Questions to Ask the Interviewer

It leaves a positive impression if you have prepared questions to ask at the end of the interview to the interviewer. It also makes a positive last impression if you make a short, concise summary of your qualifications and interest in the position at the very end of the interview.

However, you should only ask questions that you cannot find answers to by yourself, and you should not overdo the number of questions. Select the most critical of your questions to ask. Often an interview panel has a tight interview schedule and too many questions may not be appropriate. The message here is to select carefully and appropriately the questions you wish to ask.

This page provides you with insight on the type of questions you may prepare to ask the interviewer. These questions are presented only as a guideline. They are only meant to help you prepare for the interview. Some questions may or may not be appropriate for your situation. Questions to be asked should be selected carefully in view of your need for information and knowledge about the position and organization.

You should be prepared for the interviewer to return back the question to you, e.g. "What would you see as the main challenges in the position?", or "How would you address the high turn-over rate if selected for this position?". Therefore, by practicing your responses to some of these questions, hopefully you will not be taken off guard if asked one of them.

Sample questions

1. Why is this position open?



2. What kind of turnover rate does the work unit have? What are the main reasons?



3. What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position?



4. What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job? Which is most pressing?



5. What would you like to have done in the next three months?



6. What are some of the long-term objectives you would like to see completed?



7. What are some of the more difficult challenges one would have to face in this position?



8. How do you think these could best be handled?



9. What type of support does this position receive in terms of people, financial or other resources, institutional support, etc.?



10. What freedom would I have in determining my own work objectives, deadlines and methods of measurement?



11. In what ways has this organization been most successful in terms of products and services over the years?



12. What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?



13. What accounts for success within the organization/work unit?



14. Whom does this position report to? Will I have the opportunity to meet with him/her?



15. Whom will I supervise?



16. How would you describe a typical week/workday in the office?



17. Will I receive any formal training?



18. What are the three most important attributes for success in this position?



19. Would you like a list of references?



20. What will be the next steps in the recruitment process? When will you make a final decision?