that in mind, we have put together 8 questions to ask at the end of a job interview to ensure you stand out from other candidates.

1. What type of skills is the team missing that you’re looking to fill with a new hire?

If you want to know more about an employer’s expectations of a role and find out whether it is the right position for you, asking this question would be a good way to start.

If the team is lacking in a particular skill set, and it happens to be a particular skill you hold that you haven’t already covered, this can prove as a great opportunity to boast about your abilities and make a positive impression on the interviewer.

2. What are the biggest challenges that I might face in this position?

This is a crucial question to ask to determine whether you are confident in your ability to meet the role’s responsibilities.

It presents you with a good opportunity to impress a potential employer by demonstrating your willingness and ability to take on difficulties. For example, client relationships may be mentioned by an employer as one of the most difficult aspects of the position. If managing client relationships is one of your strengths, you can highlight your skills and emphasise how you are uniquely suited to satisfy the organisation’s needs.

3. Can you tell me about the team I will be working with?

It’s a good idea to ask an employer this question because it will help clarify the organisational structure of the company, your line of reporting, and the department in which your position is located. These are the people that you will be collaborating with regularly, so you must try to grasp the team dynamic and communication styles before starting this role.

Depending on the answer, this would be a good time to mention any previous employment in positions that are comparable to the one you are applying for and to provide one last illustration of how you would be a good fit for the role.

4. What other departments or units will I be interacting with?

By asking the interviewer this question, you will be able to comprehend the scope of your role and the departments and individuals you will be expected to work with.

It also shows the interviewer that you understand your role will not be isolated and you are aware of their expectation of you to collaborate with multiple departments to help achieve the overall objectives within the business.

5. What learning and development opportunities will I have in this role?

This question can reveal whether a business demonstrates any effort to support employee development. It will let you know if they have any formal training and development programmes available and whether the business will help you advance in your profession.

Additionally, it will impress your interviewer by conveying your ambition and desire to expand your skill set.

6. Are there examples of a career path beginning in this position?

Asking this question will help you determine whether a business can provide you with a clear, planned career path that would support your own personal and professional objectives. When beginning a position, it’s critical to understand your chances of advancement within a company and determine whether they would support a long-term career.

It’s also a great question to ask if you want to impress the interviewer as it demonstrates your desire to go above and beyond the expectations of the role, your motivation to achieve in the position, and your aspirations for success in senior positions.

7. What gets you most excited about the company’s future?

By asking about the future of the business, you will receive insight into its progression plans and place in the market, learn where the business is heading, and get a general idea about job security.

You should ask about any specific goals that could be relevant to the role you are applying for and mention any experience you have in working towards similar objectives in previous positions. Asking about the future of the organisation and how you could be involved in its progression will show the interviewer you have an interest in the business and reiterate how you would be committed to the company.

8. How would you describe the company’s values?

This question presents a good opportunity to discover more about a company’s culture and determine whether it corresponds with your values.

With this query, you’ll demonstrate to the interviewer that you have an interest in the company as well as the position. Additionally, it presents your desire to join a business where you can make a meaningful contribution and identify with its core mission.

Are you a candidate searching for your dream role, or an employer looking for the perfect hire?

At Penshaw View, we offer recruitment support to both job seekers and employers and assist in matching applicants to employment openings that are ideally suited to them based on their experience and expertise.

We can assist both parties in finding the ideal match. By listing jobs on our site we can perform useful searches on behalf of candidates and employers.

Additionally, we can help candidates become interview-ready, and support them with preparation for potential positions they may be interested in.

For professional recruitment services and support, contact us today