8 interview questions you never knew you needed

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When it comes to a job interview, it’s not just about answering the questions you’re asked. It’s also about asking the right questions to ensure you make an informed decision about the role and the company. Here are eight essential interview questions to ask to maximize your chances of success:

1. What were the key accomplishments of the previous person in this role, and what are the current key performance requirements?

Asking this question gives you a better understanding of the role’s past and present performance expectations. It also allows the interviewer to explain how the role has evolved over time. Follow-up questions could include asking about additional requirements and the reasons for the previous person’s success.

2. Who best represents the company values outside of senior management, and why?

This question helps you understand the company culture, team structure, and department dynamics. Knowing more about how staff interacts, how they see each other, and the values of the business can give you insight into whether you’ll fit in. Studies show that employees who fit well within a company culture experience greater job satisfaction, productivity, and longevity. Further questions could include asking which team members are key influencers of company culture and the personality traits that are most successful in the team.

3. What do you believe are the biggest challenges for the person who succeeds in this role?

This question demonstrates your long-term vision for the role and shows that you’re keen to understand the details. It’s also valuable to find out more about how the interviewer sees the role as they have a deeper understanding of the position. Follow-up questions could include asking about the internal challenges to succeeding in the role.

4. What do you enjoy about working in this role, and what are your challenges in working for this company?

This question can allow for unexpected candor, going deeper into the interviewer’s personal satisfaction as an employee. It can give you insight into their personality and the company culture. Follow-up questions could include asking what they would change about the company culture and the best moments they’ve had in their role.

5. Does the company have a current process for professional training or continued learning?

Asking this question gives you insight into the company’s investment in staff and potential career progression opportunities. It also demonstrates your commitment to growth within the company. Furthering this discussion can help you identify the skills needed to progress within the company and the broader industry.

6. How does the rest of the company and other departments interact with this role?

This question helps you understand where your department or role sits within the company. It’s key to understand whether your department is one of influence or is being influenced and by whom. Follow-up questions could include asking which departments will the role mostly work with and which departments will the team collaborate with.

7. Based on this interview, do you have any hesitations about how I would fit in this role?

Asking this question gives you the opportunity to address any misconceptions or concerns the interviewer might have. Follow-up questions could include asking what advice they would give you to succeed in the role and if there are any questions they would like to ask you about your suitability for the role.

8. What’s the next step in the process?

Don’t forget to ask about the next steps in the process. This question shows your interest in the position and your eagerness to proceed. Ask about timings for further contact and whether there are other candidates being interviewed.

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In addition to the above questions, it’s essential to understand the interviewer’s personality, company culture, soft skills and emotional intelligence required for the role, your key skills that are of most interest to the company or interviewer, career-specific links/media regarding the company direction/future plans, cultural sensitivity, and staff diversity.

In conclusion, asking the right questions during an interview is crucial to maximizing your chances of success in landing the job. By asking questions about the role, company culture, challenges, professional development opportunities, team dynamics, and the interviewer’s own experiences, you can gain valuable insight into the position and determine if it’s the right fit for you. Additionally, it’s important to consider factors such as the interviewer’s personality, company values, and diversity and inclusion efforts to make an informed decision about accepting the job. Ultimately, by asking thoughtful and relevant questions, you can show the interviewer that you’re invested in the position and increase your chances of landing the job.

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