Toward the end of a job interview, the hiring manager will likely ask if you have any questions for them, and many candidates struggle to find something relevant to say at this juncture. This is a common issue, and you should always try to ask at least one relevant question that demonstrates your willingness to “get your feet wet” and immerse yourself in the (potential) new role.
Regardless of whether the interview has already answered your questions or if you’re drawing a blank, it is a good idea to find something relevant and indicate your keen interest in the position.
Many people wonder if it is acceptable to state that you don’t have any questions and fear that this may affect their chances of getting hired. Asking questions shows involvement, engagement and forethought, all of which are important when you’re trying to get hired, and this is why you need to ask at least one question. A great start is asking questions such as, "what would a typical workday look like?" or "what would a successful person in this position look like?" These questions are a great start to demonstrate that you can envision yourself succeeding in this new position.
If you find yourself getting stuck when preparing for an interview, consider the following ideas:
Hiring managers want to see that a potential employee is interested in job opportunities beyond the position they are applying for because this indicates your dedication and future goals. Career-related questions show that you are considering staying at the company for the long run and are willing to commit. When asking these types of questions, however, make it clear that you are interested in the job and don't make it seem like you’re just trying to get into the company to move to another role.
Consider the job you’re applying for and ask questions about specific scenarios related to that role. If you are applying for a remote position, for example, ask about the resources that are available to employees who work out of the office. You can also ask about the day-to-day schedule and how the company’s remote team stays connected. Another question you can ask is how the chain of command works with employees not working in person. Finally, you can ask questions about other remote workers' challenges to learn how to avoid them. The key is to focus on the specific role you are applying for, which will allow you to ask the right questions.
Asking even one question about the company culture during your interview will impress the hiring manager. You can ask about the ways the company fosters community among employees or what remote workers have done in the past to create relationships with employees they do not see every day.
You can even ask about any social activities employees participate in because these questions show you are enthusiastic about the company's values.
Always take notes before and during the interview to show that you are fully invested in the process. Taking notes will also help you jot down thoughts that can become questions toward the end of your interview.
If you are looking for exciting job opportunities, Nexus Staffing can help. Our employment agency will help you discover new career paths, and if you are looking for a temp agency in Toronto, we are ready to help. Contact us today at (416) 767-2323 to find out more!