9 Questions to Ask on a Job Interview That'll Help You Land Your Dream Job
So you're onto the next step of becoming a career woman! You've been recognized with your resume and cover letter, and they want to get to know you a little more to see if you are fit for the job. Now's the time to go into that office and show them that you are made for the position and land that dream job. They'll ask you a number of questions in the interview about your strengths, weaknesses, your experience, and just about yourself. Then, you will be asked if you have any questions and this is where people lose that opportunity of landing that job. You should never forgo the option of asking the interviewer any questions. That will only ruin your chances of getting hired. When heading into an interview you must be prepared to ask the interviewer questions as well. They want to hear questions from you to show them that you are interested in the company, the job, and pursuing a career as you and the company grow. We've put together a list of nine questions to come prepared with when you are headed into that interview to impress the interviewer and help you land that job!
Why is this position open? Is it a new position or a replacement of someone who left?
Knowing about the position's history will give you a little insight on the company that you could potentially work for. If it is a new position, that is a great opportunity for you to make it your own and develop it. If it is a replacement, you will hear if the other person left or was let go. If you hear that the other person moved to a different department or up in the company, that is a great sign for you because it shows that there is potential upward mobility.
Can you walk me through a typical day here at "company name"?
Asking this question will only help you when it comes to your first day on the job so that you are not blindsided if you are given the job. This gives you a detailed understanding of what is expected of you at your work other than what is simply listed on the job description.
What is the biggest challenge someone in this position faces on a weekly basis?
Giving you the perspective of the challenges you will come across can help you get a better idea if this job is fit for you. If you see yourself achieving goals and overcoming the challenges that are mentioned, you may just be up for the challenge and right for the job.
How is success measured by you or the organization in this job?
This shows the interviewer that you are serious about obtaining this job and looking ahead to being a success in the company. It will also give you an idea of the work you will have to put in to be recognized.
What are the biggest opportunities facing the company/department right now?
This question shows that you have ambition to take on the company with the many opportunities that it may have and that you truly want to be a part of it. It can also give you an idea on where your focus will be for the first few months after landing the job.
Can you tell me what career paths there are for this position and what sort of advancements I could work towards?
This question will not only impress the interviewer by showing them that you are looking to stay and grow within the company, but will also show them that you are looking to grow your own career path. Ultimately, you will want to grow in your own career path and become a strong career woman.
What do you love most about working here?
Asking the interviewer their own opinion on the company can give you a little insight on whether or not you could see yourself there. What gets them to come in day after day may not be what you are after.
Can you tell me a bit about who I would be working with or under? Is there anything I need to know about them to make a smooth transition?
This shows that you are seriously interested in the position you are interviewing for. It shows that you want to know about your teammates or supervisor and are looking for ways to make the job work and ensure that everyone is happy.
What are the next steps in the interview process?
Many first interviews will not be your only one. Several jobs require a number of interviews and or tests to land the job you have applied to. This question will tell the interviewer that you are still interested in the position and look forward to continuing the interview process. Knowing the rest of the process will also take away some anxiety of a waiting game that many people come across after an interview.