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Sweaty palms, heart palpitations, and shaky legs are some of the feelings experienced by job seekers during an interview. Typical scenarios of job interviews are usually tense for the interviewee, making most interviews a monologue when they should not be.

 

Interviews are meant to be dialogues, an intelligent exchange of questions between the interviewer and interviewee. While you are being interviewed for a position, you also ask questions to know whether or not the company is the right fit for you.

 

As proper as an interaction sounds, desperate job seekers rarely have the luxury of living such experience But in a position where options are available, a job seeker should ask basic questions at the end of an interview.

 

What is the first priority of this position? Asking this will help you determine your primary focus when or if you get the job. This will prompt you to make effective plans to get swift results. Knowledge of an immediate objective will ensure you stay on the right course.

What is the goal of the company? What standard is the company aiming to attain? These questions will achieve two things: make a good impression of you as a visionary thinker and give you an idea of the company’s destination. Knowing this will help you decide if you want to stay or not.

How has the position being applied for evolved over time? Is it new? Asking the former will enlighten you on whether or not the position is a dead end. Is it new? – If it is, you are opportune to set a standard, and are under no pressure to follow up on a standard set by the previous employee. If it isn’t, how many employees has the position seen in 5 years? – This will give you a clue on the nature of the position.

What must employees do to be successful in this company? The answer to this question will give you an idea of how success is measured by the company.

Is there an opportunity for mentorship and training within this position? This question gives a great impression of you letting the interviewer know that you are growth oriented (nobody wants a static employee).

What is the company’s modus operandi? How do subordinates relate with their bosses? The answer to this question lets you know the system and the rules to abide by if employed: is there a strict adherence to hierarchy. Also, it gives a clue on how staffs are treated by the company.

Are there concerns about my qualifications? Though a tough question to ask, this makes you distinct from other candidates. It shows the interviewer a character of confidence and that you are secure enough to discuss your weakness.

Aside giving the interviewee valuable information to help them make better choices, asking questions at the end of an interview shows that you are interested in the job and company. This gives you a chance to make a final impression on the HR manager or whoever is in charge of the interview. Not asking questions may indicate a lack of interest, seriousness or both. This can ultimately make or mar your chances of getting the job. As a job seeker, every opportunity to make a good impression should be grabbed; asking follow up questions at the end of an interview is one such opportunity.