Candidates often wonder whether they should ask any questions to their job interviewers. Our advice is to look at the job interview as an opportunity for both the employer and the candidate to find out information relevant to the job. For the interviewer, this is a chance to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and character in order to determine if the person is the right fit for the job position. On the other hand, candidates are deciding whether they can see their future in the organisation or if choosing a certain position is the right career move for them. They should follow the lead of the interviewer, but also feel encouraged to ask meaningful questions. Questions asked by candidates during a job interview, besides providing valuable information about the position, show a genuine interest and increase chances of getting hired. Based on our experience, we present 5 questions you need to be asking at your next job interview.

Where does my background stand compared to other candidates?

For 67% of recruiters, the lack of high-quality candidates is the biggest challenge in hiring. This is why one of the most common questions you’d be asked at a job interview is: ‘’What sets you apart from other candidates’’? Your response helps the interviewer find out how you would benefit the company and whether you stand out from your competition. For you as a candidate, asking how your background compares to other candidates at the end of a job interview, gives you an insight into whether you will move forward in the interview process or not. It also creates an opportunity for you to hear what is relevant to the recruiter and demonstrate those preferred skills.

Is there anything that concerns you about my background being a good fit for this role?

Although it might be difficult to hear the response, asking this question at the job interview could be a good strategy to remove any doubts interviewer has about you being the right choice for the role. It demonstrates your commitment to understanding your prospects as a candidate and gives you a chance to prove you want this job even if your background doesn't match completely.

What will be the biggest challenges for me to face coming into this position?

Asking what to expect is a good way forward. It helps you get prepared for your role and understand what are the skills and knowledge you would need for the new position. The response you get will tell you if you are a good fit and help you imagine yourself in your future role.

How is your company promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity?

Most interviewers will happily tell you their company supports diversity and inclusion. But the key is to learn if they have actually taken actionable steps to diversify the workplace and offer equal growth opportunities.

Are they identifying and eliminating barriers that prevent the full participation of some individuals or groups? Is the company culture inclusive and open for everyone to achieve their fullest potential? Answers to these questions at the first job interview will reveal how responsible the company is and how much they appreciate and care for their employees. You will easily decide whether you share the same values and if you see your future here.

What was the impact of the COVID-19 on your business and how are you, personally, dealing with the effects of the pandemic on your job?

Finally, after all the ‘’professional talking’’, this is a chance to build a more personal connection with your interviewer. Questions like ‘’How challenging has remote hiring been for you?’’ and ‘’Have you been able to manage remote workforce?’’ moves focus to the recruiter and opens a dialogue where they can share their experience with welcoming new workers and coordinating the team virtually.

Over the last five years, the number of remote workers has grown by 44%, with the COVID pandemic having the greatest influence. Long-term remote working caused by the pandemic also had negative effects on the HR sector and the process of training new employees.  Asking how the interviewer managed to adapt to the new working conditions demonstrates your social skills, such as empathy and compassion with others. In most cases, you will get an honest response and leave a very positive impression on the interviewer.

Final thoughts

By answering your interviewers’ questions regarding your experience, education and skills, you provide valuable information for them to get to know you. But the end of the interview is your chance to learn about the organisation and people you are considering working with. We advise you to use this time wisely and ask well-thought-out questions. By carefully choosing what to ask, you will eliminate the unnecessary questions and focus only on the important information you need. This will allow you to leave the interview with a better idea of whether or not the job is right for you. It is worth mentioning that this part of the job interview will have a big impact on how your interviewer remembers you. This is a good time to show your interest and enthusiasm in the position you are applying for.

At Green Recruitment Solutions, our consultants are world-class, are great people to work with and are experts within their sector specialism. If you are a candidate in search of a new role within the green industry sector, please contact Irfan Lohiya on:

T: +44 121 285 6070
M: +44 7580 170 406
E: ilohiya@greenrs.co.uk
W: greenrs.co.uk