Questions You May Want To Ask Potential Employers
Interviewing Skills | Office of Career Services

During the interview, it is likely that the employer will provide time for to you ask questions. Even if several of your questions were answered earlier in the interview, you should still ask some questions during this final stage as it demonstrates your interest in the position, company and industry. This stage of the interview is your opportunity to learn as much as possible so that if offered the position you can make a thoughtful decision.

Often there will be more than one interview, perhaps two or three, before a decision or an offer is made. You may be asked to return for a lunch or dinner interview to get to know the company a little better. While all interviews are an opportunity for both a company to get to know you and for you to get to know a company, the roles do change throughout the process. For example, during the first interview, the employer is often in a greater position of control as you are busy "selling yourself" for the position. When the employer requests a second interview, you are now aware that after meeting you the employer’s interest in you as a candidate has increased. Consequently, your positions become more equal. By the third interview, it is clear that there is strong interest and perhaps an offer on the horizon; therefore your opportunity to solicit information is at its greatest.

If the interviewer does not give you the opportunity to ask questions, politely request the opportunity to do so. Try to ask questions related to issues that you have discussed throughout the interview. This lets the interviewer know that you have been listening attentively and have processed all the information. Employers look for people who can think and respond on their feet. You also may want to prepare a list of questions before you go on the interview to refer to (if necessary) at this point. This shows that you are prepared and have planned for this situation.

One issue that should be left for the employer to address, however, is salary and benefits. Never discuss these until the employer brings it up. Following are some questions you should consider asking during this stage. Remember to choose a few that apply to your particular situation and that you feel comfortable with.

• Is there a written job description? (If so, request a copy.)
• What are the company’s plans for growth?
• Assuming that your performance is satisfactory, does the company offer growth opportunities?
• How often does the company promote from within?
• What is a typical day like in this position?
• What types of challenges does your company face in this industry?
• What challenges would I face in the position as a new employee?
• What type of support staff is associated with this position?
• If hired, how will I be trained?
• What will be expected of me in this position?
• How much travel and/or overtime is typical of this position?
• What are the normal hours I would be expected to work?
• What makes this company different from its competitors?
• Who will I share workspace with? May I see the workspace?
• What is a realistic time frame to expect a promotion with this company?
• Does the company encourage continuing education? Do they finance it?
• Does the company support participation in professional associations?
• What are your expectations of new hires?
• Describe the corporate culture.
• What criteria are used to evaluate employees?
• What characteristics does a successful person have in this company?
• Why is this position currently open? If replacing someone, why did they leave?
• What is the overall structure of the department where this position is located?
• When do you expect to make a final decision?
• Will you contact me next or would you prefer that I follow up with you? When?
• What is your personal supervisory style?

Questions NOT to ask during an interview:

• How much will I be paid? Asking about salary during the first interview tells the interviewer that you are more interested in money than you are in the position or organization.
• When does vacation time come?
• When will I receive my first raise?
• How much vacation time will I get?
• How soon will I be promoted? Ask instead, if there are opportunities for advancement?

Most employers invest significant time and money in training new staff members. They want to know that you are willing to put your time in and pay your dues in order to earn your advancements.