Who do you think would be the ideal candidate for this position, and how do I compare?
Hoover recommends this question because it's a quick way to figure out whether your skills align with what they company is currently looking for. If they don't match up, then you know to walk away instead of wasting time pursuing the wrong position for yourself, she says.
It's important to ask about the pecking order of a company in case you have several bosses, Vicky Oliver writes in her book "301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions."
If you're going to be working for several people, you need to know "the lay of the internal land," she says, or if you're go nig to be over several people, then you probably want to get to know them before accepting the position.
How would you describe the company's culture?
Hoover says this question gives you a broad view on the corporate philosophy of a company and on whether it prioritizes employee happiness.
This question is not for the faint of heart, but it shows that you are already thinking about how you can help the company rise to meet some of its bigger goals, says Peter Harrison, CEO of Snagajob.
Knowing what skills the company thinks are important will give you more insight into its culture and its management values, Hoover says, so you can evaluate whether you would fit in or not.
Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications?
While this question puts you in a vulnerable position, it shows that you are confident enough to openly bring up and discuss your weaknesses with your potential employer.
Hoover says this question is important because it lets you "create a sense of camaraderie" with the interviewer because "interviewers — like anyone — usually like to talk about themselves and especially things they know well." Plus, this question gives you a chance to get an insider's view on the best parts about working for this particular company, she says.
Knowing how managers use their employees is important so you can decide whether they are the type of boss that will let you use your strengths to help the company succeed or not.
Can you tell me what steps need to be completed before your company can generate an offer?
"Any opportunity to learn the timeline for a hire is crucial information for you," Hoover advises.
Asking about an "offer" rather than a "decision" will give you a better sense of the timeline because "decision" is a broad term, while an "offer" refers to the point when they're ready to hand over the contract.
Harrison says this is a respectful way to ask about shortcomings within the company — which you should definitely be aware of before joining a company. As a bonus, he says it shows that you are being proactive in wanting to understand more about the internal workings of the company before joining it.
What have past employees done to succeed in this position?
The main point of this question is to get your interviewer to reveal how the company measures success.
Obviously this shows your eagerness about the position, Harrison says, but it also gives you a better idea about what the job will be like on a daily basis so you can decide whether you really want to pursue it. "A frank conversation about position expectations and responsibilities will ensure not only that this is a job you want, but also one that you have the skills to be successful in," he advises.
This question shows the interviewer that you care about your future at the company, and it will also help you decide if you're a good fit for the position, Oliver writes. "Once the interviewer tells you what she's looking for in a candidate, picture that person in your mind's eye," she says. "She or he should look a lot like you."
Hoover says knowing if they want you to meet with potential coworkers or not will give you insight into how much the company values building team synergy. In addition, if the interviewer says you have four more interviews to go, then you've gained a better sense of the hiring timeline as well, she says.
How do you help your team grow professionally?
Harrison says this question shows that you're willing to work hard to ensure that you grow along with your company. This is particularly important for hourly workers, he says, because they typically have a higher turnover rate, and are thus always looking for people who are thinking long term.
Knowing how a company deals with conflicts gives you a clearer picture about the company's culture, Harrison says. But more importantly, asking about conflict resolution shows that you know dealing with disagreements in a professional manner is essential to the company's growth and success.
Getting the chance to meet with potential teammates or managers is essential to any professional interview process, Hoover says. If they don't give that chance, "proceed with caution," she advises.
Knowing how a company measures its employees success is important. It will help you understand what it would take to advance in your career there — and can help you decide if the employer's values align with your own.
What are some of the problems your company faces right now? And what is your department doing to solve them?
Asking about problems within a company gets the "conversation ball" rolling, and your interviewer will surely have an opinion, Oliver writes. Further, she says their answers will give you insights into their personality and ambitions and will likely lead to other questions.
This one tells them you're interested in the role and eager to hear their decision.
"Knowing a company's timeline should be your ultimate goal during an interview process after determining your fit for the position and whether you like the company's culture," Hoover says. It will help you determine how and when to follow up, and how long to wait before "moving on."
This might be uncomfortable to ask, but Harrison says it's not uncommon to ask and that it shows you are being smart and analytical by wanting to know why someone may have been unhappy in this role previously.
If you found out they left the role because they were promoted, that's also useful information.
Where do you see the company in three years and how would the person in this role contribute to this vision?
Asking this question will show your interviewer that you can think big picture, that you're wanting to stay with the company long term, and that you want to make a lasting impression in whatever company you end up in, says Harrison.
Oliver says questions like this simply show you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the company and its leaders.
Asking about a company's game plan shows that you are eager and proactive, Oliver writes.
"Star performers are usually eager to get involved in the new business effort, even if they are not technically on the new business team," she says. "When you ask about new business, you're signaling that you're an A player."
While this question may seem forward, Harrison says it's a smart question to ask because it shows that you understand the importance of landing a secure position. "It is a black and white way to get to the heart of what kind of company this is and if people like to work here," he says.
