Top 5 Questions To Ask in Your Next Interview

Most people worry too much about what interviewers will think of them and forget that they, too, need to decide if the environment is right for them. It's important to ask questions at the end to find out more about the job and whether it an environment which will be a good fit. Don't forget, most of us spend at least 40 hours a week in our jobs and they have a huge impact and influence on both our well-being and mental health. 

For this reason, it is important to ask the right questions in order find out as much as possible about the opportunity being offered:

1) HOW WILL YOU GAUGE MY SUCCESS IN THIS POSITION?

While the job description outlines skills and criteria needed for the job, it is important to know exactly what is expected in practical terms. Sometimes it is one or two parts of the job description which will have overriding significance. You can also tell a lot from the way this questioned is answered. If the manager cannot be succinct about expectations and how these will be measured - a sign that you should proceed with caution.

Find out what success in the role will look like in the next six months or the next year. Try and find out how the people who previously held the role fared. A high turnover in the post may be a red flag hinting at a lack of training, difficult managers and unrealistic expectations.

Ask what differentiated successful people who held the role in the past from others who were just adequate. Such questions let the interviewer know that you are definitely aiming for the best.

2) WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF THE POSITION?

The response to this question will give you an idea as to obstacles you may face should you be hired. The recruiter may outline challenges ranging from a draconian budget to interdepartmental politics. It gives you the opportunity to showcase how you've dealt with similar challenges in the past in order to put the recruiter's mind at ease.

The question will also allow you to probe the company culture and better understand if you would be a good fit for the role you are signing up for.

3) IS THERE SOMETHING ABOUT ME WHICH CONCERNS YOU OF MY ABILITY TO DO THIS JOB?

You want to make sure that there are no lingering concerns by the end of the interviewer. Asking the candidate employer what is standing in the way of them giving you the job is a good question as it gives you the chance to lay their fears while also showing you have the confidence to address any vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Asking them if there is any additional proof you can offer as to your ability to perform well in this position shows your enthusiasm, eagerness to please and the fact that you are switched on.

4) ASK ANY QUESTION YOU CARE ABOUT.

People often worry about making a good impression and ask questions which they hope will impress the interviewers. They are hung up on worrying about their own image and the viewpoint of the interviewer, but forget that the interview is not just as much a chance for them to decide if the job is a good fit for them as it is an opportunity for the employer to find the best candidate.

There are, however, questions to avoid such as asking the obvious. Don't ask for information available on the company's website as this will make you appear lazy. Avoid questions that indicate you may have something to hide (e.g. do you check references?). Also avoid salary talk at this time unless the prospective employer brings it up.

5) WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS IN THE INTERVIEW PROCESS?

Rather than agonize as you wait for a response as to whether you'll be moving along on the recruitment process, it is important to know what the next steps will be. It will give you a timeline of what to expect so that you're not left hanging or in limbo. In some cases, the interview process may take longer than expected. For instance, it is helpful to know if the manager will go on leave before making a decision. It also gives you the opportunity to send a follow-up email at some agreed date rather than be left waiting for a response regarding the outcome of your interview.