You need to ask questions in a job interview, but what questions?

Asking questions during a job interview is one of those things most HR experts advise candidates to do. One, it is the best way to know the company you are applying at and if you would make a good fit. It also gives the company a gauge of whether you are really interested in them. You would be able to prove your communication and analytic skills "“ that is, if you ask the right job interview questions.

But then, candidates put too much focus on formulating the best job interview answer to interview questions that they forget to think of strategic questions they can ask their interviewers. They often think that interviewers should do the questioning, and applicants should only come up with the best answers. However, applicants need to be prepared not just in answering interview questions, but also in taking part in a livelier interaction with the interviewer.

Here is a selection of questions we think would make you a great candidate should you ask them on a job interview:

1. Could you describe to me your ideal candidate for this post?

With an open-ended question such as this, you will be able to make the company place its cards on the table. If the interviewer mentions something that still has not been covered on the interview, you will be able to point out how you fit the bill.

2. What do you enjoy most about working in the company?

The question allows you and the interviewer to connect on a more personal level. Moreover, you can uncover the level of satisfaction employees have with the company. Of course, if the interviewer finds it difficult to answer the question, this should be a huge red flag for you.

3. Do you have any reservations about my qualifications?

This is one gutsy question should you choose to ask it. It shows how confident you are in your qualifications without sounding obnoxious. The interviewer's answer should also provide you instant feedback, something you could benefit from whether you advance to the next phase or not.

4. Can you tell me about group that I would be working with?

The question is confidently phrased, yet it does not sound assuming or presumptuous. You would sound genuinely excited in knowing the various personalities your prospective team is composed of.

5. What is the company's idea of success?

This question shows the company your level of interest, as well as how driven and success-oriented you are. Moreover, the answers you get may let you determine whether you culturally fit in the company in the sense that you can match your definition of success with the company's.

6. What is expected of me in the next six months or during my probationary period?

Good employers would have a trajectory for the roles of every employee in their company. Find out what you are expected to accomplish in the immediate future, or to delivery to become a regular employee. From the answers, you will be able to gauge whether your pace and the way you work sets you to accomplish their expectations.

7. What is the onboarding process for new employees?

With the answers, you will get to see how the company supports new employees. Are they encouraged to feel like they are part of the team as early as Day 1 or are they just left to their own devices?

8. How does this position support the company's overall mission and vision?

By asking this question, you are putting yourself in a position where you want to know whether your future role will contribute to the development of the company. It will appear like you are not only interested in getting into the company to simply get a job, but see whether you actually make a difference.

9. Where do you see the company 5 or 10 years from now?                     Â

This is the perfect complement to the standard "Where do you see yourself 10 years from now" recruiters love to ask interviewees. From the answer, you will gt a peek into the level of confidence the interviewer has in the company. Moreover, it will allow you to match your future plans and see if you and the company are on the same page in terms of prospects.

10. Why are you hiring?

This is perhaps the most important question candidates need to know the answer for and yet somehow forget to ask. So many candidates have regretted saying yes to a position not knowing why the company is hiring only to find themselves uncovering a can of worms "“ employees leaving, the previous person was treated poorly, the company has a habit of not delivering on promises "“ but alas, it's too late because they are already working in the company.

You should know that companies get a bit iffy towards candidates who, eventhough give one good job interview answer after another, do not ask anything when given the chance in a job interview. Not knowing what to ask during that segment of the job interview may be perceived as lack of interest in the position or the company, a sense of discomfort in being the one asking questions, or even a lack of confidence or communication skills. So, consider these questions and ask the most suitable ones for the company you are applying at so you can also see if the company matches your expectations.

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