Once you’ve successfully applied for your dream job and received an invitation to an interview with the employer, your next course of action is to learn about the possible questions you’re likely to be asked as well as the right questions to ask the employer during the interview.
You should have a few relevant questions for your interviewer. Declining to ask questions when your turn to ask questions comes creates a very bad impression and might ruin your chances of getting the job. If you don’t know what to ask, here are 12 unique interview questions to ask employers.
12 Unique Interview Questions to Ask Employers
1. What do I have to do to succeed in this role?
This question proves that you genuinely want to offer the company the best service and succeed in your role. As a professional, you should understand that when you help your employer succeed, you automatically succeed in your career. Asking this question shows that you’re a dedicated, determined, and focused employee who’s focused on contributing fully to the organization.
Your employer considers you a valuable asset for the company and that’s why they’re willing to reward you handsomely with a good salary. So, they expect you to deliver value in exchange for the salary. You can achieve this by going over and above the performance indicators.
2. Do you think I will be a good fit for the company?
It’s important to show your employer that you’re eager to succeed in your role. This question shows that you’re a determined professional with a desire to succeed in what you do. Since this is a subjective question, it shows the employer that you’re open to positive criticism.
This improves your chances of getting hired, especially if your interviewer is the person you’ll be working with if you get the job. It’s also important to get the opinion of your potential boss so that you can build a relationship right from the start.
3. What challenges did the predecessor face in this role?
While this question may sound like you’re trying to put your interviewer on the spot, the answer given will give you an idea of what to expect from this role. For instance, if the interviewer hesitates or struggles to answer the question, you should see it as a red flag. But if they give you a straight, direct answer, it shows a significant level of honesty and transparency, which is a good sign.
4. What do you hope to see from the next person to fill this role that was missing in the predecessor?
This question shows your ability and eagerness to solve problems before they arise. From the answer given, you can know what made your predecessor lose the job, as well as get an idea of what you need to do to succeed in this role. This question helps you to create the right impression and sell yourself as a team player keen on excelling in your role and helping your colleagues succeed.
5. Do you have any reservations about my fit for the position that I could try to address?
This question allows the interviewer to ask you for any additional information that could be missing from your CV. This also gives you a chance to address any reservations that your interviewer may have before they make their final decision. It’s also an effective way of proving to the employer that you can handle positive criticism.
6. What are your plans or expectations for this role?
Asking this question shows that you’re ready to start immediately and assume any upcoming functions related to this role. It also shows that you’re already thinking about future opportunities that may arise from this role. For instance, if it’s a contract position, you’ll know if there are other related positions you could keep tabs on.
7. What’s your company culture and what do you like about it?
This question will help you to learn more about the company, including the official dress code if any, and how members of the organization relate with each other. Understanding the social side of the company is important because you’ll be able to form lasting and fruitful relationships with co-workers and other stakeholders. It also shows that you want to be part of the organization for a long time.
The answer to this question will help you understand what the interviewer thinks about the company before you come on board. Getting an insider’s perspective of the company is better than doing your own research.
8. What do the most successful people here do differently than everyone else?
This question shows the interviewer that you’re thoughtful and genuinely interested in succeeding in the role. Since you’re not the only one interviewing for this role, you need to ask questions that set you apart from other interviewers. This is one such question because it shows you’re different and a critical thinker. It also proves to the interviewer that you’re eager to join the organization and be successful.
9. What part of my resume caught your attention for this role?
This is a unique question that will give you a better understanding of what is expected of you in this position. It also enables you to refine those skills and experiences in order to convince the interviewer to hire you. You can even share more details about the areas that the interviewer is interested in to give them a better understanding of your strengths.
10. What would success look like in the first 90 days?
This question shows that you’re ready to hit the ground running and keen on succeeding in your role. It also shows that you’re already looking into the future and hoping to the top performer in the organization. Every employer wants to know that the person they hire is ready to do whatever it takes to achieve the objectives of their new role. This question also shows that you genuinely care about the success of the company.
11. What are some traits that would make someone not a good fit for this role?
Aside from understanding the skills and competencies required for this role, it’s important to know what could make you fail to get the job. Asking this question shows that you’re careful and considerate in your search for a job. Contrary to what some people may interpret this question, it’s the opposite of showing desperation. It shows that you’re in need of a position that fits you properly, not just any job that’s available.
12. How would you describe your management style?
This question shows your employer that you care about how you relate with your co-workers and the environment you work in. This is a typical concern that many job seekers don’t have the courage to ask. Therefore, asking it will set you apart and prove that you can speak your mind when an opportunity arises.
