HOW DO YOU END AN INTERVIEW SUCCESSFULLY?
Once you get to what seems like the end of the interview, it is only natural to want to scurry out the door as fast as possible. However, recruiters in Northern Ireland view the interview as a two-way street so when they ask: “Have you any questions for me?” they expect you to be prepared. It is best to ask 2-3 questions and to prepare 4-5 in case a couple of them are answered during the interview.
From your perspective, asking the right questions in the interview can help you decide if the job is right for you in the first place. . In a recruiter’s eyes, if you don’t ask any questions, it is a sign that you are unprepared or uninterested. Don’t fall into this trap,having a list of good questions to ask at the end of your interview ready will really impress your hiring manager. The end of interview the is chance to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and the job.
SMART QUESTIONS TO ASK IN AN INTERVIEW
ABOUT THE ROLE
What Are the Job’s Day-to-Day Responsibilities?
This is a great question to ask if you’re still unsure as to whether it is the right role for you. By learning about the job’s nitty-gritty, you will gather more information on the skills and strengths needed and determine if the role is a good ‘fit’ for you. It also displays your eagerness.
Describe Your Ideal Candidate for the Job
After the interviewer describes the best hypothetical candidate for the role, you can either reiterate your qualifications, experience, and skills or add anything you previously neglected to mention during the interview. This question allows you to end the interview on a positive note.
What Are the Role’s Biggest Challenges?
Every job has its challenges so it’s important to know what you’re letting yourself in for. If the interviewer claims there are none, this is a red flag!
What is the Usual Career Path for someone in this Role?
The last thing you want is to end up in a dead end job when so many companies in Northern Ireland are encouraging employee growth. The answer to this question will let you know if the company believes in internal promotion and whether or not it is the kind of organisation you could spend years working in. It’s an excellent query because it shows that you’re serious about career advancement.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
How Do The Company Celebrate Achievements & Accomplishments?
This is very much a ‘company culture’ question and gives you an insight into the kind of environment you would be walking into. For example, if you believe that a firm should reward good performance with bonuses and days off, but all you get is a ‘well done’ and a drink after work, it may not be the kind of place you want to develop in.
What Are The Most Important Duties Of The New Hire In the First 30 Days?
Regardless of your qualifications, the first few weeks of any job are difficult as you get to grips with the work, your colleagues and the company as a whole. When you ask this question, you may find out what the firm’s immediate needs are. If you’re hired, you’ll be able to tackle the requisite tasks right away and earn trust at an early stage.
What Are the Company’s Plans for the Next 5 Years?
This is your version of the ‘where do you see yourself in 5 years?’ question you may face during the interview. If you’re looking for a long-term position, the answer to this query should let you know if the company is likely to grow.
What Are The Biggest Opportunities & Challenges Facing The Department at Present?
The opportunities part of the question is a way of figuring out where the company’s priorities lie in the next few months. The challenges aspect could help you discover key trends and issues in the industry and identify areas where your abilities could come in useful.
How Do You Respond to Staff Conflicts?
This question provides further valuable insight into the company culture. It also shows that you’re aware of the importance of conflict resolution when it comes to the growth and success of any business.
How Does the Company Help Staff Grow Professionally?
This query lets the interviewer know that you’re ready, willing and able to work hard to get ahead. It is especially useful when applying for hourly jobs as they experience a greater rate of turnover than salaried roles.
How Well Does The Company Live Up To Its Core Values?
This is a great question to ask if you want to learn more about the firm’s weaknesses while still showing respect. It also shows that you are keen to understand what makes the organisation tick before joining.
ABOUT THE INTERVIEW ITSELF
What Are the Next Steps in the Interview Process?
This might seem like an obvious question, but you would be amazed at how many candidates fail to ask it in their haste to leave the room! It shows that you’re still interested in the job and are keen to hear their final decision. Once you find out a company’s timeline for hiring, you’ll know when to follow up and how long you should wait before moving on to another job opening.
What Do You Like Most About Working For the Company?
Please note that this question isn’t applicable if the interviewer was brought in from outside the firm. Otherwise, it is a good way to sharing an element of ‘fellowship’ with the interviewer if they are part of the business. Remember, interviewers are human too and usually enjoy the opportunity to talk about themselves (don’t we all!) Also, it gives you the inside track on why the company is a great place to work.
Do You Have Any Shortcomings About My Candidacy?
While this is a risky question, it does show your ability to welcome constructive criticism. However, if you give the interviewer the chance to highlight any concerns they have, it gives you the chance to address the weaknesses you were unaware of and strengthen your chances of getting the job.
WHAT ARE GOOD QUESTIONS TO ASK AT THE END OF AN INTERVIEW?
- What sort of training is involved?
- What’s one of the most interesting projects or opportunities that you’ve worked on recently?
- What is your favourite thing about working for the company?
- Is there anything else I can provide to help you make your decision?
Although, if you feel all your questions have been covered earlier in the interview, there is no problem in simply saying you don’t have any question. Best of luck in the job interview and hopefully these questions along with the most commonly asked interview questions will help you with your preparation.
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