Have you been in an interview, felt like it was going great, then they ask if you have any questions, and freeze? It's a common experience for many. Sometimes questions come naturally throughout the interview, but it also helps to prep some questions beforehand. Instead of the usual "what's the pay" and "how do I move up," we compiled a list of less-asked job interview questions that better inform you about the position and company, while impressing interviewers.
What Does Success Look Like in the Position?
You can memorize the job description, but that doesn't always prepare you for the actual job once you're hired. This question tells you exactly what an employer is looking for in the right candidate. Asking about the success expectations signals to interviewers that you are already thinking ahead about what you need to do, not just to get hired but to excel.
Who Else is on the Team and How Do They Work Together?
Teamwork is everything in a company, and knowing who you'll be working with and how everyone works together is incredibly helpful before stepping into a role. Is it a big team where everyone has a certain focus, or a small team where you are expected to wear many different hats? Are there weekly check-in meetings, or will you mostly be on your own? This question helps you understand the company and how it operates. If the answer doesn't appeal to your working style, it's a good way to gauge if this job is right for you.
What is Expected in the First Few Weeks or Months?
Many companies have hard expectations for the first 30 and 90 days. Having this knowledge before you start can make a huge difference in how you work. Learn about any specific metrics or how long the training period will be. By including this in your job interview questions, you can hit the ground running from day one.
What is Your Favourite Thing About Working Here?
This is a fun question that lets you learn more about the company and its culture. Listen closely to what the interviewer or interviewers say. Does it sound like something that would interest you? You can even ask the opposite of this: "What is something that has frustrated you while working here?" This can give you a little less rosy answer and opens up a chance to learn more by following up with "how has leadership dealt with it?"
What Sets Your Company Apart from Your Competitors?
Asking about competitors reveals a lot about a company, especially if you think you might get offers from other places. The answers can vary from everything between service level, special offerings, or even core values. Or maybe the answer doesn't satisfy you, and you end up deciding you'd rather work for the competition. Either way, this job interview question can get both you and the interviewer thinking about what makes that role in that company unique.
Ready to Start Interviewing?
Have you been applying or interviewing without much success? Liberty Staffing Services is here to help, with numerous job listings, resume advice, and interview tips. We've worked with people on both sides of the interview, so we know what it takes to stand out to Southern Ontario companies and go from application to job offer.
Contact our team of experts to learn more.
