Questions You Should Ask at Every Job Interview

Job interviews can be stressful. How do you show an employer that you're the perfect person for the job? And how can you tell whether the company is right for you?

At the end of most interviews, you'll be asked if you have any questions. This is your chance to find out more about the job and show how excited you are to work at the company.

Time magazine says you should always ask these three questions. They could help you get the job!

1. "Tell me about the culture of the company."

Asking about the company culture shows that you're not just thinking about yourself, but about the company and the people you'll be working with. Learning about the company culture will also help you decide if the company is right for you.

2. "What is a typical day at the company like?"

During an interview, most employers will give you an overview of the job. However, asking about details will help you get a better idea of what the job is like, and will also show that you're really thinking about the work you would do and not just the title.

3. "What are the next steps of the interview process?"

Asking about the next steps shows that you're interested in moving forward, and will also help you know when to follow up with the company.

It's also a good idea to follow up with a thank-you note a few hours after the interview.

Exercise 4

Mock Discussion

Listen as your tutor reads the questions and sample answers. Then, your tutor will ask you the questions.

When was the last time you had a job interview?

Nina

My last interview was two years ago, when I joined the company I work for now. I really enjoyed talking to the interviewer, who is now my boss. She helped me relax and I learned a lot about what a good interview should be like.

Have you ever interviewed someone?

Jessica

I work in HR and conduct interviews all the time. I try to help the applicant relax, and I like to think I'm good at asking important questions without making them feel like they're in an exam. It ends up being like a casual chat.

How would you describe the culture at your place of work?

Zach

The culture depends on the department. Mine is very friendly, but other departments seem a lot colder. They rarely communicate outside of work meetings. But my team has coffee together every day and we do other fun things as a group!

Exercise 5

Discussion

Have a discussion based on the following questions.

Have you ever asked any of the questions from the article during a job interview? Please explain your answer.

What advice would you give to someone preparing for a job interview?

How would you describe a typical day at your company or workplace?

Have you ever thought about changing jobs? Why? Why not?

Opportunities don't happen. You create them. — Chris Grosser. What do you make of this statement?