Seven Best Questions to Ask in Your Interview

Looking for graduate jobs can be hard, and finding the right one is important for you and your employer. At Inspiring Interns we’re constantly asking graduates and businesses questions so we can match them perfectly – and it’s essential you ask questions too when being interviewed. Asking your potential employer the right questions tells you much more about the company than googling, plus it highlights your thinking style and is bound to impress.

These are the seven best questions to ask in a job interview to get the job:

What is the most important goal that needs to be accomplished in the first 60 days in this role?

Asking this questions shows that you focus on the most important tasks when working, and care about meeting targets – it also helps you know what to focus on if you get the job/internship.

What are some of the challenges that will face the person filling this position?

This shows that you face challenges head on, you don’t avoid them. Also the way the interviewer responds gives you an idea of whether they are honest, or seem to be glossing over what the real challenges are.

What are your company’s values?                                   

Their answer will tell you whether this is a company that matches your values, and therefore whether you would enjoy working there or not. It may also give you an idea of whether the company lives by their values, or just talks about them. And of course asking this shows that you care about company values.

How would you describe your management style and company culture?

If your interviewer will become your boss, knowing his/her management style is very helpful – and company culture is the most important thing for you to get a feel for. Good company culture makes your work much more enjoyable, with possibilities for growth and collaboration. But working in a disempowering environment will make you want to quit as soon as possible.

Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?

Sometimes a company’s culture can be less than perfect, but your team’s culture could still rock. Asking about the culture of your team tells you more specifically what kind of work environment you would be in.

Do you have any feedback or hesitations that I can address at this stage?

This question is brilliant because it’s gutsy. It shows you’re confident enough in your skills and abilities to openly discuss your vulnerabilities. It also demonstrates that you’re coachable, which is a very attractive trait to employers.

What is the next step in the process?

Only ask this if, based on their answers to your previous questions, you want to work at this company. If you do want the job, asking what the next step is is essential. It shows that you’re keen to be hired and want to know what happens next. 

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