How to ask an interviewer impressive questions?
At school, you wouldn’t ever imagine yourself asking this question. Back in the old days, you used to prepare quiz answers to pass exams. A big part of your studying process was to try guessing the type of questions your teacher would ask. Not the other way around.
But after some time in the adult world, you realize that good answers aren’t enough to make a good impression during a job interview. Believe it or not, asking the right questions can make you stand out way more than good answers. After all, Oscar Wilde used to say, “Questions are never indiscreet, answers sometimes are.”
Why Do You Need To Ask An Impressive Question During Your Interview?
A job interview isn’t just a way to test your skills and see if you’re good enough to win against the competition. An interview is also your chance to find out whether you want the job or not.
Back at school, you didn’t have much choice but to pass exams to get your diploma. When you started working, finally you could choose between more options – depending on the job market, of course. And growing up, you learn that you’re more likely to keep a job if you like it and grow with it.
After you’ve been working for a while, you begin experiencing how much teamwork and company culture are crucial to keeping high performance and quality in the long run. Staying in a company you hate for long periods of time isn’t sustainable.
That’s why asking questions that impress your interviewer has two main advantages:
- It helps you understand if the company is what you are looking for;
- It shows that you are interested in working with the team for the work itself, not just for the paycheck.
In addition, asking questions during a job interview is your chance to move the discussion to what you want to say about yourself, showcasing qualities and skills that didn’t come out with the interviewer’s questions.
Even if interviewing your interviewer sounds weird, it’s a win-win strategy – as long as you ask the right (impressive) questions!
Here Are 10 Impressive Questions to Ask an Interviewer
#1. What does an ordinary day look like?
Keeping in mind that you want to impress your interviewer and find out if you like the role, this is the first question to ask. Job descriptions often promise plenty of room for achievement and opportunities. These promises aren’t necessarily a lie, but everyday life isn’t about outstanding achievements. It’s about getting tasks done, communicating with colleagues, and delivering quality results on time.
A clear picture of an ordinary day will tell you more about your position than extensive research on the company’s activities. And on the flip side, it shows you know that the real work happens daily, not only when launching new projects.
#2. Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?
In the same vein, it’s important to understand which type of team you will be working with over time. Is it a small team that strictly collaborates or a vast department that works in fractions? Are they planning to hire new people and expand the team? Or are they aiming to move positions around and refresh the department? Besides showing interest in your new colleagues, you can better understand the company’s team dynamics, and if you fit with them.
#3. How long have you been in the company?
If your interviewers are team members or your future managers, you can ask how long they have been in the company. You can find out about the team through their experience while showing interest in their career paths and growth in the company.
#4. What is the first type of project I will be working on?
Asking about what you will be doing it’s a great way to look professional and prepared. You can ask about tools and programs as well as immediate projects and deadlines. You will have the chance to show how prepared you are for the role and if it’s the type of development you want for your future.
#5. Where do you see this company in the next few years?
Showing interest in the company is always a good look. It means that you aren’t interested in getting just any job. You’re ambitious and won’t waste time if you can’t find a place that will allow you to grow.
#6. What about the company culture?
If you fit with the company’s plans, the next thing you want to know is what type of company culture they promote. Do they prefer a serious and professional approach or an ironic and casual atmosphere? Do they have any company traditions? With these types of questions, you’ll find out if you see yourself being happy in the company. On the other side of the coin, the interviewer will be pleased to know that you want to be an active part of the team, not just get hired.
#7. Is there any training for employees to grow new skills?
Ideally, when choosing the type of job that suits us the most, we want a job that can help us improve and learn new skills. That’s why it’s essential to work in companies that allow training and growth opportunities for their teams. You can find out about what they offer and impress everyone with your passion for learning and growing.
#8. What do you expect from my side in the next six months?
With this question, you can get a clear idea of their expectations and goals. On the other hand, that’s your chance to mention skills or previous experience that could fit with what they expect from the position.
#9. What are the next steps in the interview process?
If you are in the middle of the hiring process, you can ask about future stages. First, you will know what to expect in the following steps. You can even ask if you will need to present something or bring additional material. Secondly, your interviewer will see your interest and attention to detail when you need to be prepared.
#10. When do I start?
This question can be a gamble. But if you engage in more casual conversations and ask the right questions, your interviewer will already picture you in the team. You never know how a job interview will go but, by asking this question at the end, perhaps with some humor, will show that you are ready for the job – and analyze the interviewer’s answer!
Get Ready To Ace Your Job Interview
As we mentioned earlier, asking impressive questions during a job interview is a great way to stand out from other candidates and determine if you want the job. On the other hand, it’s your chance to grasp info about the company and picture your future position. The type of company and team you work for (and with!) make a real difference in the long run.
So, don’t be shy! If you get invited for a job interview, prepare your questions and impress your interviewer!
