“Do you have any questions?” – You should definitely not answer this question in the negative at the end of the interview. Asking questions indicates that you are really interested in the company and the work there. It can also give you valuable information. However, it depends very much on what you ask.
“Do you have any questions?” – What you should better not ask
Taboo are questions for information that you could have easily found on the company’s website, such as when the company was founded and how many branches it has. This only shows that you have not done extensive research on your potential new employer beforehand.
- When asking questions, always keep in mind the needs and wishes of the person you are talking to, namely a new employee who fits in well with the team, is competent and performs the tasks conscientiously. Therefore, do not ask about aspects that are exclusively beneficial for yourself.
- Direct questions about special requests such as days off tend to be perceived negatively. You may then make a difficult impression, which you certainly do not want to leave at the end of an interview.
- Questions about promotion opportunities are tricky. On the one hand, a certain ambition is certainly welcome in many companies, but on the other hand, it should not look as if the vacant position only serves as a stepping stone for higher ambitions.
- Generally, it is useful to get your counterpart talking through your question. A closed question that the interviewer can only answer in the affirmative or negative is therefore not ideal. Of course, you should then also listen carefully to the answer.
Sensible interview questions
If you think about possible follow-up questions before the interview, you will make the final phase of the interview easier for yourself. If these questions have already been answered or if other questions have arisen during the interview, you can always change your mind.
- For example, you can ask about the specific work structures and about a typical working day. It is not usually possible to find out about everyday life in the company by preparing yourself.
- Questions that convey to recruiters that you want to succeed in the company are appropriate. These include questions about the company culture, the boss’s management style, or how success is defined in the job.
- It is also helpful to ask about training opportunities specific to the job. This makes it clear that you are interested in a longer-term perspective in the company and that you want to develop further.
- What the induction phase will be like in concrete terms is also a smart question. This radiates self-confidence, as you already see yourself in the new position in your mind.
- You could also ask if there is any specific knowledge or skills you need to acquire before starting the job. This clarifies your motivation.
