Not asking these 4 questions at the first interview will kill your chances

Samantha Hawrylack

Many people prepare for questions during the interview, but did you know that you should ask questions afterward, too?

It happens at the end of every interview. The interviewer asks, ‘Do you have any questions for me?’ Most people naturally respond ‘no.’ That’s the worst thing you could say, though.

It shows that you aren’t engaged or interested in the job. Unless you’re a superhero and can learn everything you need to know about the job in the 30 – 60 minutes the interview took, you’re bound to have questions.

So what should they be? Here are a few examples.

1) How has the position changed over the years?

Most positions evolve in some ways – some are big, and some are small. Ask about the history of the position, and you’ll find out if more responsibilities have been added or if the position changed direction altogether.

This tells you a few things. One, if there was a recent change in the responsibilities, it could be why the previous person left. Make sure it’s something that fits within what you want.

Two, it could mean the position is one with possibilities. If you plan to grow with the company, knowing that they constantly change the position’s responsibilities could be a good thing.

4) What are the next steps in the interview process?

If you’re interested in the job after you’ve gone through the interview, it’s natural to ask about the next steps. This shows that you’re forward-thinking and want to plan for the next steps.

This takes some of the anxiety out of waiting for the phone to ring or the employer to send you an email asking you back for another interview or offering you the job. 

If you want the job, you have to show that you want it. Don’t let the interview end when the interviewer stops asking questions. This is your opportunity to turn the tables.

Ask any questions you have about the company or about your future with the company. Don’t be afraid to sound too forward or too inquisitive. Employers like to see people go after what they want. It shows that you may do the same thing if they hire you.

Read all 4 questions and the complete theladders article