An interview can open you up to examining your ability to reason professionally with your interviewers. This calls for sensitivity, alertness with a bit of savvy going a long way! It may surprise you to know that the key questions may not come in the beginning but rather the later part of the interview. At the end of the interview, you will be expected to ask questions. This is a good time to know if you are fit for the vacancy and equally if the vacancy is a fit for you.

Asking questions at the end of the interview shows you have an interest in the opportunity and the company; it’s a good time to get the most important information you need from the company. While asking these questions, be sure you are exerting a naturally inquisitive tone, rather than the interviewer feeling they are being, for the want of a better word, ‘grilled’! Remember, the interviewers are still assessing you and the interview is not over until you walk out the door.

Job interviews operate in two phases. During the early stage of the interview, the business attempts to understand your skills and how that can contribute to the company. But at the end of the interview, it can be your turn to learn something about the vacancy you are aspiring for, or possibly the company or your manager.

It’s always advisable you have at least 2 to 3 questions in your locker before going for an interview. You may find one or two of these questions will get answered through the earlier phase of the interview, so don’t be left with an ‘eh?’ moment at the end when you are given an opportunity to ‘win’ this role for you!

Here are some of my suggested questions:

1. What are the first priorities for this position?

Job interviews are a good platform to get information like this, and it’s important you know the priorities for this business. Of course these priorities are meant to be handled before all other tasks. So by understanding the prioritises, you are able to firm up to this employer that you are experienced and prepared to take on these priorities.

2. What are the challenges of this position?

This question gives you direct access to any potential weak spots with respect to the targeted position. It also reveals some trends your interviewer may not like to emphasise, which is key for you. It is important to understand the good and bad aspects of the position before making a decision.

3. What do you like most about working for this company?

This question gives you knowledge of what inspires your manager about the company. The manager may give you an insight. What they like, you may not. A good question to get to know what perhaps drives, or motivates, a future manager and co-worker.

4. What career development opportunities does this position offer?

Now is the time to know what the future holds for the position you are opting for, it’s also a great opportunity to know how the company carry out their promotion scheme and how you could potentially progress in your career.

5. How is performance measured and reviewed in this company?

It’s important for you to understand how the company measures performance so that you can deliver appropriately. It makes your potential employer aware that you are a work-oriented person and that you are not just interested in occupying a vacancy. It shows you want to be taken seriously and put under the microscope when you do start in a business.

6. Do you have any hesitations regarding my experience or qualifications?

This is a hard question to ask but it can be so important to discuss in an interview. By asking this question you can offer the opportunity for an interviewer to raise anything they are ‘concerned’ about.
If it is not raised now, it will be discussed regardless when the interview has finished. But at that stage you are not there to put the interviewers mind at ease. That said, it can be a question that puts your interviewer on the spot, so read the interview environment and don’t ask this question loosely!

7. What are the next steps in the interview process, and when may I hear back?

This question should always come last. Ensure you know the next step in the interview process and when you may receive feedback. This shows that you are enthusiastic about commencing with the interview process. It also gives you the opportunity to actually confirm your interest in the opportunity!

To speak with a specialist consultant, contact Armont Recruitment on +353 1 556 3399 or hello@armont.ie