Guide to asking the right questions after your interview
Congratulations! You did well in your job interview, showing off your skills, knowledge, and ambition for the job. But there's one more important thing: asking questions after the interview. Many job seekers feel a sense of relief when the interview is over. But what happens next is the opportunity to learn more about the company culture and the role.
Asking questions after an interview is good for you but allows the company to learn more about you. Your interview questions demonstrate your interest in the position and how well you understand the company's goals. They can show your ability to think critically and may help you get the job. They also give the hiring team a chance to learn more about whether you're right for the job and what you could bring to the organization. Here's what we're going to cover:
- Why is it important to ask questions post-interview?
- Types of questions to ask after an interview
- When should you ask questions after an interview?
- Questions to avoid asking after an interview
- Next steps after the interview
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Why is it important to ask questions post-interview?
A job interview is a two-way street, providing benefits for the hiring manager and the potential employee. Both parties get a chance to get to know each other. As a potential employee, asking post-interview questions helps you to gain further insight into the position.
Reflecting on the interview
Post-interview questions give job seekers a chance to reflect on their performance during the interview. By asking about specific parts of the interview, you can reflect on your answers, find ways to improve, and get useful feedback. You can also ask questions about anything the interviewers didn't cover, ensuring you fully understand the job and the company's expectations.
Showing continued interest
Asking thoughtful questions after the interview shows you're still enthusiastic and ready for the job. The potential employer can see that you're interested in the job and want to learn more about it. Showing that you're genuinely curious and want to contribute to the company's success can help strengthen your position.
Types of questions to ask after an interview
It's important to understand what type of questions to ask at the end of a job interview. These questions can help you to succeed in the recruitment process.
Company-centric questions
To demonstrate your interest in the job and your knowledge of the company's goals and values, consider the following topics:
- Company growth: Asking questions about company growth shows that you want to help it succeed.
Example: How does the company plan to expand its market presence in the Philippines? - Company's competitive edge: Understanding what makes a business unique in its field allows you to determine its market position and how it can grow.
Example: What sets our products apart from the product of our competitors? - Upcoming projects: This question shows that you're bold, confident, and ready to change with the times.
Example: Can you provide insight into any upcoming projects in the Philippines? - Company's vision: Understanding the company's overarching goals can help you plan your objectives, creating a sense of shared purpose.
Example: What role do employees play in helping to realize the company's vision?
Role-specific questions
To fully understand what the job involves, you might want to ask the following questions:
- Day-to-day responsibilities: Knowing what you'll be doing day to day allows you to prepare and be ready to start if you get the job.
Example: Can you walk me through what a typical day looks like in this role? - Opportunities for professional development: Asking about growth opportunities makes it clear that you want to keep learning and developing new skills.
Example: How does the company support the professional development of its employees? - Performance measurement and review: You can set clear goals and standards for success when you know they'll evaluate your performance.
Example: What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role? - Potential challenges: Discussing potential challenges shows that you're willing to face problems and find ways to overcome them.
Example: Can you give insight into the challenges someone might encounter in this role?
Culture and values questions
For long-term job satisfaction, think about whether your ideals match up with those of the company. Consider asking the potential employer about:
- The company's values: This can help you understand more about the company's moral values and commitment to honesty.
Example: How does the company demonstrate its commitment to its values? - Team dynamic and work environment: Learning how the company feels about employees working together and supporting each other can help you decide if you'll fit in.
Example: What is the team dynamic of the department I’ll be working with? - Work-life balance and employee well-being: Putting your health and well-being first is important if you want to stay productive and happy at work.
Example: Does the company offer any employee wellness programs? - Insights into diversity: Asking about efforts to promote diversity shows that you want to contribute to a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and accepted.
Example: How does the company ensure equal opportunities for its employees?
Future prospects and opportunities
It's important to consider how you can grow and move up in the company. You can ask the interviewer about:
- Potential advancement opportunities: Understanding how the company promotes people can help you determine your long-term prospects within the business.
Example: Can you share insights about the company’s methods for training employees for leadership roles? - Ongoing training or learning opportunities: Continuing learning for both personal and professional growth is important. Find out how committed the company is to helping you develop your skills.
Example: Does the company promote continuous learning, and how do they support employees’ development? - Policy on internal promotions: Knowing how to move up in the organization can help you make plans for your working life.
Example: Could you outline the process for internal promotions within the organization? - Support for employee growth: Try to gain a better understanding of how the organization supports employee growth. Find out how the organization feels about teamwork, collaboration, and mentorship.
Example: Does the company offer formal mentorship programs between new and experienced colleagues?
When should you ask questions after an interview?
