when you ask question in a interview

Asking Questions in a Job Interview

You need to ask your interviewers questions in turn to create a good impression, to evaluate the company and to also be prepared for what lies ahead

If you have been inside any interview room, you know that interviewers always ask if you have any questions for them. Never give no for an answer. It implies that you were not bothered enough to give this job a thought or that you are desperate enough to work anywhere. Neither of these impressions will help you get the job.

Treat this question as a good opportunity to gather as much information as possible about the company and about your job position. Ideally one should ask these questions at the end of the interview but if presented an opportunity you could ask these questions either at the beginning of the interview too. Asking questions first will help you customise your answers as per the requirements of the company. For example, you can ask them what sort of a person they are looking for. Then you can become that person in front of the interviewer. However, some employers might not give you a chance to ask questions first. In such a case, you clarify your doubts about any aspect of the company towards the end.

Here is a list of some relevant questions that you could ask:
1.  Describe a typical day in office for my job position?
2.  What skills are required for this position?
3.  What is the management style of the company?
4.  Is there any challenge facing the company today? If yes, then what is being done about it?
5.  What will be my promotion prospects?
6.  Who will measure my progress and how often?
7.  What are the main challenges I will have to deal with initially?
8.  How will be my career path determined?
9.  How do you measure success in your company?
10. Describe an ideal candidate for this job?
11. Is relocation a possibility, if I am hired?
12. Does this company have an edge over its competitors? If yes, then in what ways?
13. If selected, how much time will I be given to accept the offer and when will I be expected to join work?
14. What is the company’s culture like?
15. Does the company provide education and training for their employees to keep them up to date?
16. What did you see in my personality and skills that makes me suitable for this job?
17. How would you describe the organisational structure of the company?
18. When will you get back to me about the selection process?

Do not ask them about salary or vacations right in the beginning as it might seem like you are more interested in the money or in holidaying than starting work with the company. However, if you are made an offer then clarify all these details before accepting the offer.