Questions To Ask At The End of The Interview
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You’ve impressed with your resume and here you sit with the interviewer. You’re nearing the end of the interview. You start reflecting on how well the conversation flowed, the great answers you gave to the questions, and you’re thinking, I totally am perfect for this position!

Then the interviewer asks whether you have any questions. This is your moment so seize it! Finish strong. Even though your pulse is racing and you fear a panicked look may break out on your face, you know how to complete the interview. Instead of saying that the interviewer has done a great job of describing the position and that you really don’t have any questions you grab this opportunity for one more moment to shine! Without a good end of the interview question, you could single handedly lose in the hiring game. Asking the right questions can sometimes be difficult but rest easy, bizMe and our friends in recruiting have you covered with a list of great questions when asked “Do you have any questions for me?”

Jason, Senior Manager for KPMG fills us in on his favorites:

I always go through a 1-2 minute intro at the start of my interviews indicating my role/experience/etc. I like when the interviewee picks up on something in my intro and will later on ask me a question from this—it demonstrates they were tuned in and listening, and they can develop a question that was pre-loaded from three weeks of interview prep. It doesn’t have to be terribly specific.

Interviewees consistently ask me why I like working at KPMG — I like answering this because I think the factors that make this job great are differentiators for us (the people, the culture, opportunities, core values of the firm, experience)

If there is some current accounting issue (and there ALWAYS is) I like when they ask my perspective about it or if they ask an open ended question that leads to a discussion about it. This is good because it shows they are aware of what’s going on in the news and their chosen career, and it can demonstrate their technical competence (or lack thereof if they are just winging it and are unprepared).

Should always ask:

Should ask why it is the interviewer likes working for the company — if the interviewer can’t answer this question well, maybe it isn’t such a great place to work.

These will vary depending upon the job interviewing for (full time versus intern, and by job type) but things like what type of training is provided, what are expectations of the role, is there opportunity for travel (as opposed to asking “do I have to travel?”), what are the opportunities for advancement.

It is also important that the interviewees know their stories—have some experiences in mind that they intend to share (ones that will work no matter what question is asked) and practice talking about them. Be smooth, clear, concise, and confident in their communication. And project an image of professionalism through both action and appearance. In our jobs (client service) communication and professionalism are critical.

Allie, recruiter from Novo shares her favorite questions that people ask her:

Asking the interviewer how they became successful (Asking this shows respect for who they are interviewing for and that they are career-minded versus just looking for a short term position.)

Ask the interviewer who their mentor is (Again, this will show they are looking at the long term.)

What will be expected of the candidate and in what areas do they want to see this person exceed expectations? (This question shows they are thinking of the position and how they can really make an impact and help the business.)

What are the growth opportunities and what do they need to do to be promoted into those opportunities (Always an excellent question to ask about the growth, it shows character/work ethic that they want to know what they have to do to EARN that promotion.)

What are the challenges of the role and what resources do they have to overcome those challenges? (Shows curiosity and that they want to be prepared for any challenges.)

What is the training program?

How will this job prepare them for their career?

The above questions are great to ask whether you are interviewing for a full time job or an internship. Rebecca, Tax Manager from KPMG, touched on great questions to ask if you are an intern.

How is the economy impacting your profession and your company?
Why did you choose the career you chose?
Are there any clubs/activities that I can get involved in within the firm to meet more employees ahead of time or during my internship?
What type of projects will I be working on as an intern?
What can I do to better prepare myself for my future career?
What are the differences between your firm and your competitors? What makes your firm stand out?
What is the culture of the firm like?

There is not a perfect formula for asking the right questions during an interview because no two interviews are ever the same. However we hope that next time you are preparing for that dream interview, you are going to be armed with some great questions to ask!