What kind of questions should I ask at the end of an interview?

Employers want to know that you're enthusiastic about the job, so you should ask questions that show you have done some research into the company, position, and industry. You should avoid asking questions about how the job would benefit you, e.g., "How much does it pay?" In any case, they probably won't want to discuss that until they are ready to make an offer. Instead ask questions that are specific and show enthusiasm. For example, "Would this position require travel to customer or production locations?" or "How does this industry trend affect your team?" or "What role would I play in designing a new product?"

You should do some research on the company and their industry so that you can tailor the questions appropriately. I also recommend doing some internet research on interview prep, so you can anticipate what kind of questions they will ask. Many employers use "behavioral" questions now, so it would be good to look at some sample questions and think of some possible answers, if you haven't already.

One possibility is to ask the interviewer, respectfully and discretely, about their experience and if they would mind sharing what motivated them to join the company/organization. This will enable you to display your listening skills as well. Employers generally want to find team players, so it is important to be able to demonstrate the ability to contribute, but also to listen to others.
It is definitely a good idea to extensively research all you can about the employer you are applying to and, if it is possible, the interviewers as well, as this should be helpful to your conversation.

Whenever I am interviewing for a new role I like to set myself up as the perfect candidate who will meet their needs. I do this by asking about...

• gaps - what gaps are you trying to fill with this role? then describe how I am the perfect fit to meet their needs
• leadership - what leader will you be reporting to and what is their style? then answer with my strengths and how I can support this leader and how I flex my style easily to accommodate different leadership styles
• team - what are the strengths and weaknesses of the team I will be working with? then explain how I can round out the team with my strengths and close any weakness gaps

Ask about what it is important to you to be happy in a job. Here are a few examples to consider. Be sure to know what you want/expect for each before you ask the question, this will help you decide whether the company is a good fit for you.

• culture - collaborative/team based or individual contributor? competitive?
• learning on the job opportunities - is it a teaching type environment where you'll be put in situations and learn on the job while being supported?
• expectations of performance in the first 90 days and 1 year
• know the brand of the company before you walk in as ask about how it maintains it's reputation in the marketplace and how that brand looks and feels day to day on the job

Hi Kristen,

According to my experience, I've participated in 20 interviews this year.

The questions you could ask should

1. be positive.
2. give more info about the company
3. not too difficult for the interviewer :)
4. show your willing to join the company

The following 2 questions are my favorite.

1. what does a typically day look like?
2. what's the best part in like in XXX (company name)?

Good luck,

Zhongyuan Tang

Hi Kristen!

Here are some good suggestions from a very good source. Use the ones that best fit your situation and the flow of the interview:

https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-best-question-to-ask-if-you-want-to-end-the-interview-on-a-great-note
https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-solid-questions-you-can-always-ask-at-the-end-of-an-interview
https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-bold-ways-to-end-an-interview-and-land-the-job
https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-better-questions-to-ask-at-the-end-of-an-interview-than-whats-a-typical-day-like-1

Also, follow the ideas that I presented in my answer to your other question regarding the interview process and the follow up process.

Let me know if and how this helps.

Best of luck!

1. What’s the employee attrition rate?

2. What position did you join in the company? How have you grown?

3. How often new ideas tried and discussed in the office?

4. How is success measures in your office?

5. Use the culture clues to find your own question