It is always a good idea to ask questions at the end of the job interview as it shows that you are interested, and gives you valuable information about the company. But you cannot just ask any question, you need to be critical and smart in the way you approach asking your interviewer about the company.

The job interview is a two-way street: In the beginning, the employer tries to get to know you and what you can contribute with to the company. But at the end of the interview, it is your chance to ask the interviewer about the company, the boss, and the position, to make sure that this position is really something you are interested in.

It is therefore always a good idea to have 2-3 questions ready up your sleeve, to make the process less nerve-wracking. These are some of our suggestions:

1) What do you like most about working for this company?

This question offers you an insight in what the interviewer finds great about the company, and the employer will then give more information regarding the company culture and the personality of your future boss and colleagues, this way you can better evaluate if it is something that interests you.

2) What career development opportunities does this position offer?

Here it is all about your future. It is great to know if the company promotes from within the company, and how you can develop within the firm. This question is also good for making sure that the position you are applying for is not a dead end.

3) What are the first priorities for this position?

You get a lot of information at a job interview, and sometimes it is good to get a sum up of the work tasks that are the most important, which will be the ones you are going to have to tackle first. This question shows the employer that you are ready to get to work, and you already know that you will have to prioritize.

4) What are the challenges of this position?

This question helps you uncover trends and issues that the interviewer often does not want to highlight. You should enter into a job completely informed - including the good and the bad.

5) What type of training possibilities do you offer?

This is a great show-off question, as you demonstrate your employer that you are eager to learn new skills and develop professionally, thereby adding value to the company.

6) In what way is performance measured and reviewed?

It is important for you as a candidate to know how the company measures results so that you can make sure to deliver. The employer then understands that you are not just ‘talk and no action’, but that you are interested in delivering what you promise.

7) How would you describe the work culture at the office?

This is the best way to get to know your future colleagues without actually meeting them. This gives you a good idea of how people interact and structure their work within the department you will be working in.

8) What do you think are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?

Just as it is important for you to know how your work is being measured, it is also a good idea to understand how the company views success. Companies have different standards for what success is, and it often reflects their demands and the level of ambition within the company.

9) Do you have any hesitations regarding my qualifications?

This is a difficult question to ask. On the positive side, by asking this question you have the possibility to defend or clarify yourself to the employer. But it can also put unnecessary pressure on the interviewer and can put the employer on the spot. Read your environment and do not ask this question lightly.

10) What are the next steps in the interview process, and when will I hear back?

This is the last question you should ask! Make sure to know what the next step might be and when you can expect to get a call from them. This shows that you are eager in moving on with the interview process and it gives you a timeline for hiring so that you can follow up appropriately.

 Start looking for jobs