What Questions Should You Ask an Employer During an Interview and Which Ones Should You Avoid?

A job interview is a two-way process. It's not only about answering the potential employer's questions but also about asking your own. This article focuses on the questions that IT professionals should ask during an interview and how these questions can help you stand out among other candidates.

Preparing for an interview goes beyond simply reviewing your resume and rehearsing common questions. It involves researching the company, understanding the role, and formulating questions that will help you better assess if the position is suitable for you.

Why Is It Important to Ask Questions?

By asking questions, you demonstrate your interest in the company and the position. You express your desire to learn more and showcase your ability for critical thinking. It also gives you the opportunity to gather more information about the company and the role, enabling you to make an informed decision.
The questions you ask also reflect your values, interests, and priorities. This can help you stand out among other candidates, as it shows that you value not only the job opportunity but also the quality of the workplace and your potential interaction with the company.

What Questions Should You Ask?

About the Position

Questions about Specific Duties and Expectations

1. What are the main tasks and responsibilities associated with this role?
2. What key skills and experience are you looking for in an ideal candidate?
3. What does a typical workday look like in this position?

Questions about How Success Will Be Evaluated

1. What criteria are used to evaluate performance in this role?
2. Do you have any KPIs or other metrics in place?
3. What specific outcomes would you like to see from this role within the first six months?

Questions about the Typical Day in the Position

1. What does a typical workday look like for this role?
2. What are the expectations regarding schedule flexibility and remote work?
3. Which tools and technologies are most commonly used in this role?

About the Team

Questions about Team Structure and Each Member's Role

1. Who will I be closely working with?
2. What roles and responsibilities do members of my future team have?
3. What is the decision-making process within the team?

Questions about Team Culture and the Overall Work Environment

1. How would you describe the team culture?
2. What management style prevails within the team?
3. How does the team celebrate successes and handle failures?

About the Company

Questions about Company Values

1. What are the core values of the company?
2. How do these values manifest in day-to-day work?
3. How does the company support employee development?

Questions about Company Stability and Growth Prospects

1. What are the major achievements and challenges the company has experienced in recent years?
2. What are the company's plans for the next 5 years?
3. How do you see the role of this position fitting into those plans?

Questions about Internal Professional Development and Career Growth Systems

1. What opportunities for professional growth and development are available within the company?
2. What courses, trainings, or certifications does the company offer to its employees?
3. How do you assist employees in achieving their career goals within the company?

Questions to Avoid Asking

Questions that Can Create a Negative Impression

1. Questions about salary or benefits before discussing a job offer.
2. Questions that indicate you haven't taken the time to research information about the company and the position.
3. Questions that show a greater interest in perks rather than the actual work.

Questions that Can Be Found in Publicly Available Information

1. “What does your company do?” – This shows a lack of preparation. It's better to ask about specific projects or company strategies.
2. “Who is your CEO?” – This information is publicly available and should be known in advance.
3. “When was the company founded?” – This is also publicly available information.

Questions Related to Politics, Religion, and Employees' Personal Lives

1. “What political views are supported in your company?” – This is irrelevant to most workplaces.
2. “What religions do your employees practice?” – This is personal information and has no bearing on the work.
3. “What are the family relationships of your employees?” – It is inappropriate and violates personal boundaries.

How to Formulate Questions Effectively

Recommendations for Formulating Questions

1. Be specific: Your questions should be precise and reflect your interests and important aspects to you.
2. Use open-ended questions: This will help you gather more detailed information rather than just getting a “yes” or “no” response.
3. Ask about one thing at a time: Overly complex questions can confuse the interviewer, and you may not get the desired answer.

Examples of Effective Questions and Analysis of Why They Are Good

A Few Tips for Interview Behavior

When and How to Ask Questions

1. Avoid interrupting the interviewer: Wait for them to finish their thought or question before asking your own.
2. Plan your questions: Prepare your questions in advance and try to incorporate them into the conversation when it's appropriate.
3. Ask questions towards the end of the interview: Many interviewers allocate time at the end for your questions. This is your opportunity to gather additional information.

How to Behave During the Employer's Responses

1. Show attentiveness: Nod your head, maintain eye contact, and take notes if necessary.
2. Demonstrate respect: Avoid interrupting and refrain from rushing with your answers. Give the interviewer time to provide a complete response.
3. Show understanding: If the employer cannot answer certain questions due to confidentiality or other reasons, accept it with understanding.

How to Let the Employer Know You're Attentively Listening and Appreciating the Information

1. Use affirming phrases: “I see,” “Interesting,” and so on. Such phrases indicate that you're actively listening.
2. Provide a summary: Recounting key points will also highlight your attentiveness.
3. Ask follow-up questions: Asking clarifying questions shows your interest and engagement in the conversation.

Conclusion

Preparing for an interview is not just about answering questions; it's also about asking the right questions. Your questions demonstrate your interest in the position, company, and team, and they help you stand out among other candidates. Furthermore, questions help clarify the information you've gathered during the interview and make a more informed decision about whether you want to work for this company.
The right questions can impact the outcome of the interview and your career. They establish a two-way connection, showcase your initiative, and provide deep insights into the company and role you're pursuing. Moreover, they can help you determine if the company is the right fit for you.

Ultimately, an interview is not only an opportunity for the company to learn about you but also for you to learn about the company. Thorough interview preparation, including preparing questions, will help you better understand what you're looking for in a job and give you confidence in making an informed choice. Don't be afraid to ask questions – it's your chance to gather all the information you need to make the right decision.

Feel free to supplement the article with additional helpful tips or share your own experiences in the comments section 📝