Questions to ask the interviewer

At times everything goes well during the interview but you've no questions to ask the interviewer. This clearly shows you haven't done your home-work. What are the right questions to ask - here is help.

Your flawless resume has caught the employer’s fancy and you’re in for an interview. Your attire’s just right and the impressive answers have been appreciated. Just when you thought that you’ve got there, the last glitch raises its head - 'any questions'? If you ask me, “Is it important to ask questions?” I’ll say YES because if you don’t ask questions, it means, you’ve not given serious thought about the company you are joining. The questions you ask also give an insight to the recruiter on the direction of your thought process, so be sure to ask the right questions. Also, the interview isn’t meant to be a one-way traffic as after all, you also need to determine how suitable the job is for you.

Always prepare questions beforehand to ask as towards the end of most interviews, the interviewer gives you the opportunity to ask questions. Ask open ended questions that give you information while at the same time flatter the employer. But never ask about salary and benefit issues unless raised by the employer. Here are some must-ask questions.

What are the job responsibilities? Though the JD states that, it’s important to confirm your responsibilities. Ask about your clearly defined responsibilities and what you need to do. Ask about the learning opportunities beyond the day-to-day experience. This also shows the recruiter you are interested in the job and reflects positively on you.
What are the on-the-job trainings provided? Clarify whether you would you be given training immediately after recruitment and how important is it for the role. You can ask about job orientation programs. As a tech person you can ask about how long projects normally last? Would you be gradually absorbed in another project? (essential for tech industry)
What amount of autonomy is given to employees? Would you be allowed to take independent decisions and how impactful will that be for the company in the long-run? Get a clear idea beforehand. This is important for senior positions. It also shows the company you have ideas and want to contribute.
What about career progression? Get a fair idea before you join about how good a career move this will be for you. How diverse will be your learning experience and will that aid your career progression? The answer will help you take a call. This also shows you are serious about your career and about moving ahead.
What about appraisals and reporting manager? Get a clear idea about whom you would be reporting and who will assess your work. Thus, you can discern the department structure, if not the company’s hierarchy. This also shows you are clear about charting your career with the company.
What’s the organisation’s work culture: This will reveal the professionalism of the company and also helps you assess if you would like to be part of such a work culture. If they encourage flexi-timing, work-from-home option and casual dressing, don’t shudder. They might just be saving on resources and focussing only on the deliverables. Probe deeper to know details so that you can figure out whether you fit in there or not.
What’s the organisational plan in the next 5 years? You may not be sticking to the same place for that long, but its good to know the company goal and where it is heading. It also shows the employer you are interested in the company and its long term plans.

Keep these questions in mind while preparing. To be at ease, you can begin with your interest in the position and the company and then steer the interview into areas of your choice. But avoid asking questions given on the employer's web site, provided to you in advance as it reveals that you haven’t done your home-work. Also, never pose a question you’re not interested in hearing the answer of.

Ask general questions and try to get some closure before you leave. If the interviewer doesn’t tell you the next step, find out the time frame for decision making. Also ask about the number of openings and how and when you’ll be notified. If you do not hear from them in a few days of the time frame, call them. This isn’t a pestering move and knowing your status always helps.

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