We have prepared a comprehensive guide for you on what questions you should ask during a graduate job interview. Want to know what questions employers are interested in hearing? Pay attention to the following!
Why should you ask questions before the interview ends?
Asking questions at the end of a graduate job interview demonstrates that you are well-prepared and genuinely interested in the position. Through the questions you ask, the interviewer can assess whether you have taken the initiative to understand the company and the position you are applying for, and whether you genuinely want to learn more. On the other hand, not asking questions can make you appear unprepared or uninterested in the position. So, it is definitely beneficial to prepare some questions before each interview!
What questions do employers want to hear?
Support and development questions:
These types of questions help you understand the company's development opportunities and demonstrate your desire to grow together with the company. These questions also allow you to understand the support you can receive in the position. However, be mindful of how you ask your questions! For example, asking "When can I get a promotion?" directly may come across as arrogant. Instead, you can ask the following questions:
- "What kind of support I would be able to access for my professional development?"
- "What support do you provide to new graduates joining your company?"
- "What advice would you give to someone starting to work at your company?"
- "How do you help your team members grow professionally?"
Work structure and experience questions:
Questions about work structure and experience aim to help you gain a deeper understanding of the position itself and demonstrate your interest in learning and genuine concern for the position and the company. These questions can also help you make a decision about the position as you can learn things beyond the job description.
- "In general, how does the [company/team/department] operate?"
- "What projects will I be involved in?"
- "What are the initial challenges for new graduates in this position?"
- "What is a typical day like in this position?"
- "What projects do graduates usually participate in at [company name]?"
- "How would you describe the company culture here?”
Questions Specific to the Interviewer:
Asking questions related to the interviewer can come in handy, especially if they have been working at the company for some time. This is a great opportunity to turn the tables and help you truly understand the company culture. It is crucial to do thorough research for these types of questions, and you should try to learn as much as possible about the company and the interviewer.
- "Why did you decide to join this company?" (This is a good question that shows your personal interest in the interviewer.)
- "Why have you been working at [company name] for such a long time? What keeps you interested and engaged?"
- "What do you enjoy about working here?"
- "What projects are you currently involved in?"
- "Could you provide more details about the growth plans/company vision you mentioned?”
Good questions to ask at the end:
Here are some questions you can ask at the end of the interview to leave a good impression! You can inquire about the selection process and what you can do to make the next steps of the recruitment go smoothly.
- "What can I do to prepare for the next steps of the recruitment process?""What are the next steps in the hiring process?”
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Asking questions at the end of an interview is crucial because it allows you to showcase your interest and level of preparation for the position and the company. These questions help you understand development opportunities, work structure, and experiences, while also demonstrating your focus on professional growth and company culture. By asking questions, you can demonstrate your proactive and positive attitude, leaving a lasting impression on the employer.
When preparing for an interview, take the time to research the company and the position so that you can ask questions that will impress the employer. Avoid asking questions that are overly arrogant or too basic, and make sure your questions demonstrate your understanding of the position and resonance with the company's values.
Remember, an interview is a two-way process, and you want to ensure that the job aligns with your expectations and goals. Along with asking questions about support, development opportunities, and job experiences, you can gain a better understanding of the job content and prospects.
Finally, don't forget to express your gratitude to the interviewer and convey your excitement about the opportunity at the end of the interview. This polite and concluding gesture can leave a positive impression.
We hope this guide helps you ask wise and valuable questions during your interviews. Wishing you success in your interviews and finding a job that satisfies you!