Asking questions after an interview not only helps you learn more about the job and the organization but also shows that you're enthusiastic and ready to work. There are a few things to consider when asking questions after your interview.
Determine the appropriate time
You usually wait till the end of the interview to ask questions. The interview will typically cover the main points about the job and the organization. You can then ask questions about anything that you didn't cover. If the interviewer asks questions during the interview, you can ask them as they come up. But, it's a good idea to save a few questions for the end.
Be mindful of your tone
Remember to be polite and professional when you ask questions. Make it clear that you value the interviewer's time and knowledge. Avoid asking personal or unrelated questions. Ask questions that show you have a genuine interest in the job and want to understand the company's culture.
Consider the interview's flow and time constraints
Keep in mind how the interview is going and any time limits. If the interviewer is short on time or there are still important things to discuss, it may be helpful to ask only a few questions. You could also save them for a later conversation.
Pay attention to responses and body language
Pay close attention to the interviewer's responses and body language throughout the interview. This can give you an idea of the topics that are most important to them. It can also highlight specific areas of the job to focus on during the first few weeks of employment. Change your questions based on their response to ensure your answer is useful and interesting.
Questions to avoid asking after an interview
When it comes to post-interview questions, it's important to give a good impression and demonstrate your genuine interest in the job. These are some questions you shouldn't ask right after an interview:
- Salary, benefits, or vacation time frame: You shouldn't discuss pay and perks too early in the interview process because you may seem more interested in the money than the job. You can discuss this after they've made you a job offer.
- Confrontational questions: Questions that start with “Why” can sometimes sound rude or demanding. If you want to know why the company does things in a certain way, change the question to focus on learning how the company works or how it makes decisions.
- Work-life balance queries: A good work-life balance is important, but you may want to save this kind of question until later in the recruitment process. Asking about working from home or flexible hours during the interview may indicate that you care more about your comfort than the company's goals.
- Lack of research: Only ask questions that you can't easily find the answer to on the company's website or after a quick online search. Focus on asking thoughtful questions that show you understand the job description and the organization's goals, obstacles, and industry.
Interpreting your interviewer's responses
In addition to thinking about the questions you ask, pay close attention to how the interviewer reacts. If they give you evasive or confusing answers, it could be a red flag. Pay attention to how they respond when you talk about things such as business culture, employee recognition, and team dynamics. A positive and interesting answer from the interviewer can tell you a lot about the beliefs and work environment of the company.
Next steps after the interview
Here are a few things you should do following your interview:
- Take some time to think about the interview, including how the conversation went and how confident you were in your answers.
- Think about how well you explained your skills and abilities and what you could have done better. If you don't succeed in this interview, this can provide some insight for your next one.
- Write a follow-up email thanking them for the interview opportunity and expressing your continued interest in the position.
- Think about whether you would be the right fit for the team. Base this on what you've learned about the role's expectations and the company's culture.
- If you get an offer, consider all the information you've gathered to determine whether the position is a good fit for you before proceeding with the onboarding process.
Conclusion
Thoughtful questions make it obvious that you have a genuine interest in the job opportunity and the business. They provide you with useful information about the position and the company. They ensure that everyone knows what to expect and give you a better sense of the company's culture and beliefs. By asking questions, you can gain valuable insight that can help you decide if the company is right for you.
FAQs
- What are some insightful questions to ask about company culture?
Here are some good questions to ask a potential employer:
"Can you describe the company's approach to collaboration and teamwork?"
"How does the company support professional development and growth opportunities for its employees?"
"What initiatives does the company take to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace?"
"Can you describe the company's work-life balance culture?"
"Can you describe a typical day?"
- How can you politely enquire about future career prospects within the company?
After talking about the position and thanking them for the interview, you can ask about future job opportunities within the company. Here are some sample questions:
"Can you give me an idea of the typical career path for someone in this role?"
"Are there opportunities for professional development and future advancement within the company?"
"How does the company support employees in achieving their long-term job goals?"
"Can you tell me more about how you evaluate performance and offer promotions?"
"I'm interested in how the company develops ability and promotes from within. Could you explain that more?"
- What are effective ways to ask about the team or department you'll be working with?
You can ask questions about the following:
team structure and dynamics
roles and responsibilities
communication and collaboration
team culture and values
professional development and support
challenges and opportunities.
- How do you frame a question to understand the company's growth and success strategies?
Asking about the company's plans for growth and success shows your interest in its long-term goals and how you would like to contribute to them. Here's an idea for a question:
"I've learned about the company's current goals and accomplishments during our conversation. I'm also interested in your plans for future growth. Could you explain how the company plans to reach its long-term goals and how this position fits into those plans?"
