by Guest Author, Nicole Sherwood
Getting a job interview is great, but it can be a daunting experience! There are several ways to begin preparing for a job interview to ensure that you are able to successfully sell yourself and your essential skills.
Being able to answer the most commonly asked job interview questions is one thing, but a major part of the interview and something that will get you noticed, is asking insightful questions to the hiring manager.
Not only will asking the right questions make you a more memorable and desirable candidate, but it can also help you determine if the company is right for you.
Here are 5 quick fire questions to ask in a job interview to stand out from the crowd and give you a competitive edge:
What are the company’s most important values?
Understanding what the company is like and what kind of people you might be working for is vital, and can help you discover whether you share the same values. Values can define a company and determine employee behaviour, loyalty and satisfaction as well as success.
As a potential employee, it’s important to know the values that the company cares about most and to gain a common purpose that all employees should understand, work towards and live by.
Ask the interviewee to share some of the company’s most important values so you can understand the behaviours that are expected of you.
Can you show/tell me an example of something I would be working on?
It might be worth discovering what projects you might work on or how you would be expected to work in your new environment if you are successful in your interview. Seeing an example of something you could be working on can be especially beneficial when starting a new role or working in a new industry, as you can discover what programmes and tools the company uses on a daily basis.
Where have successful employees in this role moved on to?
This question determines whether there is room for progression and promotion in the company and how they present opportunities for career development. This question helps you understand how progression occurs and to assess if the role is a good fit for your long-term career goals.
It also shows the employer that you are seriously considering progressing and staying with the company for a long time if they offer career opportunities. Ask them to provide examples of other successful employees and the common career paths within the company.
What is the work culture like?
Finding the right cultural fit is just as important as finding the right role for you. Every company is unique and views culture differently, and if you’re unsure of the company’s culture and whether it’s right for you, it’s worth asking in your job interview.
A company that has the perfect culture can be a determining factor for you in your career journey. Ask the company for examples of their culture, whether that be the perks or benefits they offer, or how they maintain work life balance, prioritise diversity and recognise employees.
Can you give some feedback on how this interview went?
Not all interviewers or companies provide you with feedback or any kind of constructive criticism, so end with this question to give you an insight on how the interview has gone and whether you’re in with a chance of getting the job.
Asking this question also reiterates to the interviewer that you are invested, enthusiastic and willing to self-improve. From the interviewer’s reply, you may be able to determine areas of improvement and what exactly they are looking for. If you fall short at any point, any constructive feedback will be useful for future interviews.
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About the author: Nicole Sherwood is the Content Writer for award-winning recruitment agency Spencer Clarke Group. Spencer Clarke Group operates in both the private and public sector, in 11 specialisms and provides assistance with all recruitment challenges.
Nicole joined Spencer Clarke Group in 2023 and writes SEO optimised content (B2B and B2C) for their Career Hub. Nicole provides expert insight, career advice and useful information to a variety of individuals, businesses and companies.
