Post-interview strategy: asking the right questions

Congratulations! You did well in your job interview, showing off your skills, knowledge, and ambition for the job. But there's one more important thing: asking questions after the interview. Many job seekers feel a sense of relief when the interview seems to be over. However, asking questions after the interview creates an opportunity to learn more about the company culture and the role.

Asking questions after an interview is good for you but allows the company to learn more about you. Your interview questions demonstrate your interest in the position and how well you understand the company's goals. They can show your ability to think critically and may help you get the job. They also give the hiring team a chance to learn more about whether you're right for the job and what you could bring to the organisation. Here's what we're going to cover:

• Why is it important to ask questions post-interview?
• Types of questions to ask after an interview
• When should you ask questions after an interview?
• Questions to avoid asking after an interview
• Next steps after the interview
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Why is it important to ask questions post interview? 

A job interview is a two-way street, providing benefits for the interviewer and the potential employee. Both parties get a chance to get to know each other. As a potential employee, asking post-interview questions helps you to gain further insight into the position. It also helps you with:

Reflecting on the interview

Post-interview questions give job seekers a chance to think about how they did during the interview. You can reflect on your answers, find ways to improve, and get useful feedback by asking about specific parts of the interview. You can ask questions about anything the interviewers didn't cover, making sure you fully understand the job and the company's expectations.

Showing continued interest

Asking thoughtful questions after the interview shows you're still enthusiastic and ready for the job. The potential employer can see that you're interested in the job and want to learn more about it. Showing that you're genuinely curious and want to contribute to the company's success can help strengthen your chances of being hired.

Types of questions to ask after an interview 

It's important to understand what type of questions to ask at the end of a job interview. These questions can help you to succeed in the recruitment process. These include:

Company-centric questions

To demonstrate your interest in the job and your knowledge of the company's goals and values, consider the following topics:

• Company growth: Asking questions about company growth shows that you want to help it succeed.
  ⁠For example, "What are the company's growth goals for the upcoming years?"
• Company's competitive edge: Understanding what makes a business unique in its field allows you to determine its market position and how it can grow.
  ⁠You can ask, "What sets this company apart from its competitors?"
• Upcoming projects: This question shows that you're bold, confident, and ready to change with the times.
  ⁠For example, "I'm curious about the direction the company is heading in. Are there any upcoming projects that align with the goals of this role?"
• Company's vision: Understanding the company's overarching goals can help you plan your objectives, creating a sense of shared purpose.
  ⁠Consider this, "How does this role contribute to the company's overall objectives?"

Role-specific questions

To fully understand what the job involves, you might want to ask the following questions:

• Day-to-day expectations: Knowing what you'll be doing day to day allows you to prepare and be ready to start if you get the job.
  ⁠For example, "What are the immediate priorities or tasks I would need to focus on?"
• Opportunities for professional development: Asking about growth opportunities makes it clear that you want to keep learning and developing new skills.
  ⁠You can ask questions like, "Are there opportunities for additional training or certifications?"
• Performance measurement and review: You can set clear goals and standards for success when you know they'll evaluate your performance.
  ⁠An example of this looks like, "Can you walk me through the performance review process?"
• Potential challenges: Discussing potential challenges shows that you're willing to face problems and find ways to overcome them.
  ⁠For example, "Could you tell me about the main challenges someone in this role might face?"

Culture and values questions

For long-term job satisfaction, think about whether your ideals match up with those of the company. Consider asking the potential employer about the following:

• The company's values: This can help you understand more about the company's moral values and commitment to honesty.
  ⁠For example, "Can you tell me more about the company culture and how this team embodies those values?"
• Team dynamics and work environment: Learning how the company feels about employees working together and supporting each other can help you decide if you'll fit in.
  ⁠You can ask, "How would you describe the team dynamics within this department?"
• Work-life balance and employee well-being: It is important to prioritize health and well-being if you want to stay productive and happy at work.
  ⁠For example, "Are there any programs or initiatives in place to support employee well-being, such as mental health resources or flexible work arrangements?"
• Insights into diversity: Asking about efforts to promote diversity shows that you want to contribute to a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and accepted.
  ⁠For example, "How does the company actively promote diversity within the workplace?"

Future prospects and opportunities

It's important to consider how you can grow and move up in the company. You can ask the interviewer about:

• Potential advancement opportunities: Understanding how the company promotes people can help you determine your long-term prospects within the business.
  ⁠For example, "How does the company support employees who want to advance in their careers?"
• Ongoing training or learning opportunities: Continuing learning for both personal and professional growth is important. Find out how committed the company is to helping you develop your skills.
  ⁠For example, "Are there formal training programs available for employees to enhance their skills or learn new ones?"
• Policy on internal promotions: Knowing how to move up in the organisation can help you make plans for your working life.
  ⁠Consider, "Is there a formal process for employees to express their interest in internal career advancement opportunities?"
• Support for employee growth: Try to gain a better understanding of how the organisation supports employee growth. Find out how the organisation feels about teamwork, collaboration, and mentorship.
  ⁠An example of this looks like, "Can you provide examples of employees who have successfully grown within the company? How were they supported in their development?"

