Twenty Questions for Interviews

Getting the most out of your job interview

By Steve Arrants

You’ve talked to the recruiter, and now you’re talking to the manager or senior staff members. It sounds like it is going well. How can you show that you’re the best person for the job? Ask questions. Listen to and engage the other people in the conversation. The questions let you learn more about the company and staff, and it lets them learn more about you. Listen to and engage the other people in the conversation.

Here are twenty questions you can use to show them you are interested and get more information to help you decide.

  1. How long have you worked at the company?

  2. What can you tell me more about your role and background?

  3. How would you describe the work environment?

  4. How would you describe the work ethic?

  5. What is the reporting structure like?

  6. What kind of personality traits thrive the most there?

  7. What’s the preferred communication style? Phone, email, Slack, meetings?

  8. How much of a team approach do you experience?

  9. How does your company recognize accomplishments?

  10. How much latitude are people generally given?

  11. How do managers motivate their teams?

  12. What is the commitment to professional development?

  13. How much do you feel people learn on the job?

  14. How would you describe the level of support offered?

  15. How much feedback do team members receive?

  16. When people make mistakes, how is that handled?

  17. What is the work-life balance like?

  18. What are some of the biggest challenges you face?

  19. If there’s one thing you could improve, what would it be?

  20. What’s one thing you wish you had known before working here?

What are some questions you ask? Leave suggestions in the comments.


Photo by Bogomil Mihaylov on Unsplash.

Tags: job hunting
Share: X (Twitter) Facebook LinkedIn