First-time Interview Questions to Ask
Preparing for an interview is crucial in today’s competitive job market. Many of us spend time researching our prospective company, rehearsing our answers to anticipated questions, and hoping to get it all exactly right. However, it’s also important to take time for an often-overlooked part of the interview process: the chance to ask our own questions.
When the interviewer turns to you and asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” it’s more than just a formality. This segment of an interview is an opening. It provides the opportunity for a dialogue between you and your prospective employer, allowing you the space to understand their expectations and culture, ultimately helping you determine if a role is a good fit.
We know that thinking of good questions to ask an interviewer can be tricky—this process is stressful enough already. So, we’ve compiled a list of categories and sample questions to ask your interviewer. Soon, your only question will be, “When can I start?”
Job Functions
- What does a typical day look like in this role?
- What larger projects or initiatives are planned for the next six months that I would contribute to?
- What should I be hoping to accomplish within my first 90 days?
- Is this role being backfilled*? If so, what qualities did previous employees have that contributed to their success in this position?
These questions will help get a feel for what the job’s really like. Asking about a typical day gives you a sneak peek into the day-to-day atmosphere while finding out about bigger projects, which shows you how the role fits into the company’s bigger picture. Asking about the first 90 days helps you understand what “success” looks like early on so you can hit the ground running. If the role is filling someone else’s shoes, knowing what made them successful can give you helpful feedback on what qualities they’re looking for in a new hire.
*Backfilled means replacing an employee who has left or is on leave.
Team
- How much value does the company place on teamwork, and are there opportunities for collaboration?
- What is the team dynamic?
- How is work delegated? Do you use task management software?
Asking about the organization’s values provides an understanding of its core principles and cultural priorities. Inquiring about opportunities for growth and development indicates your interest in long-term advancement and continuous learning within the company. Finally, exploring the team’s approach to collaboration offers a glimpse into the dynamics of daily interactions and team cohesion. You’ll get a window into the rhythm of daily interactions and the sense of camaraderie you might experience.
Boss
- How would previous employees describe your leadership style?
- How do you ensure you’re celebrating each employee’s wins?
- How do you provide opportunities for feedback on your managerial style?
Remember that you are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you. These questions are perfect for learning more about your potential supervisor and whether their ideals align with yours. Asking about their leadership style, employee support, and feedback opportunities is a great way to understand your potential work environment; it highlights your interest in practical guidance and reflects a desire for a mentorship-rich climate where feedback drives growth.
Company/Culture
- What is your favorite thing about working for this company?
- What is something about the company that you would change?
- How does the company handle it when an employee makes a mistake?
- Where do you see the company in the next 5 years?
By asking about current challenges, you gain perspective on areas where your role could make a meaningful impact. Understanding how success is measured on a company-wide scale provides clarity on key performance indicators and organizational priorities. Additionally, inquiring about the company’s direction over the next few years demonstrates your interest in its long-term growth and your potential to contribute to that vision. This approach shows a commitment to aligning with the company’s goals and future path.
Growth/Development
- How often do you conduct performance reviews?
- Is there a standard performance review each year?
- Do you provide training opportunities or other professional development?
These questions are perfect for digging deeper into the company’s culture and “vibe”. Asking how the company supports development shows you’re interested in growing and learning. Clarifying how your performance is measured gives you a clear idea of what success looks like in their eyes. Finding out about communication styles and team collaboration can help you gauge if the work environment is a good fit for you. Finally, your question on training and development opportunities showcases a commitment to continuous learning, ensuring you’ll be equipped to thrive and evolve within the company.
Keep in mind that these questions are not exhaustive. Always review the company website and job description and spend some time mapping out questions specific to the employer and your role.
No interview in sight? Are you still stuck searching for your perfect role? Our recruiters are here to guide you through the process. Apply today.