When should you ask questions after an interview? 

Asking questions after an interview not only helps you learn more about the job and the organisation but also shows that you're enthusiastic and ready to work. There are a few things to consider when asking questions after your interview.

Determine the appropriate time

It's best to wait until the end of the interview to ask questions. The interview will typically cover the main points about the job and the organisation. You can then ask questions about anything that you didn't cover. If the interviewer asks for questions during the interview, you can ask them as they come up. But, it's a good idea to save a few questions for the end.

Be mindful of your tone

Remember to be polite and professional when you ask questions. Make it clear that you value the interviewer's time and knowledge. Avoid asking personal or unrelated questions. Ask questions that show you have a genuine interest in the job and want to understand the company's culture.

Consider the interview's flow and time constraints

Keep in mind how the interview is going and if there are any time limits. If the interviewer is short on time or there are still important things to talk about, it may be helpful to ask only a few questions. You could also save them for a later conversation or through an email.

Pay attention to responses and body language

Pay close attention to the interviewer's responses and body language throughout the interview. This can give you an idea of the topics that are most important to them. It can also highlight specific areas of the job to focus on during the first few weeks of employment. Change the questions you ask based on their response to ensure your answer is useful and interesting.

Questions to avoid asking after an interview 

When it comes to post-interview questions, it's important to give a good impression and demonstrate your genuine interest in the job. These are some questions you shouldn't ask right after an interview:

• Salary, benefits, or vacation time frame: You shouldn't discuss pay and perks too early in the interview process because you may seem more interested in the money than the job. You can discuss this after they've made you a job offer.
• Confrontational questions: Questions that start with "Why" can sometimes sound rude or demanding. If you want to know why the company does things in a certain way, change the question to focus on learning how the company works or how it makes decisions.
• Work-life balance queries: A good work-life balance is important, but you may want to save this kind of question until later in the recruitment process. Asking about working from home or flexible hours during the interview may seem to indicate that you care more about your comfort than the company's goals.
• Lack of research: Only ask questions that you can't easily find the answer to on the company's website or after a quick online search. Focus on asking thoughtful questions that show you've researched the organisation and understand its goals, obstacles, and industry.

Interpreting your interviewer's responses

In addition to thinking about the questions you ask, pay close attention to how the interviewer reacts. If they give you evasive or confusing answers, it could be a red flag. Pay attention to how they respond when you talk about things such as business culture, employee recognition, and team dynamics. A positive and interesting answer from the interviewer can tell you a lot about the beliefs and work environment of the company.

Next steps after the interview 

Here are a few things you should do following your interview:

• Take some time to think about the interview, including how the conversation went and how confident you were in your answers.
• Think about how well you explained your skills and abilities and what you could have done better. If you don't succeed in this one, this can provide insight for your next interview.
• Write a follow-up email thanking them for the interview opportunity and expressing your continued interest in the position.
• Think about whether you would be the right fit for the team. Base this on what you've learned about the role's expectations and the company's culture.
• If you get an offer, consider all the information you've gathered to determine whether the position is a good fit for you.

Conclusion 

Thoughtful questions make it obvious that you have a genuine interest in the job opportunity and the business. They provide you with useful information about the position and the company. They ensure that everyone knows what to expect and give you a better sense of the company's culture and beliefs. By asking questions, you can gain valuable insight that can help you decide if the company is right for you.

FAQs 

1. What are some insightful questions to ask about company culture?

   Here are some good questions to ask a potential employer:

   • "Can you describe the company's approach to collaboration and teamwork?"
   • "How does the company support professional development and growth opportunities for its employees?"
   • "What initiatives does the company take to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace?"
   • "Can you describe the company's work-life balance culture?"
   • "Can you describe a typical day?"
     ⁠
2. How can you politely enquire about future career prospects within the company?

   After talking about the position and thanking them for the interview, you can ask about future job opportunities within the company. Here are some sample questions:

   • "Can you give me an idea of the typical career path for someone in this role?"
   • "Are there opportunities for professional development and future advancement within the company?"
   • "How does the company support employees in achieving their long-term job goals?"
   • "Can you tell me more about how you evaluate performance and offer promotions?"
   • "I'm interested in how the company develops ability and promotes from within. Could you explain that more?"
     ⁠
3. What are effective ways to ask about the team or department you'll be working with?

   You can ask questions about the following:

   • Team structure and dynamics
   • Roles and responsibilities
   • Communication and collaboration
   • Team culture and values
   • Professional development and support
   • Challenges and opportunities
     ⁠
4. How do you frame a question to understand the company's growth and success strategies?

   Asking about the company's plans for growth and success shows your interest in its long-term goals and how you would like to contribute to them. Here's an idea for a question:

   • "I've learned about the company's current goals and accomplishments during our conversation. I'm also interested in your plans for future growth. Could you explain how the company plans to reach its long-term goals and how this position fits into those plans?"