In order to properly prepare yourself for any interview, it is essential that you have compiled a list of questions to ask which will assist you in demonstrating your value and creating a good discussion.
These 10 questions are by no means an exhaustive list of questions but what we are trying to achieve is for you to appear to be a solution to their problems and for the company to feel they can work with you. Once they know you can solve their problems and they can work with you, you are pretty close to being hired!
Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
This is your chance to learn as much as possible about the role so you can decide whether this is a job you really want. By learning more about the day-to-day tasks, you will also gain more insight into what specific skills and strengths are needed and you can address any topics that haven’t already been covered.
What do you expect me to accomplish in the first three to six months?
For most roles, new employees aren’t expected to be incredibly productive for the first three months, as this is their training and probationary period. By asking this question in the interview, you are demonstrating your eagerness to hit the ground running and be productive as soon as possible.
Assuming that I have been successful, how do you see my responsibilities changing in 2 – 3 years?
This question will let you know whether the company can sustain you for the long term and you will have something to look forward to. Also, this is where your explaining experience can also come in handy.
What does a top performer look like in your team?
This is a great question. It shows you are thinking about being in this team long-term, and how you might be able to work towards becoming a top performer. It also allows you to determine whether you would be a good fit – if top performers are those that stay until 10pm each night and that’s not something that appeals to you, perhaps this isn’t the role for you after all.
What is the culture like in your team?
This question shows you want to make sure you have a reasonable chance of fitting in with the other team members, which is important for everyone. You’ll be spending a lot of time with these people if you are appointed to the role, so it’s best to find out now if that time will be torturous or joyful.
What really drives results for this organisation?
Your potential boss will be impressed with this little gem. It conveys that you are thinking about the company as a whole, and how you can contribute to its success – if your employer is successful, so are you in the long run.
Where do you see this company in five years?
Understanding the goals of the company you are applying for can help you make a decision about whether your values and goals align with this role. The information provided may also give you an insight into how the company operates and what their priorities are
What advice would you give me to be successful in this position?
This question shows that you trust and respect them but you can also be managed. You can then discuss this advice and expand on it further
Why do you join the company and what do you like most about working for this company?
This question can help you to understand the best aspects of the company you are applying for. If your interviewer struggles to come up with some answers, chances are they may not be completely happy with the company and you may not be too. This is also when you have the opportunity to discuss some of the things you have learnt about the company. (Look at the website of the company and learn about 10 points)
What are the next steps in the interview process?
This question shows that you are eager to move forward in the process. It will also help you gain important information about the timeline for hiring so that you can appropriately follow up.
You may not get time to ask all of these questions in your interview, but that’s ok – by asking any of them, you are demonstrating your thoughtfulness and maturity as a candidate, which can only improve your chances of success.
Good Luck!!
Adrian Osuchowski - Director @ Orion Search
Orion Search assists Primary Processors (Abattoirs & Boning Rooms) and Further Processors (Value Added Meat, Ready-To-Eat & Smallgoods) within Beef, Lamb, Pork and Poultry employ their hard to find, permanent staff all across Australia.