It’s interview time. If you want to make a good first impression with an employer, you should always have questions ready to throw their way when the opportunity arises. A well-thought out question can be what separates you from the pack. So, what questions can you ask? Let’s explore:

1. “What are the most important qualities needed to excel in this role?”

Talent Melbourne’s Managing Director, Simon Yeung, suggests asking this question, as it highlights that you want to learn what you can do to be a great candidate. It demonstrates that you are willing to self-reflect and determine whether you have these qualities, and if not, that you are eager to bridge the gap. You are demonstrating drive and motivation to succeed. By learning what you can do to excel, you can take the steps to apply this and be the exact candidate they are seeking.

Remember, it’s not always about the experience or skills you have. Your attitude, motivation and passion can be equally, if not more, important in helping you land your dream role. So, make sure you communicate this in the interview room. Communicate your drive and eagerness to learn within the role in order to put your best foot forward.

2. “What will be expected of me in the role within the first 30 days, 60 days and year?”

Yeung suggests asking the interviewer this question as it will not only provide you with an insight into what the role will involve, but also allows you to communicate that you are someone that works well to the expectations placed upon them. It highlights that you will be a candidate who is eager to deliver on their goals and objectives, which is something every hiring manager wants to see. It also demonstrates to the interviewer that you are not only concerned with what you can get out of the role, but of what you can do to provide value to the company. Your value is what you really want to communicate.

3. “What do you like best about working for this company?”

Yeung recommends asking this question as it will provide you with an insight to the company’s culture and will allow you to determine whether it’s the right fit for you. If they enjoy a certain aspect, say, the company’s flexible working arrangements or the friendly work relationships, then it can indicate whether you too will enjoy the role and fit in well at the company. At the end of the day, the company needs to be as much of a right fit for you as you for them.

You should exercise caution when asking this question though. You don’t want to come across as someone who is only interested in the perks they can get out of the role. Remember, you want to demonstrate your value and highlight how you can help the company achieve its goals.

4. “What is the culture like at this company?”

You want to know whether this company is the right fit for you and you for them. That’s why determining what the culture is like from the outset is important. Yeung suggests asking this question as it highlights to the interviewer that you care about working in an environment that aligns with your values and attitudes. You can make a judgement from what the interviewer says, about whether this is a company that you will fit in well at, or whether you should be looking elsewhere. They can also make a judgement about you as to whether you will be the right fit for them. It’s a two-way street. Demonstrating that you have taken this into consideration will give you a step up in the interview process.

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