Advice
It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the company website and other online resources to ensure the questions you are asking are not mundane, or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of items you could have found the answers to from merely watching a video on their company site!
Here are some sample questions:
- When would you like to have this position filled?
- How long has this role been vacant?
- Is this a replacement search or a newly created role?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What is the company's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
- What do you see as the most significant change in this industry over the past three years?
- Is there any reason why you would not hire me?
3D Animator answer example
"Thank you for asking - I do have a few questions. What is top of mind when it comes to filling this role? In addition, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates who are also interviewing for this position?"
Academic Advisor answer example
"Yes, I do have a couple of questions. First, could you tell me a little bit about your growth plan for this upcoming school year? Second, what is your timeline for making this hiring decision?"
Academic Dean answer example
"A few questions do come to mind. What is the biggest goal for your school this year? And, what is your proudest accomplishment since working with this university?"
Actor and Actress answer example
"Do you remember rolling your eyes when the girl in your English class would ask a question about a character in a book that she would have known the answer to if she had just read the whole chapter? Well, that's kind of how casting directors feel when an actor asks questions that they could have found the answers to on their own.
'Do you have any questions' is often another way of saying 'Are you ready' Be prepared to get started right away through researching the story, the character, the director and as much information you can gather about the production details.
Sometimes a director takes a story everyone is familiar with and they put their own spin on it. Knowing that 'Romeo and Juliet' will take place in the 1970's and Juliet will be portrayed as the hippy daughter of a wealthy mobster might make a difference in how you play the role. If these kinds of questions are not answered through your prior investigation, ask! However, be prepared to change the approach you had planned to take in the way you play the character. "
Addiction Counselor answer example
"Could you walk me though a day in the position? Also, what do you like best about working here?"
Addiction Nurse answer example
"Could you walk me through a day in the position? Also, what do you like best about working here?"
Addiction Psychiatrist answer example
"Why do you like working here?"
Admissions Counselor answer example
"Yes, I do have a couple of questions. First, could you tell me a little bit about your growth plan for this upcoming school year? Second, what is your timeline for making this hiring decision?"
Allergist answer example
"Walk me through a day in your clinic."
Anesthesiologist answer example
"Thank you for asking! One question that comes to mind is how many anesthesiologists do you have on staff? Also, is this position a replacement or a newly created opening due to growth?"
Anesthesiologist Assistant answer example
"Why did you choose to work here?"
Animator answer example
"A few come to mind, yes. What is the next major project that you will be tackling? Also, who would I be reporting to in this role?"
Assistant Principal answer example
"A few questions come to mind. What's the next educational technique your school is looking to tackle? Also, what is the next step in your interviewing process?"
Attendance Clerk answer example
"From what I understand this is a newly created position, so can you tell me how you identified the need and what types of duties may not be listed in the job description? I would love to further understand a day in the life of an attendance clerk with your school."
Bacteriologist answer example
"Why did you choose to work here?"
Bank Teller answer example
"Thank you for asking - I do have a few questions. What is top of mind when it comes to filling this role? Also, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates who are also interviewing for this position?"
Benefits Manager answer example
"Absolutely! What are you looking for in an ideal candidate? What type of pain points is your organization currently experiencing? What is the last successful practice your team implemented and how is it going?"
Biological Scientist answer example
"I have been a fan of your company's projects and research for as long as I can remember and I am curious what the vision is for introducing your research to new markets?"
Border Patrol Officer answer example
"I do have a couple of questions. First, when would you like to have this position filled? And second, are there any required qualifications that you do not see on my resume?"
Budget Analyst answer example
"I have been a fan of your organization ever since I performed a case study on your business strategy for a university course. I am curious what the vision is for expanding in the future to new markets, especially considering the growth of e-commerce solutions."
Claims Adjuster answer example
"A couple of questions come to mind. What type of growth are you expecting to see in the next twelve months? Also, what impact is most important for me to make immediately after starting this role?"
Clinical Research answer example
"I have a couple of questions - thanks for asking! Could you clarify for me if this is a newly created position or a replacement? Also, what is the first thing you would like to see me accomplish in this role?"
Cost Accountant answer example
"A few questions come to mind. Who would you say your biggest clients are at this time and are there new markets that your firm plans to break into in the next few years?"
Critical Care Nurse answer example
"If I were to get this job, what would you need me to do within the first 30 days?"
Dental Assistant answer example
"A couple of questions do come to mind. First, how quickly would you like to have this position filled? Second, is there anything from my background that I can further clarify for you?"
Dental Hygienist answer example
"I would love to know what your timeline is for filling this position. Also, is this role a replacement, or an opening due to growth?"
Dental Laboratory Technician answer example
"I have a couple of quick questions, yes. First, is this a replacement search, or a newly created position due to growth? Next, what is your timeframe for making a hiring decision?"
Dental School answer example
"I would love to learn more about this university, from your perspective. What is the biggest competitive edge this school has over it's competitors?"
Dietitian and Nutritionist answer example
"I have a couple of questions, thank you for asking! First, I am wondering if you can share with me why this position is open? Second, what timeline do you have in mind for filling this position?"
Dishwasher answer example
"Don't let this question catch you by surprise! After you do your research on the restaurant, write down some questions that came up for you. Next, review the restaurant website, and social media accounts, to see if any of those questions can be answered through those resources. Interviewers love to hear intelligent questions about the work environment, and job function. They like to be praised for the ways you are impressed by their reputation, and quality of food. Be strategic in your questions. If you still have uncertainties about the position that need to be clarified, this is an opportunity to get those answers as well."
