Questions to ask at an interview

[ilovespinach]

I've got an interview tomorrow. It's just for a Team Admin role in a big medical research company. I last worked in an office before the kids were born so I'm a bit nervous....

I've prepared a PowerPoint presentation of my cv. I think that will be ok. I'm mindful that the hiring managers will ask me if I have any questions to ask.

Can anyone give me any tips?

Where do you see the career of someone in this role going?

What is the best thing about working here?

What is your management style?

How would you describe the culture here?

What’s the reason for the vacancy?

How many people does this role support?

What is the team like?

Brilliant!!

If I'm being a bit show-off-y and it hasn't already come up in the interview, I sometimes ask a question whose purpose really is to show off how much research I've done, e.g. "I see on the company website you have developed a new strategy on ABC, how is that being implemented in practice?" or "How is the new legal development on XYZ affecting your department" - but I would always gauge the tone of the interview before asking these as I wouldn't want it to seem like I'm grilling them!

Equally sometimes I will ask questions like 'how would you describe your management style' or 'what is the culture of the team' - but again some people don't like that kind of question.

The one about why the vacancy has come up is a good one as depending on how honest they are (!) it can tell you a lot about the role.

It's fine to ask a few practical or selfish questions too like how soon you will hear back from them, whether flexible working is supported, whether there would be any training/learning and development associated with the role or what the career progression would be too, I always think this shows a candidate genuinely is keen for the role. I would save salary negotiations or questions about whether you can have a designated spot in the car park or Tuesday afternoons off or whatever for when you've been offered the role though!

Ok I'm going to ask what training and development is offered. How soon do I need to wait to hear back from them and how many people the role supports.

Thanks!

What does success look like? If I get the job, what will make you look back in six/twelve months' time and know that you made the right choice?

I know I'm the right person for this role, but is there anything else you need to hear from me that will help convince you?