At the end of the interview, the interviewer will ask if you have questions for them. Your answer should always be YES.
Have a list or memorize intelligent questions that are not self-serving. I understand that during the interview some of your questions may be answered. Try to have a go-to question or two in that case.
My “go-to” question is “What are the next steps in the process?” OR “Is there anything else about my background, education or experience that I can clarify for you?”
Some additional questions you can ask include:
- Are there upcoming projects and initiatives I will assist with if hired?
- What is the most challenging thing about this role?
- What skills and characteristics will an ideal candidate for this role have?
- How is success measured for the role? What does “doing a great job” look like?
- What area does the team I will be working for excel in?
- What types of challenges does the team I will be working with face?
- What is your management style?
- How can you describe the training process for the role? How long will training last?
- How would you describe the company’s culture and subculture of the department?
Self-serving questions:
Do not ask these questions. You will find out soon enough. These are great questions for the future or the offer stage.
- How does the company handle being off for doctors’ appointments?
- When will I be able to take time off if I am sick or for vacation?
- Is there a discount for products and services for employees?
- When will I be able to move to another department or be promoted?
- How much and/or when will I be paid?
- Is the manager a micro-manager or mean?
- Did I get the job?
- Are you interviewing many people for the job?
When the interview is over, be sure to thank everyone for his or her time. At this point, it is also critical to ask for the job IF you really want the job. If you are on the fence about it, ask for it anyway. You will have time to sort things out later.
By asking for the job, I do not mean that you should say, “Hey, I want this job.” You can say things like; “I am interested in this opportunity,” “I would be excited to join the team.” “After speaking to you, I am even more excited about the position and company.” Extend the invitation to them to contact you if they have any questions or need clarification on anything.
Be sure to ask for business cards or contact information from the interviewers. Trying to get this information after the fact may be difficult. You will need to prepare a follow-up thank you note for the interviewers.
Send a thank you note even if you do not want the job. There may be other opportunities in the organization you may be interested in later. It is important that you do not burn bridges, but rather make a great impression regardless of the outcome.
The thank you letter serves as another opportunity to reiterate your interest in the job.
Exiting the interview
Leave the interview the same way you came. Be polite to everyone you encounter while leaving. Refrain from smoking, talking on the cell phone and turning up your music until you are completely away from the campus. You are still being evaluated along the way.
Just when you thought you could relax, show time is not over. You may have guessed that, from the beginning to end of the process, you need to be prepared and stay on your toes throughout the entire process.
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