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Career Planning: Important Questions You Should Ask Interviewers

Cecile Peterkin -- Don't underestimate the power of asking questions in an interview. Smart questions show your interest in the company, give you an opportunity to learn more about the employer, and help determine if you are a good fit.

One aspect of a job interview that many job seekers tend to overlook is the importance of asking questions of the hiring manager or interviewer. You should formulate questions not just for the sake of asking, but to show your deep interest in the company and the position being offered. The more earnest and serious you are in asking your questions, the more impressed employers are going to be with your wisdom, knowledge, and of course, enthusiasm.

Here are some of the most intelligent questions you should ask an interviewer:

What particular role am I expected to fill?

Yes, you know the job title, but it can only explain so much and does not really give you an idea of what type of person you are expected to be in your job. Remember that you are going to be part of an existing team, so you may want to know if they need a person who’s creative, someone who can mentor other employees, and so on. The point is that you should know what type of person is needed for the position.

How important is this role to the growth of your company?

This question will give you an idea of the level of engagement the organization has. It will also give you an idea of the importance of the role you’re likely to have. With this information, you can better prepare to meet all the expectations the company will have of you.

Who am I going to work with?

This question will give you an insight into the personalities of your future coworkers, as well as the team dynamics as a whole. Remember that these are the people you’re going to spend the entire day with, so it’s important that they be the people you can get along with.

What further skills do I need to develop to do well in this job?

Every job requires technical skills, and soft skills, too. It would give you a great advantage if you could demonstrate to the interviewer that you have certain additional skills that will be appropriate for the position you are looking to fill. If you don’t have those skills yet, at least you have an idea of what you should develop in order to excel in the position in the future.

How do you measure success?

If you want to be successful in your career, you will definitely want to know how your performance and progress will be measured in the company you are to work for. Asking this question also demonstrates your eagerness and drive to advance in your career.

Remember that job interviews are held mainly so employers can get know you, but they are also great opportunities for you to know more about the company. Getting all this vital information about your potential employer will play an important role in the success of your career planning.

Cecile Peterkin is a certified career and retirement coach, and a registered member of the Career Professionals of Canada and the International Coach Federation. She is also the Founder and Senior Career Strategist at Cosmic Coaching Center, provider of career and life management services for middle managers and mid-career professionals across Canada, United States, and Europe.

© 2015 Cecile Peterkin

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The views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.