What to ask the employer during an interview

When I was a career coach in an academic setting the number one question I was asked about interviewing was what to ask the employer during an interview. Most students were horrified by the thought of having to ask a question. They wanted a job or an internship and there was little the employer could say that would make them run the other way. Times have changed. The new generation of students has more expectations for their first job. That is a trademark of that generation. And my former students, who are now well in to their career, have certain things they need to know so they can avoid repeating past bad experiences or ensure their next move is THE right one.

So the players may have changed, but the rules haven’t so it is worth it to review them.

First, when asked if you have any questions, there is almost never an excuse to not ask a question. Asking questions shows preparation and interest and strategically gives you an opportunity to move the conversation toward your strengths and reasons the employer should hire you. There is only one small window where, if you absolutely freeze and can’t think of something to ask, you can say you don’t have any questions. That small window is if the employer really has answered all the questions you have about the job and you can reply with, “I had several questions including, A, B, and C, but you have been really helpful and already answered them for me. I am really pleased with what I am hearing.”

Second, what you ask in the first and second interviews are very different. The first interview is focused on the employer narrowing down the list of candidates. Your need to know most things is secondary to their need to know if they are interested in you. So your questions should be broader and oriented toward success in the position and with the company. Some candidates are adamant that there are certain items that are deal breakers for them (compensation, work schedule, and telecommuting are usually the big issues) so they insist on asking about them in the first interview. Although this causes my heart to skip several beats, my answer is always the same. Asking those types of questions in the first interview can cause you to lose the opportunity for the second interview and the job. If the importance of the information outweighs the risk, then ask, but remember that the answer may be exactly what you needed to hear, but by asking the question you may have sacrificed the job.

Questions during the second interview can be more specific and oriented toward your needs. It is particularly good to spend this time understanding the people you will work with and for and the direction of the company.

Here are some good examples of questions to ask the employer.

First Interview Questions.

What characteristics are you looking for in a candidate for this position?

When reflecting on the last few people in this position, what made them successful or not successful?

Why did you join XYZ company?

What do you see as the top priorities for this position in the next 3 months?

Second Interview Questions

How do you characterize your style of leadership?

What work style habits are hard for you to work with?

What training and orientation is available for this position?

What are the biggest strategic goals of the company for the next year and how would my role be a part of that?