Hey all - what are some of your favorite questions to ask during the interview process?

Anonymous

June 7,2022 at 4:42PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Hey all - what are some of your favorite questions to ask during the interview process? Job interview coming up and I am a little rusty. Thanks for any help you can provide!

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

5 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

5 Comments

Join the conversation

Joanne RosenJune 7,2022 at 6:30PM UTC
If it's with someone at the actual company:
What do you love about working here?
When I was researching on your website, I noticed blah blah. Can you tell me more about that and how I can contribute?
I really want to grow with the company. What kind of career trajectory can I expect?
I'm a huge proponent of giving back to the community. What kinds of community outreach programs do you have? (If they are on the website, do NOT ask this question!)
Why is this role currently open? (In other words, what happened to the person before?)
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Joanne
https://www.analyticadvantagecc.com
S.June 7,2022 at 7:04PM UTC
What would you like to see the person in this role accomplish in the first 60-90 days?
Becky JacobyJune 7,2022 at 7:29PM UTC
Is there anything about my capability and qualifications that would lead you to think I would not be successful in this role? (based on their response, you can clarify how this would not be a concern)
What three words would you use to describe the culture? (ask this of all interviewers to see what words are repeated)
What is the business situation for this role - is it a start-up, turnaround, realignment, sustaining success situation?
What would be the hardest adjustment I would face when transitioning into this role?
Paulla Fetzek, MSEdJune 8,2022 at 1:00PM UTC
For backfill - if the company has a website and any social media presence - please look into it. And then, in the interview, find a question to ask that references what you saw. It will show them your interest, that you have tech skills, and your familiar with popular social media sites.
All the best!
Cheryl NeasJune 9,2022 at 12:19PM UTC
As someone already said, I ask why the role is currently open, or, if it is new, what made them add that specific role and why now.
I also started turning some of the rote questions around on the interviewers. If they ask me to “describe how I work in teams,” I ask how they facilitate and encourage collaboration and teamwork. If they want me to “tell us about a time you made a mistake,” I ask about how they support employees taking risks and what they expect from people who make mistakes, etc.