Towards the end of a job interview, the interviewer will typically ask you if you have any questions to ask about the job you are applying for or the company itself.
Considering that you are about to make a decision to commit yourself and your skills to an organization, you should be prepared to interview your new employer and make sure you are comfortable with the new job and the company.
Here are several questions you should consider asking:
What does success look like in this job? Surely, the company has thought about what metrics they will apply to make sure the person they hire is successful in this job. Are their measurements realistic? Are they achievable based on your skills and experiences?
Why do you like working for this company? Whether it be a recruiter or your next boss, there should be no hesitation when answering this question. They are trying to sell you on working for them and should be clear about what they appreciate about the company culture, the ethics, the benefits and the opportunities that exist as a result of working for their organization.
What is the typical career path for someone in this role? A good company is hiring to keep. In other words, the want to retain good talent. As someone who is about to commit to an organization, you want to understand what opportunities for growth and promotion exist within a company.
Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with? This is a good question to get an understanding of the reporting structure and the team dynamic within a department. It can help you determine the management style of your future boss or what might be expected of you as a future boss.
Where do you see the company in 5 years? It is important for you to understand that the company has a vision for itself and that they have plans for growth and success. Again, you are about to commit yourself to an organization and need be sure that the company is stable and forward thinking.
Do you offer continuing education or professional training? This is a great question to ask and reflects your commitment to growing with the company. It is also a reflection of a company’s values to helping their employees progress in their jobs.
What are the next steps? You are probably applying and being interviewed for other jobs. Your time is important and its critical that you understand the timetable for hiring decisions.