You’ve sent in your resume, impressed the hiring manager, and landed that all-important interview.
Congratulations! This is your chance to shine and show the company why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
But an interview isn’t just about answering questions; it’s also an opportunity for you to learn more about the position, the company culture, and whether this is the right job for you.
That’s where asking questions comes in. You might feel a bit nervous about this part but don’t worry.
Asking thoughtful, well-prepared questions shows that you’re engaged, interested, and serious about the opportunity.
It also helps you gather the information you need to make an informed decision if you receive a job offer.
So, what should you ask?
Let’s dive in.
Questions to Ask HR During an Interview
Before we jump into the specific questions, it’s important to note that the best time to ask these is usually at the end of the interview, when the interviewer asks if you have any questions for them.
Make sure you have a few prepared in advance, so you’re not caught off guard.
1. What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?
One of the most important things to understand about any job is what your day-to-day responsibilities will be. Asking this question gives you a clearer picture of what you’ll be doing if you get the job.
You could phrase it something like, “I’m interested in learning more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role. Could you walk me through what a typical day might look like?”
The answer to this question will help you understand if the job aligns with your skills and interests. It also gives you a sense of the pace and rhythm of the work. Is it a fast-paced environment with a lot of variety, or is it more predictable and routine?
If the interviewer describes a workday that sounds engaging and exciting to you, that’s a great sign. On the other hand, if their description doesn’t match what you’re looking for or what was outlined in the job description, it’s worth noting.
Remember, you’ll be spending a significant portion of your time at work, so your daily tasks must be something you’ll enjoy and find fulfilling.
2. How would you describe the company culture?
Company culture is a big deal. It’s the personality of a company and the environment in which you’ll be working. It includes things like the company’s mission, expectations, work environment, ethics, values, and goals.
You might ask, “I’m interested in understanding more about the company culture here. How would you describe it?”
The interviewer’s answer will give you insight into what it’s really like to work at the company. Are they formal or laid-back? Do they prioritize work-life balance? Do they foster a competitive or collaborative environment?
If the culture aligns with your own values and working style, you’re more likely to be happy and successful in the role. Conversely, if there seems to be a mismatch, it might not be the best fit, no matter how great the job itself is.
For example, if you thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment, but the interviewer describes a highly competitive, every-person-for-themselves culture, you might want to think twice.
It’s also a good idea to do your research into the company’s culture. Check out their website, social media, and any news articles or reviews from current or former employees. The more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be to decide if this is the right place for you.
3. What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the company?
When you’re considering a new job, you’re probably not just thinking about the immediate role, but also about your future with the company. Will this job help you achieve your long-term career goals? That’s where this question comes in.
You could ask, “I’m excited about the potential of this role, and I’m also thinking about my longer-term career path. What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the company?”
The interviewer’s response will give you an idea of whether the company promotes from within, invests in their employees’ development, and offers a clear career path.
If they give specific examples of people who have progressed within the company and outline a clear path for advancement, that’s a great sign. It shows that they value their employees and are committed to helping them grow.
On the other hand, if the answer is vague or if they say that advancement opportunities are limited, it might indicate that you’ll need to look elsewhere if you want to progress in your career.
It’s important to remember that not every job needs to be a stepping stone to something else. Sometimes, a role that lets you hone your skills and do work you enjoy can be incredibly valuable, even if it doesn’t come with a fancy new title. The key is to know what matters most to you and to ensure that the company’s stance on growth and advancement aligns with your priorities.
4. How does the company measure success for this role?
Knowing what’s expected of you and how your performance will be evaluated is crucial for any job. It helps you understand what you need to do to succeed and how you can make a positive impact in the role.
You might say something like, “I want to make sure that I can contribute to the company’s success in this role. How does the company measure success for this position?”
The interviewer’s answer should give you a clear idea of what the key performance indicators (KPIs) are for the role. These might include specific targets, such as sales figures or customer satisfaction ratings, or more general goals, like completing projects on time and within budget.
If the expectations are clear, realistic, and align with your definition of success, that’s a good sign. It means you’ll know what you need to do to excel in the role and you’ll be able to track your progress.
However, if the answer is unclear or if the expectations seem unreasonable, it could be a red flag. It might indicate that the company doesn’t have a clear vision for the role, or that they have unrealistic expectations of what one person can achieve.
It’s also worth considering how the company’s definition of success aligns with your values. For example, if they emphasize hitting sales targets above all else, but you place a high value on customer service, there might be a mismatch.
Remember, success means different things to different people and companies. The key is to find a role where the company’s definition of success aligns with your own, so you can feel good about the work you’re doing and the impact you’re having.
5. What are the biggest challenges facing the team/department right now?
No job is without its challenges. Whether it’s hitting a tough deadline, navigating a complex project, or dealing with a difficult client, every role comes with its own set of obstacles. Asking about these challenges shows that you’re realistic about the job and prepared to tackle tough situations.
