Why interviewers ask questions

The answer will give you an idea of what the employer's expectations are, so if you're offered the job there should be no surprises when you start. This is a good question to ask at the end of a job interview because it shows potential employers that you're eager to make a positive contribution to the organisation. Pay close attention to the recruiter's response as it will tell you how they want you to perform and will highlight particular areas of the job you should be focusing on during the first few weeks of employment.

Enquiring about development opportunities demonstrates to the interviewer that you're serious about your career and committed to a future with the organisation. You don't want to be stuck in a dead-end job so if you're unsure of the typical career path for someone in this role, asking this question will help you to assess whether a long-term career with the company is a possibility, or if you'd need to move on to gain further responsibility.

The response you receive will give you an insight into the company's progression plans and its place in the market, while giving you a general idea about job security.

You may also get a heads-up on any major upcoming projects. Asking about future plans shows a real interest in the organisation and reiterates your commitment to the company. Asking this question is a great way to assess the working environment of the company and it gives you the opportunity to discover whether you'll fit in.

From the recruiters response you'll learn if and how the organisation prioritises employee happiness, of any benefits on offer and what the work-life balance is like.

Everybody loves to talk about themselves and this question enables you to build up a sense of camaraderie with your interviewer.

This question requires a personal response, so you could learn a lot from their answer. You'll get an insider's view of the company culture and working environment and you may even get to discover how your interviewer got their start in the business and how they progressed.

This will help you understand the way the company is structured, who you'll report to and the department the role sits within. These are the people you'll work most closely with, so it's worth trying to find out about the team dynamic and working methods. Depending on the response, it may also give you the opportunity to mention any experience or success you've had working in similar teams - just to give the employer one final example of how well you'll fit in if you get the job.

If the employer doesn't give an indication of what happens next then a good way to wrap up the interview is by asking about the next steps and when you can expect to hear from them. Jobs and work experience Search graduate jobs Job profiles Work experience and internships Employer profiles What job would suit me? Job sectors Apprenticeships Working abroad Gap year Self-employment.

Search postgraduate courses Funding postgraduate study Universities and departments Study abroad Conversion courses Law qualifications. A lack of enthusiasm may mean morale is low within the business. Frances Burks has more than 15 years experience in writing positions, including work as a news analyst for executive briefings and as an Associated Press journalist. Burks has banking and business development experience, and she has written numerous articles on consumer issues and home improvement.

Burks holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan. By Frances Burks. Job Interest Expect hiring managers to wrap up an interview by asking if you have any questions.

The answer will be important for you to take into consideration as you determine whether or not this job is the right fit for you. Question 2: What are the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?

Ask this question to the hiring manager or others on the interview panel who you might work with if you accept the job. Their answers will quickly give you an idea of the qualities they hope to see in the person they hire. Question 5: If I were in this job, how would my performance be measured?

In your interview with the hiring manager, ask this question to get more specific about how you can succeed in this job. Question 6: What does the career path for someone in this role look like? Another one for the hiring manager. This question can signal your interest in growing at this company. Question 7: What other functions or departments does this teamwork with most often?

What are the characteristics of a successful collaboration? Knowing how to collaborate will be a crucial part of your ability to do the job. Question 8: What does your job look like day-to-day and how would you anticipate working with the person in this role? This is a good one for your prospective colleagues but can also work for the hiring manager. Their answers will give you a sense of their priorities.

More questions to ask your interviewer about the job:. Are there any job shadowing opportunities available for this role? Here are some examples:. Question What do you like best about working here? This question can be a casual way to engage your interviewer on a personal level while gaining valuable insights into their experience with the company.

If appropriate, be sure to respond to their answer with examples of why you believe this type of environment is a great fit for your personality and working style. Question Who do you see as your biggest competitor and why?

This question can show that you have an interest in the bigger picture of the company and industry. It can also be an opportunity for you to share that you did research on the company by following up the interviewer's response with what you found when you looked into this before the interview. Question What challenges has this company faced in the last few years? What challenges do you anticipate in the coming years? It shows your interest in the performance of the company and can give you insight into the pain points they experience.

Question What changes or innovations in the industry are you most excited about? This question allows you to see how passionate the interviewer is about this company and industry.