If you leave an interview without asking any questions, you can almost guarantee you won’t get the job. In fact, according to a survey by CareerBuilder, 32 percent of hiring managers said one of the most common mistakes job seekers make is not asking good questions in an interview. 

Asking questions at your interview shows the interviewer that you’re interested in the position and not just looking to work anywhere that will have you. 

While we recommend you tailor your questions for each interview, here are some basic questions you can ask (and why you should ask them) at your interview:

How would you describe the company culture?

You need to determine if you want to work there in the first place. Discovering more about the company culture will help you decide if it will be a good fit.

Can you describe the ideal candidate for this position?

Learn who their ideal candidate is to see how you compare. In your follow-up after the interview, reiterate how your strengths align with their ideal candidate. 

What is the most challenging aspect of this position?

This question shows that you understand there will be challenges if you are selected for the role. Based on what the interviewer says, you could follow up by explaining why you’d be the perfect person to take on the challenges.

Can you tell me about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role?

You want to learn as much as you can about the position to decide if it’s a job you really want. This should also give you an idea of how qualified you are for the role. 

Is there an opportunity for growth?

You need to ask this question to ensure you’re not taking a dead-end job. Asking this also shows the interviewer that you’re looking for a role with longevity and aren’t looking to leave in a year. 

What do you like most about working for this company?

Asking this question tells the interviewer that you’re not just looking for any job — you care about finding the right job for you. 

What is the next step in the interview process?

This question demonstrates that you’re interested in the position and excited to move forward in the process. It will also give you an idea of when they are planning to make a hiring decision. Don’t forget to ask for contact info (business cards) from each person you meet with in order to follow up after the interview.

Looking for a New Job? Contact Burchard & Associates

If you’re ready to find the next step in your career, contact Burchard and Associates. We help accounting and finance professionals find career opportunities at some of St. Louis’s top employers. Check out our available opportunities or contact us today to get your job search started.