Dispatcher answer example
"It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the company website and other online resources to ensure the questions you are asking are not mundane, or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of questions you could have found the answers to from simply watching a video on their company site!
Here are some sample questions:
- When would you like to have this position filled?
- How long has this role been vacant?
- Is this a replacement search or a newly created role?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What is the company's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
- What do you see as the biggest change in this industry over the past 3 years?
- Is there any reason why you would not hire me? "
Electrical Technician answer example
"Absolutely! What are you looking for in an ideal candidate? What type of pain points is your organization currently experiencing? What is the last successful project your team implemented?"
Electrician answer example
"Thank you for asking - I do have a few questions. What is top of mind when it comes to filling this role? Also, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates who are also interviewing for this position?"
Environmental Scientist answer example
"I have been a fan of your company's projects and research for as long as I can remember and I am curious what the vision is for introducing your research to new markets?"
Flight Attendant answer example
"Before you have your interview make sure you conduct research on the company and thoroughly review the job description for any clarification you may need on the position. Asking intelligent questions demonstrates to the interviewer your level of interest in their company and with the position.
Tip: If for some reason you are not prepared for the interview and you need to think of questions off the top of your head, ask them questions regarding company culture, traits they are looking for in the ideal candidate, and if there is anything not listed on the job description that this position will be in charge of. Typically pay is not discussed during phone interviews, so avoid asking any payment questions unless they bring it up first.
Example: “What do you enjoy about working here?” "
Forester answer example
"Yes, a few questions come to mind. Why is this position open at this time? Also, what is the career trajectory for this particular role?"
Health Educator answer example
"Why is this position available?"
Health Information Technician answer example
"What is the most important thing that I can accomplish in the first 20 days?"
Host or Hostess answer example
"Be sure to familiarize yourself with the list of duties required for the position. If you do have questions, now would be the time to ask. However, make sure that these questions are not already answered in the job posting. Ask other employees about what it's like to work there before your interview so that you have an idea of what to expect and know which questions to ask. "
Kitchen Manager answer example
"It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the company website and other online resources to ensure the questions you are asking are not mundane, or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of questions you could have found the answers to from simply watching a video on their company site!
Here are some sample questions:
- When would you like to have this position filled?
- How long has this role been vacant?
- Is this a replacement search or a newly created role?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What is the company's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
- What do you see as the biggest change in this industry over the past 3 years?
- Is there any reason why you would not hire me? "
Laboratory Assistant answer example
"I do have a couple of questions. First, what would you like to see me accomplish in my first 30 days as your new lab assistant? Second, is this a replacement or a new opening due to growth?"
Licensed Practical Nurse answer example
"Why do you enjoy working here?"
Manager answer example
"Thank you for asking! A couple of questions come to mind. What do you see as the biggest challenge your company will be facing in the next 12 months? Also, what is your employee turnover rate, and could you tell me a bit about the retention plan you currently have in place?"
Marketing answer example
"A few questions come to mind, so thank you for asking. What's the next market the company is looking to tackle? I know you're launching a bottled beverage soon, so I wonder what is next."
Medical Coder answer example
"When should I expect to hear from you, may I contact you in a day or two?"
Medical Laboratory Technician answer example
"Take advantage of this question! So many times people run for the hills once the interview is over. You always think of the best thing to say once you've left the interview room. Feel free to write your questions down and bring them to the interview with you. A short list of 3 questions will help you keep on track, not ramble and not ask something inappropriate like how often you get smoke breaks.
Here are some sample answers: "Walk me through a day here in your lab." "What would be the one thing you would like accomplished within my first 30 days?" "Why did you choose to work in this lab?"
Medical School answer example
"I would love to learn more about this university, from your perspective. What is the biggest competitive edge your school has over it's competitors?"
MRI Technologist answer example
"I would like to know more about your timeline for this hiring decision. Also, could you share with me why this position is open?"
Nursery and Greenhouse answer example
"It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the company website and other online resources to ensure the questions you are asking are not mundane, or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of questions you could have found the answers to from simply watching a video on their company site!
Here are some sample questions:
- When would you like to have this position filled?
- How long has this role been vacant?
- Is this a replacement search or a newly created role?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What is the company's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
- What do you see as the biggest change in this industry over the past 3 years?
- Is there any reason why you would not hire me? "
Occupational Therapist Assistant answer example
"Being a few miles from a Military Facility I would imagine the caseload would consist of a number of military members, is this the case?"
Optometry School answer example
"I would love to learn more about this university, from your perspective. What is the biggest competitive edge you have over your competitors?"
Phlebotomist answer example
"Why do you enjoy working for this lab?"
Retail answer example
"I would like to ask if there is anything in my background on which you need clarification? Also, after discussing everything today, is there any particular reason why I would not be the best fit for this executive assistant role?"
Sales answer example
"Thank you for asking - I do have a few questions. What is top of mind when it comes to filling this role? Also, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates who are also interviewing for this position?"
Teacher answer example
"I appreciate you opening the floor for questions. I am wondering what your timeline is for a decision on this opening? Also, what was the biggest struggle the last educator encountered in this role?"
Zookeeper answer example
"Before your interview, do your research! Make sure you have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the website to make sure the answers are not obvious. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of questions you could have found the answers to from simply watching a video on their company site! Think of questions that are relevant to the industry. Did you read something about their care for the environment or volunteering? What interests you most about their mission? Some of your questions may be asking for clarifications about something. Other questions might be delving deeper into something that interests you about their vision or their company culture. Put together a list of up to ten questions so that you are prepared!"