Question: “What would be the best questions to ask while being interviewed by an employer?” –Kiele M., Hyattsville, MD
Answer: A faux pas you can commit after your interview is staring blankly at the hiring manager when he or she asks: “do you have any questions for me?”
Not only is having no questions telling of your lack of true interest or passion in the organization, it also signifies a basic lack of preparation. Below, some questions you might consider asking to best get a feel for the role you are essentially auditioning for:
- What are some of the challenges someone in this role might face?
This will give you an honest glimpse into the not-so-glamorous elements that the job entails, which will help provide a more multifaceted portrait of the role that you might not glean from the posting or interview alone.
- What supplemental training programs, if any, are available for your employees?
The right organizations invest in their teams. This question will help determine if your potential employer puts in the time to train you and other employees beyond the basics.
- Where do you see the organization going in the years to come?
This can offer a look into what changes might be implemented in the future, or what kind of direction the organization might go after you are brought onboard.
You don’t need to have a thirty-minute Q&A session time-blocked in your head. In fact, you should only ask one to three questions, max. Avoid sneaking in two-part questions, get directly to the point and you will find yourself asking insightful and informed questions—just like the pros!
Nurys Harrigan-Pedersen is president of Careers In Nonprofits, the experts in nonprofit staffing and recruiting with offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C.