Some Ideas the Applicant can Ask during an Interview

When an interviewer asks a candidate whether he/she has questions, that's a golden opportunity to size up what you're getting into.

Many tend to pass on this, or limit themselves to HR questions like benefits or resort to cookie-cutter Qs.

‍

There's a lot of material on this, but here are some ideas that have helped me:

1. Go back to the JD & attempt to unpack anything that's vague.

"The JD says I have to lead marketing campaigns. What team members and tools will I have access to for generating creatives?"

‍

2. Get clarity on where you fit in the org chart.

Ask about execs, direct boss, reportees, peers, dotted lines.

‍

3. Go to Google News/social pages to see what the company is up to lately.

Ask more about initiatives that your role can directly affect.

‍

4. Think about what you like about your current company & would likely miss. Learn how this company compares in those aspects e.g. culture, team, tools etc.

‍

5. Learn how long the interviewer has been with the company.

Less than 10 years: "what have you admired about the company & what challenges do you see?"

More than 10, additionally ask: "you've established a long career here which is encouraging. What has made you stay this long?"
‍

‍
6. It's day 1. Find out the what, who and how of onboarding.