The job interview is a crucial step for both the recruiter and the candidate. It allows the recruiter to learn more about you and determine if you are a good fit for the position. The interview is also an opportunity for the candidate to learn more about the company, the role, and the team, for example.
You feel the interview is slowly coming to an end and you’ll soon be able to breathe a huge sigh of relief. Not so fast, though; the moment often arrives for the dreaded ” Do you have any questions? “
While it might be tempting to say the recruiter has already answered all your questions, it’s advisable not to miss this opportunity to make a good impression. It’s the perfect chance to demonstrate your curiosity and enthusiasm for the position.
How to prepare for the end of the interview
To avoid being caught off guard and appearing hesitant or disinterested when the recruiter asks if you have any questions, the key is good preparation . This question is very common , so consider making a list of what you would like to know and preparing your answer before the interview.
When the time comes, be careful not to ask a question on a topic the recruiter has already covered earlier in the interview. It’s also advisable to choose only a few questions from your list to avoid giving the recruiter the impression of being subjected to an overly intense interrogation.
The exchange between you and the recruiter should flow naturally, and the end of the interview should allow you to engage in a genuine conversation. This way, you can reveal more about your personality , an element considered just as important as your professional background.
What questions should I ask the recruiter?
Asking questions is an excellent way to determine if the company and the position align with your expectations. To help you make a good impression on the recruiter, we’ve prepared a list of questions that may be useful during the interview.
Questions about the position
Before accepting an offer, it’s important to know what the position entails and understand the tasks you’ll be expected to perform. However, be careful not to ask questions whose answers are already in the job description.
- Can you give me more details about my responsibilities?
- What qualities do you consider necessary to hold this position?
- Is this a new role within your company?
- Do you offer your employees the option to work remotely ?
You can also ask questions about your daily life within the company: schedules, typical week, training, etc.
Questions about company culture
Not adhering to the company culture can be an obstacle to your integration. It is therefore recommended that you get a feel for the atmosphere , the environment, and the rules of conduct within the company.
- How would you describe the work environment?
- Do you organize an onboarding program for new employees?
- What is the reason you enjoy working here?
- What do you propose to promote a better work-life balance?
Questions about your future team
The people you will be working with every day over the next few months, or even years, will have a significant impact on your productivity and well-being at work. It’s important to get to know your future team to determine if you’ll be able to integrate easily .
- Can you tell me about the team I will be working with?
- Who will be my manager?
- Who will I be working with most on a daily basis?
Questions about objectives
To gain a better understanding of the company’s expectations , do not hesitate to inquire about the objectives you will need to achieve and how your work will be evaluated.
- How do you evaluate the performance of your employees?
- What are the goals you would like to see me achieve?
- How is success measured?
- How are employees recognized for their performance?
Questions about the recruitment process
Before leaving the room and ending the interview, it’s essential to find out about the next steps in the selection process. This will let you know what to expect and allow you to demonstrate to the recruiter that you are genuinely interested in the position.
- What are the next steps in the recruitment process?
- Are you planning a practical exercise?
- Is a second interview planned if my application is successful?
- When can I expect to hear from you?
Mistakes to avoid
A common mistake to avoid is bringing up salary during the first interview. It’s advisable to wait until your application has been shortlisted for the position before inquiring about compensation and potentially starting to negotiate. If possible, it’s best to let the company bring it up first.
It’s helpful to get to know the person you’re interviewing, but it’s crucial not to ask questions that might seem too personal or confidential . Remain professional and avoid mentioning the recruiter’s family status or their personal relationships with colleagues, for example.
Finally, as we have already mentioned, an easily avoidable mistake is not asking questions . It would be a shame to miss the opportunity to share your questions and show your interest to the recruiter.
