Do you know that asking some thoughtful questions at the end of your interview is a simple way to show your enthusiasm for the job? Yes, it is.
In seeking a job, it’s important to remember that an interview isn’t just an opportunity for the employer to find out if you are a suitable candidate – the interview works both ways. Before a job interview draws to a close, one of the final questions you will be asked is if you have any questions.
If you bring good interview questions for managers to the table, you’ll find out quickly if the job is the right match for you. You’ll also demonstrate to the hiring manager that you are interested and prepared, and find out some insights as to whether the manager has any reservations about you.
5 Questions to Ask Your Interviewer
1. Can you walk me through a typical day in this role?
This question helps you to get down to the nitty-gritty of the daily responsibilities of the role you applied for, or on the flip side, they may say they’re not sure and that can be a red flag you take into consideration.
2. What will be my biggest challenge in this role?
This question has the two-fold benefit of demonstrating to your interviewing manager that you are keen to tackle challenges; helping you to uncover what unique obstacles you may face. No role is perfect; you must understand what the unique challenges of the role will be so that you can evaluate if they are challenges you feel motivated to overcome or not.
3. How will my success be measured in this role?
This is one of the most popular questions to ask in an interview. It demonstrates that you are results-driven, which is a very appealing quality to a hiring manager. It may also help you understand if they have thought through this themselves, and if you think their idea of success is realistic.
4. What are the opportunities for growth within this role?
Asking this question demonstrates to your potential employer that you are career-orientated and keen to expand your knowledge and develop within the hospitality organization.
5. Can you tell me more about the team and department?
Learning more about the team structure can help you to identify where the boundaries of the role are, and where the potential for career progression sits within the team. Furthermore, understanding who you will be working with regularly will help you benchmark the level of responsibility that comes with the role, as well as the different specialists that you will have a chance to learn from.
6. How do you support (work/life balance, boundaries, growth) within your team?
If you are speaking to your future manager, ask them how they support their team in practicing whatever skill is important to you. If having strong boundaries at work is your priority, ask them how they support their team’s boundaries. Do they have a “no emailing after 5” policy to allow team members to disconnect from work every night? Maybe they remind their team members to take their PTO every quarter to help promote work/life balance.
Before leaving, the final question that you should ask is when you’re likely to hear back from the interviewer on the outcome of the interview. This simple question will show the interviewer that you are keen to pursue the role after meeting with them and learning more about the position.