Many of us know what to expect from employers when it comes to the types of questions they’ll ask during a job interview. But what questions do employers want to hear from job applicants in the interview? We asked Akraya’s CEO Amar Panchal and VP of Sales Tina Babbi what they thought are the best and worst questions job applicants can ask during an interview. Below are the questions we received.
Good questions:
1. How will you measure my success?
- This is a good question because it shows that the job applicant wants concrete definitions of how their boss will measure their progress and it shows they are already focusing on success.
2. Which of your new employees has been most successful and why?
- This is a good question because it shows the job applicant wants to understand what they should focus on so that they too would be considered successful by their boss. They are trying to understand what characteristics the company uses to define success.
3. I reviewed your website and prepared examples of changes I would propose in my role as marketing manager –can I show you these examples?
- Questions that show that the job applicant did their research and already applied their skills to the company, shows that they are genuinely interested in the job. It also shows they will be a valuable asset to the company.
Bad Question:
1. When will I get a raise?
2. Can you tell me about your company?
3. No, I don’t have any questions
Remember: The goal is to end the interview on an affirmation. The more “yeses” and statements of agreement you can generate, the better off you will be.
1. When will I get a raise?
- The first few questions should never be about compensation and benefits. Hiring managers would question the job applicants understanding of what it means to be successful. This question is focusing on what is the minimum effort they need to deliver in order to be considered for a raise.
2. Can you tell me about your company?
- This shows that the job applicant did no research prior to the interview. Before even apply for a job, you should go research the company to makes sure it is a company you would like to work for. It only takes a few minutes to hop on Google and research a company.
3. No, I don’t have any questions
- Saying you don’t have any questions at the end of the interview is the worst thing to say. Asking questions shows you’re genuinely interested in that particular company and position, not just desperate to get any job. No matter how thorough the conversation has been, always ask a question.
Remember: The goal is to end the interview on an affirmation. The more “yeses” and statements of agreement you can generate, the better off you will be.