Successful interviews aren’t just about giving the right answers, but are also about asking the right questions. While it may seem like asking the interviewer your final questions is the simplest part of an interview, it is actually one of the most important. It provides the perfect opportunity to reflect your genuine interest in the company and show that you have done your research. Good questions also display positive characteristics like intelligence and curiosity. Asking questions are also important for informing your decision to accept if you were given the job offer.  Take the time to prepare three or so questions before your interview and check out these six stand out questions to ask:    

1. How would you describe the culture here?

This is a great question for giving you a greater sense of what it would be like to work at the company. It can provide you with a lot of valuable information for making a decision if offered the job, and whether the company culture is something you’d like to be a part of and could see yourself fitting into.

2.  What is the general management style of the company?

This is another key question for gaining important information to make an educated decision to accept the job. It will help you judge if your own preferences and work style are a good fit with that of your potential future employer and colleagues. See if the management style aligns with your preferred work style.  

3. What would make someone successful in this position?

This question reflects that you are ready to succeed on this job, and are looking to raise the bar and exceed expectations. The interviewer’s answer can also give you valuable insight into what qualities he/she may be looking for in a candidate. This question can also be positively re-directed at you if you describe how you fit those qualities.

4. What is the biggest challenge facing the company/department right now, and would I be in a position to help you solve this problem?

This question reflects that you are already envisioning working in the job, and how you can help the team. It also can help you uncover different trends and issues in the industry. If you can respond to the challenge with a possible step towards a solution or identify ways in which your skills might help, even better. You’ve set yourself up as someone who likes to take initiative, and is someone to rely on.

5. What do you like best about working for this company?

This question allows the interviewer to connect with you on a more personal level. The way in which the interviewer responds to this question is worth noting. If they respond in a way that reflects passion or enthusiasm, take it as a sign that you are onto a good thing. It can help discern if the company aligns with your own values, and also offers additional insight into the company culture.

6. Is there anything about my background or resume that makes you question whether I am a good fit for this role?

This question displays you are highly invested in the job and allows you the opportunity to respond to any of their potential concerns or reservations, and reassure them that you are a good fit for the position. It can also give you an idea of what skills you can improve upon or work experience you can gain to be a stronger candidate. This is a good way to reflect the interview back onto you as a candidate, and wrap up the interview with confidence.