The end of an interview can be awkward. You might think that the interview has gone well, but you're not sure who's supposed to make the next move to continue the conversation. So here's a little secret: it's you! It's totally normal for candidates to ask about next steps at the end of an interview, so go ahead and do it! But that should just be your first question.
Take a look at these 7 questions you can ask at the end of job interview that will help you learn more about the role and leave a positive impression on your interviewer:
1. What are the next steps in the interview process?
If you have not heard back from the hiring manager in a week, it’s appropriate to ask about the status of your application. If this is your first interview with the company, it may take longer for them to decide whether they want to move forward with an offer. If you have been interviewed by several people at the company and they haven't reached out yet, it's okay to follow-up again with a polite email message asking if there are any updates or if there are still positions open in their department.
If after two weeks of waiting for an answer and not hearing anything back, then you might consider taking another job offer that comes along or moving on altogether. It could be that they don't plan on making anyone offers at all in your field (or even this particular position) right now—and if so, that would be okay! There are other companies out there who might need someone like you!
2. Is there anything else I can provide you with?
It is perfectly acceptable to ask for more information. For example, you could ask for an example of a project they have worked on that most closely aligns with the skills they've mentioned in the interview. You can also ask for more information about their company, their manager or position, or even the company culture (if it's not already clear).
3. What do you like most about working here?
This question has three parts: "What do you like most about working here?" and "Why did you choose to work here?" and "Tell me more about the culture of this company."
These are all questions that tell you what's going on at the company, but they also allow your interviewer to tell you about themselves. They're part of a series of questions that can help you understand how much people love their jobs, or how badly they want them—and whether there are any red flags to look out for as far as your own fit goes.
4. What's the work environment like?
You might not think you can get this information out of the interviewer, but if you ask them about their work environment and company culture, they'll be more than happy to tell you everything.
5. What is a typical work day/work week like for this position?
It's important to understand how a typical work day/week looks in this position, so you can make sure it fits with your schedule.
Ask the interviewer questions like:
What is a typical work day/work week like for this position?
How many hours do I expect to work per day and per week?
Do I get regular breaks during my shift or do I have to take them on my own time?
6. How does this position fit in with your long-term goals for your company?
How does this position fit in with your long-term goals for your company?
Who are some of the most important clients that we work with?
What is your vision and mission for the company?
What are some of the growth plans you have in mind over the next few years/decades?
What strategy do you use when acquiring new customers or clients? (If applicable)
What values do you hold most dear as an organization, and how can I contribute to those values as an employee here at [COMPANY NAME]?
7. Do you have any reservations about hiring me for this role?
This question is a way to get information without asking for the job. You can use it to understand how the interviewer feels about you, their company, or even their competitors.
It’s also useful because it gives you a chance to address any reservations they may have about hiring you before accepting an offer.
This is a great way to end an interview on a positive note. It gives you the opportunity to express your gratitude for the interviewer's time, reiterate that you're interested in the position, and ask any questions that haven't been addressed.
This is also a good way to get a feel for what the company is like—if they're relaxed and friendly, it's likely that others there are as well. You can also learn more about what it would be like on their team by asking if there are any projects or tasks ongoing right now (or perhaps upcoming). This provides insight into how busy they are, which can help you decide whether this role is something worth pursuing further.
Interviews are your chance to shine, and these questions will help you stand out from the crowd. Not only does asking questions show that you're engaged with the interview process (and care about getting hired!), but it can also help you learn more about what to expect if you were to get the job. The best questions are specific to the company and position for which you've applied; however, this list is a good place to start your research!
Ready to find your dream job so you can nail your job interview with these tips? Take a look at the latest remote job opportunities here.
Comments