When it comes to job interviews, most people focus on the questions that are asked during it. But did you know that making the right inquiries after the interview is over, can increase your chances of getting hired? Below are some questions to ask after an interview.

Do you offer additional development opportunities?

When you inquire about additional development opportunities, this shows that you take your career very seriously and will be committed to the company. It is also a sign that you’re not content to rest on your laurels and want to grow as a person, and are a looking for a work environment that encourages it.

What are the toughest challenges your company has faced in the previous year?

This particular question indicates that you care about the company’s overall wellbeing, which automatically separates you from other candidates and demonstrates you’ll make an excellent asset who will bring energy and solve problems rather than creating them. 

Did you have any questions regarding my qualifications?

By asking this question you’ll automatically put yourself in a positive light and separate yourself from other candidates because it demonstrates your acceptance of constructive criticism, a rare quality. Should the interviewer raise any concerns, this gives you the opportunity to address them while showcasing plans to acquire the extra knowledge and experience needed for improvement.

What types of challenges might I encounter in this job?

This is another excellent question, because it conveys that you’re thinking ahead and anticipating how you’ll handle certain challenges. It also signals to your prospective employer that you’re proactive and capable of handling challenges, even unexpected ones. 

How would you describe the company’s work culture?

The purpose behind this question is to ascertain the corporate work environment, and will provide you with an opportunity to decide how good you’ll fit in. Additionally, it will give you an idea as to how the organization prioritizes worker satisfaction, worker diversity and not to mention the types of benefits you’ll get, as well as work life balance. 

What typical daily responsibilities does this position entail?

You want to ask this question because the answer will give you more information regarding the position while also helping you decide if it’s good for you. The interviewer’s answer will also provide crucial data regarding the skills and experience you’ll need to do the job properly. Equally important, you’ll know the expectations of the company which will make the transition easier. 

How is success measured within this job role?

By asking this particular question, you’ll signal to the interviewer that you’re someone that is goal oriented. It also conveys that you hold yourself accountable for achieving goals. Once you know how the company measures success and what they value in employees, this will make it that much easier for you to make desirable contributions. 

Could you provide more information regarding the team or department I’d be employed in?

The answer to this question will reveal who you’ll report to after being hired, as well as provide information regarding company structure and your role within it. Since your team or department consists of the employees you’ll be working with, it will also help you better understand the dynamic of the team as well as their operational doctrine.

What’s Your Customer Support Philosophy?

When you ask this question, you’re demonstrating that you wish to uphold the same values as their company, especially when it comes to customer relations. Although it might be possible to find an answer on their corporate website, you’ll often get additional information by inquiring with the interviewer. The manner in which their company supports customers should influence your decision, particularly if you’re seeking a position where you will interact with clients directly.

In What Way Has The Position Alternated Over Time?

This gives you an opportunity to learn more about the job’s history and how it has changed over the years. It is an important question to ask especially if you will be replacing someone who recently departed. If their departure was the result of a promotion, this is an excellent sign since it means you will also have opportunities for growth. 

How to Develop Your Own Post Interview Questions

The ten questions above are best seen as a baseline that gives you a general idea of what you want to ask once the interview is over. You can modify them in a manner that is suitable to you. Other recommendations include:

  • Always ensure your questions are concise: If you need to make an inquiry about something that is complex, be sure to split the topic into a series of shorter questions which you can then ask your interviewer back to back. 
  • Always keep your inquiries professional: Do not bring up subjects regarding personal hobbies or interests unless your interviewer initiates it first. Generally speaking, you want every question to involve either the company itself or the position you’re applying for. 
  • Emphasize the company needs in your inquiries: Try to structure your questions in a way which demonstrates how you can assist their company. Be sure to cover multiple topics; Rather than asking questions regarding a single subject, you want to ask questions which cover a variety of topics. This demonstrates that you are interested in multiple aspects of the job.

Why You Should Ask Questions after the Job Interview

Some people might dismiss the very idea of asking post interview questions, feeling that it’s unnecessary. However, when you fail to do so, it demonstrates that you lack both engagement and curiosity. Even worse, it might convey the image that you’re only interested in a paycheck and don’t really care about the company one way or another. 

Job applicants that ask questions after the interview are much more likely to get hired, especially if the questions are detailed and strategic. For example, if you’ve done extensive research on the company or the industry they operate in, and ask questions which are pertinent to it, this will show that you’ve done your homework unlike most candidates. This sets you apart in a big way and shows you’re a cut above the rest.