Landing the job of your dreams is no easy task. It requires a lot of hard work, preparation, and networking. Whether you’re applying for a learnership or full-time job, you are likely to go through an interview process. This is your chance to show off your skills and knowledge, and convince the employer that you are the perfect candidate for the job.

Many students make the mistake of not asking any questions at the end of an interview. This can be a huge mistake, as it can leave you with unanswered questions and may give the impression that you are not interested in the position. We suggest trying to have at least three to four questions in mind to ask the interviewer at the end. Therefore if one or two are already answered earlier in the discussion, you still have some backups available to you. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best questions to ask at the end of an interview!

Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?

This is an important question to ask as it will give you a better idea of what the job entails and whether or not it is a good fit for you. Remember an interview isn’t just for the company, it should also be used by you to make sure that it is a role you want to do and for a company that you would like to spend time at.

What do you like most about working at this organisation?  

This helps to turn the table so the interviewer will feel that they are selling you the role and helps to take the pressure off you, even if just for a little while. It also shows that you are keen to learn more about what it is like to work at the organisation and what makes it such a great place to work.

What is the culture like at the organisation?

It’s important that you fit in with the culture of the company otherwise it will likely not be a comfortable environment to work in. Asking this question will give you a better idea of whether or not the organisation is a good fit for you. Hopefully they will be able to show that it’s a good working environment with a suitable work-life balance.

What does success look like in this position?

This not only helps you to understand what the expectations are and what the company is looking for from an individual. It shows you are aligned on the work that should be carried out during the job.

Is this a new position? If not, why did the previous person leave?  

Although it may seem a little awkward, this is an important question to ask as it will give you some insight into the role and what to expect. It can also be a red flag if the position has been vacated multiple times in a short period of time.

Can you tell me more about the team I would be working in?

These are the people you will be spending the majority of your time with , so it is important to make sure that you get along with them and that they are competent at their job. You can also use this as an opportunity to talk about teams you have worked in before and the benefits you bring when working in a team environment.

What development opportunities are available?

Nobody wants to be stuck in the same position forever, so it is important to ask about development opportunities. This will show that you are looking to further your career within the organisation and that you  are keen to learn new things.

Do you have any concerns about my qualifications?

Asking this will give the interviewer a chance to express any reason as to why you might not be suitable, which in turn gives you a chance to convince them otherwise and help by challenging any doubts they have about hiring you for the job. Try your best to remember all the concerns that the interviewer mentions and try to answer each one individually using evidence based examples where possible.  This not only shows professionalism within the interview itself, it shows you have strong persuasion skills as well.

What are the next steps in the interview process?

This shows enthusiasm and  that you are eager to move forward in the process. It also gives you a chance to find out how many other candidates are being interviewed and how long the decision-making process will take. It shows that you are organised and want to be prepared for the next steps should they wish to proceed.

Is there anything else I can do to convince you that I am the right candidate for this job?

This is your chance to really sell yourself and make sure that the interviewer remembers you when making their final decision.  Take this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the company and the role, and highlight any key skills or experience that you have that make you the perfect candidate.

Asking questions at the end of an interview is a great way to show off your interest in the position and company, as well as gain some valuable information about next steps. By asking thoughtful and engaging questions, you will leave a lasting impression on the interviewer and increase your chances of getting hired!

You should try to avoid asking any questions that focus on what the company can do for you. These types of questions about salary and holiday allowance can be saved for discussion once you have a job offer.  Instead, focus on questions that show you have done your research about the company and role, and that you are keen to find out more.