38 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview: The Harvard Business Review Guide

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide on how to effectively use the 'do you have any questions for me?' opportunity in job interviews. It suggests 38 smart questions to ask, focusing on understanding the job, team, company culture, and career development. The advice includes making questions personal, building on the conversation, and avoiding generic inquiries. It also emphasizes the importance of not asking about salary or benefits too early in the process, and instead, focusing on showcasing one's fit for the role and gathering crucial information about the position and company.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prepare for the interview by having a list of smart questions to ask, demonstrating your interest and suitability for the job.
• 🔍 The purpose of asking questions in an interview is twofold: to assess whether the job is right for you and to show that you are the right candidate.
• 📈 Personalize your questions to make them relevant to the role and show how you fit into the position.
• 📚 Ask about the job's responsibilities, projects, performance review process, and immediate tasks to understand the role better.
• 👥 Inquire about the team dynamics, skills needed, challenges, and potential changes in responsibilities to gauge your fit within the team.
• 👨‍🏫 If the interviewer is your potential boss, ask about their experience and what they enjoy about working at the company.
• 🏢 Understand the company's goals, values, and growth plans to see if they align with your own aspirations and values.
• 🌐 Be cautious not to ask questions that can be easily answered with a quick Google search, showing that you've done your homework.
• 🌟 Explore company culture by asking about onboarding, employee experiences, and traditions to get a feel for the work environment.
• 💼 Focus on career development opportunities, learning prospects, and potential career paths within the company to see your future growth.
• 🔚 Conclude the interview by asking about the next steps in the hiring process, rather than jumping to salary or benefits discussions.

Q & A

What are the two main goals of asking questions during a job interview?

The two main goals are to assess whether the job is one you want and to demonstrate that you are the right person for the job.

Why is it important to make your interview questions personal?

Making questions personal helps the interviewer visualize you in the role, which can be a psychological trick to make them more likely to consider you for the position.

What is a good strategy for building off the conversation during an interview?

Asking about a project mentioned or a responsibility not listed in the job description can help make the interview feel like a continuation of the conversation.

Why should you avoid asking questions that can be easily answered with a quick Google search?

Asking such questions can give the impression that you haven't done your research, which may negatively impact your credibility.

What are some key questions to ask about the job itself to understand the role better?

Questions like 'What are your expectations for me in this role?', 'What's the most important thing I should accomplish in the first 90 days?', and 'What metrics or goals will my performance be evaluated against?' can help clarify the role's responsibilities and expectations.

How can you determine if you will fit well within the team during the interview?

Asking about the team's needs, challenges, and how you will interact with other departments can provide insights into how you might fit into the team.

What are some insightful questions to ask your potential boss during the interview?

Questions like 'How long have you been at the company?', 'What's your favorite part of working here?', and 'How do you typically onboard employees?' can help you understand their management style and expectations.

Why is it important to ask about company culture during the interview?

Understanding the company culture can help you determine if the work environment aligns with your values and if you can see yourself thriving in that environment.

What are some questions to ask about career growth and development in the role?

Questions such as 'What learning and development opportunities will I have in this role?', 'Are there examples of a career path beginning with this position?', and 'How are promotions typically handled?' can help you understand the potential for growth within the company.

Why should you avoid asking about salary or benefits too early in the interview process?

It's too early to negotiate these details as it can give the impression that you are more interested in the compensation than in the job itself. It's better to focus on demonstrating your value first.

What are some questions to ask at the end of the interview to show you are interested and proactive?

Questions like 'What am I not asking you that I should?', 'Is there anything else I can provide you with that would be helpful?', and 'What are the next steps in the hiring process?' can show your enthusiasm and initiative.