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Don’t squander the reverse interview
At the end of every job interview, you will get asked, “Do you have any questions for me?”
There is only one correct answer here: yes! You absolutely should have questions for the interviewer, for two reasons:
- You gain valuable insights about life at the company.
- It signals that you are a curious and thoughtful job seeker.
But not all questions are created equal. Here’s what to keep in mind for the 5 to 10 minute reverse interview at the end of each job interview.
First, what not to do: Don’t ask about the interviewer’s favorite flavor of coffee in the microkitchen—at least not as your first question! Your questions should demonstrate a thoughtful consideration of the job’s responsibilities, rather than a frivolous detail about a perk.
The best question reveals an understanding of the company’s future, your future, and how those two paths could mutually benefit each other. Some examples:
- Mentioning a concern or idea you had based on a recent launch the company had, and asking if the company has considered it.
- Sharing a specific characteristic about your working style, and asking how it could benefit the team or your career at the company.
A template for good interviewer questions doesn’t exist because the questions are inherently unique to the company, your role, and your background. However, here are some general ideas for inspiration:
- “What is the biggest challenge facing the company in the next 6 months?” By asking about problems, you show that you care about the company and its future. You want to bring your experience to overcome these challenges.
- “What’s the best thing that you have learned at this company?” This is a much better version of the “favorite coffee” question. You can and should ask the interviewer about their lived experience, but with a focus on growth: How can the company help you learn and grow as an engineer?
—Rahul
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