Most job candidates come to an interview with a list of questions prepared, but asking the right ones can make the difference between getting an offer and being shown the door. Asking the right questions during a job interview not only helps you to stand out to a hiring manager, it also provides insight into an organization’s culture and reveals what it takes to succeed in a particular role.
So channel your inner Barbara Walters or Anderson Cooper during your next job interview and ask the tough questions others candidates were too afraid to ask. This is your opportunity to get to know a potential employer and decide if the position you’re interviewing for is right for you.
Here are five questions you should ask in your next job interview.
- How Does Your Company Measure Success?
Asking a question like this shows that you’re accountable, goal oriented, and committed to success. The answer reveals how you can get ahead in an organization and whether it’s a good fit for you.
- What Kind of Challenges Come Up in This Role?
Every job has its roadblocks, whether it’s office politics, long hours, or a negative coworker. Asking about these issues can help you to decide if a role is worth taking, plan ahead for daily challenges, and learn about the realities that come with the position you’re interviewing for.
If you accept an offer, you’ll have to face these challenges head on, so it’s best to find out about them during your interview.
- What Are Some Behaviors That Your Most Successful Team Member Demonstrates?
This forces your hiring manager to identify specific traits they’re looking for in candidates and reveals what you can do to succeed. If you accept this role, demonstrate these behaviors from day one to show that you’re serious about making a difference in your organization.
- How Is Negative Feedback Delivered?
There’s a learning curve involved with any new job, so realistically, you’re going to receive tough feedback at times. Asking how it’s delivered can shed light on your team’s culture and how well you and an employer will work together.
- Do You Have Any Questions About My Credentials?
Asking a question like this shows that you’re confident in your abilities and unafraid of constructive criticism. This also gives the interviewer an opportunity to discuss issues they’ve spotted on your résumé or with something you said during the interview. If there’s any hesitation about hiring you, now’s the time to clear the air.
When interviewing for a job, don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. Doing so demonstrates an ability to think critically and can help you to decide if an organization is right for you.
Bring a list of insightful, probing questions to your next job interview, including the five listed above, and you’ll be sure to knock it out of the park.
Stream’s Kick-Start Step
As a follow-up, ask about the behaviors that struggling team members demonstrate. This gives you an idea of what not to do as an employee and provides insight into how office politics are handled.
Considering a career at Stream Companies? Check out our FREE EBOOK to learn more about our culture.
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Best of luck!
Meghan
—Meghan Garrity is an Inbound Marketing Copywriter at Stream Companies, a full-service Philadelphia-area advertising agency.