At the end of the interview, you always wait for the final question – ‘Do you have any questions?’ It’s natural to freeze and simply say ‘no’ – but this won’t help your chances of getting hired.

Plan for the question

Seeing as though this is always the final question in any interview, it makes sense to prepare for it beforehand. As the hiring manager will cover many topics within the interview, they may unintentionally answer the questions you had prepared, so it would be wise to plan at least 10 questions so you never get caught out.

When the interviewer asks ‘Do you have any questions?’ – it’s good to ask at least two or three, as it shows you’re well-prepared and eager to know more about the position.

What are the types of questions to ask?

About the graduate job

While the hiring manager may have covered a lot of the basics about the day-to-day responsibilities and requirements of the graduate job, there is still scope to learn more about your goals and expectations. Some questions you may want to ask, include:

• What will a typical day look like for the successful candidate?
• Is there an opportunity for career progression?
• Would I receive regular feedback on my performance?
• What is the biggest challenge for the person in this role?
• Will any travel or weekend shifts be required for this job?

About the company

All companies are managed completely differently; therefore, you may wish to get a feel for the organisation you’ll be working for. By asking questions about the company, it not only shows that you have done your research, but that you’re keen to get a better picture of the company’s goals, prospects and values. Plus, it also demonstrates that you’re keen to progress with the company on a long-term basis. Some questions you may want to ask include:

• What is the company culture like?
• What do you enjoy about working here?
• How has the company grown in recent years and what is to come?
• How would you describe the management style of the company?

What not to ask…

While it’s a good idea to come up with a wide range of questions, there are certain questions you shouldn’t ask during an interview – not only may they be inappropriate, but could also give a false indication that you’re applying for the job for the wrong reasons. Here are some question topics you should never bring up:

Questions about the interviewer’s personal life

Interviews are not the time to become best buddies with the employer, therefore, never ask about their friends, family members or personal circumstances unless the topic is brought up by them.

Questions about salary and benefits

Unless the salary is not specifically stated within the job description, never ask about wages, pay rises or benefits during the interview stage. It may give the impression that you’re not interested in the job or the company, but only the financial rewards.

Questions that are easy to find out

Never ask questions that could most likely be answered with a quick search online. This not only proves you haven’t done your research but is a major time-waster for the interviewer. Take time to come up with in-depth questions that create interesting conversations.

If you still haven’t yet found your perfect job, don’t fret. Inspiring Interns has a wide range of graduate jobs and internships that are waiting to be filled right now. Check out their job board to see what’s available.

Photo by Edmond Dantès