These Are Smart Questions To Ask In An Interview

(Photo : Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko)

You've mastered the resume, perfected your cover letter, and demonstrated your skillset with quantifiable examples and brought your experience back to the job spec, but have you prepared the questions you want to ask the interviewer?

Even the most capable candidates are caught off guard when the interviewer asks: "Any questions for us?".

Asking key questions is an opportunity to not only reveal to the interviewer a little more about the things that are important to you, it's also a chance for you to find out about company culture or identify any potential red flags.

All questions should be based on two principles: what can you learn about the company and the role, and how you can best use this final opportunity to showcase your suitability for the job.

Personalize

When it comes to learning about the company, it's important that you personalize your questions. Instead of asking what success looks like in the role, rephrase the question and ask what would be expected of you within the first 100 days. Personalizing the questions will help the interviewer picture you in the role--which is exactly what you want.

Similarly, revisit points and topics that were discussed during the interview. Instead of asking generic fact-finding questions, tailor your queries to the role and problems at hand. For example if it was mentioned that reducing costs is a priority for the role, revisit that topic--ask what percentage of cost reduction would be considered a success, or ask what cost cutting tactics your predecessor has already tried. This shows that you are a strategic thinker, capable of hitting the ground running by identifying and addressing existing pressure points.

Showcasing your suitability for the role requires some pre-planning. Identify three skills most relevant to the job spec--once you have identified these, it is possible to tailor the questions to showcase your suitability.

For example, if collaboration and stakeholder management is listed as a priority in the job spec, then ask a question that gives you an opportunity to reiterate your experience in that area. "You mentioned that stakeholder manager is an integral part of the role, in my previous experience I managed stakeholders through X, Y and Z - is that something you think would work here?" You're showing that you're open to feedback and collaboration and reminding the interviewer of your experience.

Revist

Lastly, this portion of the interview allows you time to revisit any topics that you feel need a little more attention. If you were asked a question about a time when you handled conflict in the workplace, now is the time to ask a question about how the company handles conflict, showcasing your willingness to learn and grow.

There is also an opportunity to gain more insights about the company, by asking questions such as why your predecessor left, and what the opportunity for progression is. This way you can learn about company culture, and identify anything potentially worrying which you may have overlooked throughout the application process.

Ready to nail your next interview? The Science + Nature Job Board is filled with companies currently hiring for a number of roles across all sectors. Below you'll find three hiring today, and there are thousands more to discover.

GPU Software Modeling, Samsung Electronics, Austin

The Role: As GPU Software Modeling with Samsung Electronics you will be responsible for functional modeling of various blocks of the GPU pipeline.

The Responsibilities: You will be responsible for the interface with architects, RTL designers, verification engineers and software engineers to understand the GPU pipeline, design and architect C++ models of GPU blocks and implement and test the GPU models.

The Requirements: You will have a BSEE, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science degree and two years' of experience. A high proficiency in C/C++ in a Linux environment and a solid understanding of software design and architecture experience as well as experience with development tools is required.

Apply for the GPU Software Modeling role or browse all available roles at Samsung Electronics.

Principal/Senior Principal Program Cost Control Analyst, Northrop Grumman, Sunnyvale

The Role: This Program Control Analyst position will interface with team members to provide financial and administrative support and analysis to meet program requirements. The job includes a $10K sign-on bonus, payable to new external hires only.

The Responsibilities: You'll be supporting the development of budget baselines and maintaining cost/schedule integration, performing and/or assisting in financial performance analyses and visibility reporting; as well as applying earned value and performance measurement baseline concepts.

The Requirements: You will have a Bachelor's degree with six years' of related professional experience, or an equivalent.

Apply for the Mechanical Engineering Manager role or browse all available roles at Northrop Grumman.

Merchandising Service Associate, Lowe's, Wareham

The Role: As Merchandising Service Associate at Lowe's you will build relationships with vendors by providing direction and checking to ensure merchandise resets are completed according to Lowe's specifications.

The Responsibilities: You will be responsible for collaborating with the merchandising service team and manager by communicating project priorities, schedule, and project needs as well as liaising with customers where needed.

The Requirements: You will have at least three years' experience in a similar role and will enjoy collaborating and making a difference to Lowe's overall company vision.

Apply for the Merchandising Service Associate role or browse all available roles at Lowe's.