You could say, “I’m really excited about the potential of this role, but I also know that every job comes with its own challenges. What are the biggest ones facing the team/department right now?”
The interviewer’s response will give you a sense of the current state of the team or department. Are they struggling with a specific project? Are they short-staffed? Are they dealing with budget constraints?
Knowing about these challenges upfront is beneficial in several ways. First, it gives you a realistic picture of what you’ll be walking into if you get the job. You’ll know what kind of situations you’ll need to navigate and what skills you’ll need to draw upon.
Second, it gives you a chance to showcase how you can contribute. If you’ve faced similar challenges in the past, this is a great opportunity to share how you handled them and what you learned. This shows the interviewer that you’re proactive, solutions-oriented, and ready to hit the ground running.
Finally, it can help you determine if this is the right role for you. If the challenges seem overwhelming or outside of your skillset, it might not be the best fit. On the other hand, if you’re excited by the prospect of tackling these issues and making a positive impact, it could be a great sign.
Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth and success. The key is to be aware of what you’re walking into and to be prepared to face it head-on.
6. How would you describe the management style of my direct supervisor?
Your direct supervisor can have a huge impact on your job satisfaction and success. They’re the person who will be guiding your work, providing feedback, and advocating for you within the company. So, it’s important to understand what kind of manager they are.
You might ask, “Can you tell me a bit about the management style of the person I’d be reporting to directly?”
The interviewer’s answer will give you insight into what it will be like to work under this person. Are they hands-on or hands-off? Do they micromanage or trust their team to work independently? Do they provide a lot of feedback or expect you to seek it out yourself?
If the description aligns with your working style and preferences, that’s a great sign. For example, if you thrive under a manager who provides regular feedback and guidance, and the interviewer describes your potential supervisor as being very involved and communicative, that could be a good fit.
On the other hand, if there seems to be a mismatch, it’s worth noting. If you prefer a lot of autonomy in your work, but the manager is described as a micromanager, you might find the job frustrating.
It’s also worth asking about the manager’s communication style and expectations around communication. Do they prefer email, phone calls, or in-person meetings? Do they expect regular status updates or only want to be involved when there’s a problem?
Remember, your supervisor will have a big impact on your day-to-day experience at work. While you don’t need to be best friends with your boss, it’s important that you feel comfortable with their management style and that you believe you can work well together.
7. What are the next steps in the hiring process?
Before you leave the interview, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what comes next. This shows that you’re interested in the role and eager to move forward.
You could say something like, “I’ve enjoyed learning more about this role and the company. Can you tell me what the next steps are in the hiring process?”
The interviewer’s answer will give you a roadmap of what to expect. Will there be additional interviews? A skills assessment? A reference check? Knowing this information helps you prepare for what’s ahead and manage your expectations.
It’s also a good idea to ask about the timeline for these next steps. When can you expect to hear back about the next round of interviews? When are they hoping to have a decision made?
Having this information can help you plan your job search accordingly. If you know that you won’t hear back for another two weeks, you can continue applying and interviewing for other roles in the meantime. If they’re hoping to decide by the end of the week, you can start thinking about how this role fits into your overall career plan.
If the interviewer is vague about the next steps or timeline, it’s okay to ask for clarification. You might say, “Just to make sure I understand, could you give me an idea of when you expect to make a decision or move to the next stage?”
Remember, the hiring process is a two-way street. Just as the company is evaluating you to see if you’re the right fit for the role, you’re evaluating them to see if this is the right next step for your career. Getting clarity on the process and timeline can help you make the best decision for yourself.
Wrapping Up: Key Questions for HR
Asking questions in an interview isn’t just a formality; it’s an essential part of the process.
It shows that you’re engaged, interested, and thoughtful about the opportunity.
It also helps you gather the information you need to determine if this is the right job for you.
By asking about the day-to-day responsibilities, company culture, growth opportunities, performance expectations, team challenges, management style, and next steps, you’ll gain a clearer picture of what the job entails and whether it aligns with your own goals and values.
Remember, an interview is a two-way conversation.
It’s not just about impressing the interviewer; it’s also about making sure the role and company are a good fit for you.
So don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek clarification, and dig into what the job would be like.
And if you don’t get to ask all your questions during the interview, that’s okay.
You can always follow up with an email thanking the interviewer for their time and asking any additional questions you might have.
The most important thing is to be prepared, be engaged, and be true to yourself.
By doing so, you’ll not only increase your chances of landing the job, but you’ll also ensure that it’s a job you’ll be happy and successful in for the long term.
Good luck with your interview!
With the right preparation and mindset, you’re sure to make a great impression and find the perfect next step in your career journey.