Questions to Ask an Employer at the End of an Interview

At the end of every interview an employer usually asks, “So, do you have any questions?” This is a great time to switch the focus off yourself and gather some more information about the position you’re applying for, the people in the company, and what working there is really like. Here is a list of possible questions. Hone in on your top 2-3 for the end of your next interview.

• Can you describe an average day at the office (restaurant, gym, store, etc)?
• What does the training process look like?
• How long does it usually take for a member of the team to feel fully trained and up to speed?
• What recommendations do you have for pursuing professional development and advancement at this company?
• How will my performance be evaluated? Are there both formal and informal feedback processes?
• Thinking back to people you’ve seen do this work previously, what differentiated the ones who were good from the ones who were great at it?
• How would you describe the culture here? What type of people tend to really thrive here, and what type don’t do as well?
• In your experience, what are some of the highlights of working here?
• What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had working here?
• Who do you consider your major competitors? How are you better?
• When your staff comes to you with conflicts, how do you respond?
• What are the next steps in this process, and when can I expect to hear from you?
• Have I answered all of your questions and is there anything else you’d like to know?

Take these questions and personalize them for each position you apply for and by the end of the interview, you’ll have a better understanding of what will be expected of you at your new job. Plus, you’ll likely earn bonus points for asking thoughtful questions. Good luck!