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Questions to Ask in an Interview

Is there anything you want to ask me?

This often comes near the end of the interview. If everything's gone well then make sure you don't at this point snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. On the other hand, if you think there's a problem, here's a good opportunity to go back into an area where you think they have doubts about you.

The worst answer here without any doubt is 'no.' It can look as though you're not much interested in the job, and it can indicate poor preparation. By this time you ought to be having a sensible and interesting discussion with good rapport. So give two answers to this question: an open question that keeps the discussion going and a closed or more specific question that will elicit more insight into what it's like working for these people. After all, there are two decisions to be made here: they make the first decision, whether to offer you the job; then you have to decide whether to work for them.

MORE ABOUT THE INDUSTRY AND THEIR POSITION IN IT

Start by illustrating your preparation. Use something as up to date as possible. 'I'd like to hear a bit more about the industry and your position in it. There was an interesting piece in The Times about this Christmas being the worst for the retail industry for ten years, despite the fact that overall sales increased by 2.5%. Can you explain that and how do you see the next few years for retail generally?' You may think that question a bit too specific if, for example, you think they might struggle with the first bit. So go even more open. 'This industry has been very successful for a while now. How do you see it maintaining that progress?' This should get one or two of them going and you will listen and show that you're learning.

Another good area to probe around at this time is their competition. It's good to join an organisation that recognises it's in competition and that most companies in their industry have strengths and weaknesses. (Be careful here. Don't let yourself down by looking as though you know nothing about their industry. If you've prepared this question, don't ask it if the ground has already been covered.)

'Who do you regard as your main competition and who do you see becoming a bigger threat in the future?' It's a great idea to ask a question that's broader than the job itself. For example, if the job's in Europe, ask something about the worldwide performance or strategy. The point is to show your interest in the future as well as the present.

AND SPECIFICALLY.

Be careful. Silly as it may seem, this simple question has sunk more strong interviews than many more sinister-sounding salvoes. Don't focus too much on salary reviews, promotion prospects, type of car you get, parking spaces and so on. If there are important questions you want answers to, by all means ask them. Make sure, however, that you don't look as though these things are all that's important to you: ask some softer questions about the environment in which you'll be working. 'If you had to sum up in a few words the type of person who likes working here and the type of person who gets on well, what would they be?'

You can always turn a dual question back on them: 'What would you say are the main benefits of working for your organisation and the main frustrations?' 'Can I ask you if you have any reservations about my suitability for the job which we could discuss at this stage?' 'I am applying for other positions; but I'm particularly keen on this one. Is it possible to tell me when you'll make a decision?'

Final note: don't look as though your one and only reason for wanting to join them is to make money!


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