Questions YOU should ask at an interview

When attending a job interview, you're usually so concerned about the questions you'll be asked by the interviewer that the idea of asking them any questions doesn't even enter your mind. It's very common to have the mindset that if you're offered a job you should take it, no questions asked. 

But the moment when the interviewer asks the obligatory "do you have any questions?" is the perfect time to find out more about the ins and outs of what you may end up doing. After all, surely you want to know everything about the company you may be about to work for?

Moving abroad adds a whole new list of questions you may need to ask the interviewer, as there are many more things to consider. It's always best to ask if you have any doubts or burning questions, as you don't want to end up on the other side of the world regretting not asking that one question which could have saved you a lot of heartache and stress.

Below are a list of questions you should always ask at an interview to help you make an informed decision about whether you do actually want the job and if it's right for you.

Can you tell me more about the company?

Obviously, if you've been told about the company during the interview, you may want to leave this one out. However, if you've only talked about your role, use this opportunity to find out where you will fit in and what the work environment is like.

Is this position a new or existing one?

This can help give you an idea of what’s expected of you, and where you fit in within the workplace. If the role is new, then ask why it’s been created or how your performance will be measured. If it’s an existing one, ask who you’ll be replacing, to give you a better impression of how you can work to your fullest potential.

How many other people are there in the team?

If you’re going to be working as part of a bigger team, it’s always worth having an idea of who it consists of. What are their specific roles, and will they be working closely with you? Again, this is a good way of finding out where you fit within the company.

What would my day-to-day responsibilities be?

Find out what a typical day in the job would involve. Ask about your area of responsibility, and what the expectations of you are. This way, there will be no surprises when you turn up on the first day.

Are there any chances of promotion?

How does the role you are applying for fit into the company’s long-term plans? Is there a clearly defined career path? This is a good way to show that you are looking to progress in your career, and that you are keen to develop. It's probably best not to tell your future employer that you want their job, but showing ambition is always good.

What are the company’s plans for the future?

This shows that you’re interested about the business as a whole, and not just the role you're applying for. It's also good to find out if there are any plans for development or the creation of new jobs that you may be interested in in the future.

It goes without saying that these questions won't apply to all interviews. You may find out the answer to some during the interview itself, or they simply might not be relevant. The important thing is that you ask questions in the first place. By showing interest in the company and the role you are applying for, it proves to the interviewer that you see this job as a career and not just a temporary fix.

For more information on all aspects of starting a new job abroad, the interview process, and a selection of our current available jobs, have a look at the Acorn Global website.

Helen Lock