Great questions to ask at the end of an interview

Do you have any questions for US? What are good questions to ask at the end of an interview?

We had a client recently whose interview was going really well but, when winding up, the interviewer asked: “Thank you for coming in today, do you have any questions for us?” NOTHING came to mind for our client – disaster! They muttered something like ‘No, I don’t think so. Thanks…’ before shuffling out the door. They were so disappointed and frustrated with themselves that they hadn’t properly spent time or thought into preparing for a pretty obvious question.

So, how should you respond? Should you ask one, or more? And if so – What are the questions to ask at the end of an interview. The answer is – it depends on the situation!

Situation 1 – Internal role – you already work in the company or organisation

Do not ask a question. Chances are you already know the answer so don’t waste time by asking them something just for the sake of it.

Instead say:
“I have worked in the organisation for X years and in preparation for this interview I’ve spoken to several people who have already answered any questions I have, so I don’t have any questions at this point.”

They’ll appreciate you not wanting to waste their time with unnecessary questions.

If there is time, you may want to add a short snappy pitch as to what you can contribute to the role in place of a question.

Situation 2 – New employer

Yes, you should ask a question. But make it a good one. Don’t ask questions that you could find the answer to by spending a few minutes searching the internet or their website. I met someone recently who couldn’t understand why “Who would you say are your main competitors?” was such a terrible question to ask at an interview.

Ask them something only someone working at the company can answer:

1. questions about how the division you are interviewing for is structured – how many staff? plans for expansion? recent hires? how does the onboarding work?
2. You can also refer to something that may have been in the news / you’ve seen them announce on their Social Media platforms – ask them a question about how that might change things – eg I saw that you have recently won a licence to produce widgets for the Canidida market, will that change the way production is currently being run at this plant?
3. If you are being interviewed by one person rather than a panel then you can ask questions like “What do you like most about working here” or
4. “What attracted you to this company” A word of caution though, be careful to read the signs, some interviewers don’t respond well to the tables being turned on them!

Situation 3 – you can’t think of a question to ask but don’t want to appear disinterested in the job

The best way is to say something like:
“I have done a lot of research and preparation for this interview and through that and our conversation today, I’ve managed to find answers to all of the questions I had so no, I don’t have any questions for you at this point”

Never ask – “When will I hear if I was successful?” You will hear when they are ready to tell you and asking about timing makes you sound as if you are unsure of yourself and not confident in your ability to be successful at an interview. Back Yourself. Do your preparation in advance and you will do a great interview.

Hilt works with you to prepare you to give an excellent interview performance. Explore our Interview Preparation Services and walk into your next opportunity with confidence.

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