Second Interview Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Despite having all the necessary academic documents, dressing well, and giving all the correct answers during an interview you might be wondering why you never got the job. An interview is a tricky encounter. What else would we expect when an employer is trying to look for someone to maybe increase profits or provide the necessary foundation for a new business?

In addition to the proper grooming, good presentation, and preparing to give the answers, an interviewee must be ready to ask the employer a few questions. You might have the job throughout the whole process, with the necessary qualifications and skills only to lose it when the potential employer sits back and asks you, “Do you have any questions for me?”

At this moment many people think the interview is over and want to rush out of the interview room after performing very well in answering questions. The interview is not over.  This is a transition to the next phase of the interview. Be confident and ask the following questions:

1. Which qualities are you looking for in a potential employee?

This question is aimed at understanding the thinking of your employer. It will help you once you get the job and you are not in direct contact with the boss. It shows the employer that you are totally interested in taking the job.  Whichever answer he gives follow it up with a short confident remark that the employer has found the right person for the job or that once hired you are ready to fulfill the employer’s desire since you have the qualities.

2. How did I perform in the interview?

They never like this question but ask it. Even if they like employees that are cooperative, employers also like employees that can ask those hard critical questions. It shows boldness and courage to face any outcome.  Employers crave positivity and asking about your performance portrays it well. It builds some sort of relationship with the employer if they give an honest assessment. They will tell you about the things they have liked and those that you can improve on. If the employer gives a short answer like you performed well or your performance was encouraging push further by asking the specific questions on what they liked about you during the interview and those things the employer thinks you can improve on.  This will help you assess the chances of getting the job and prepare for future interviews.

3. How did you choose the interview candidates?

Try to find out more on the criteria used to have you among the interviewees. The employer will never call you in for an interview if they don’t have a feeling that you are suitable for the job.  Find out about the potential or skills they were looking for. It helps to understand the strengths you possess.

4. What are my chances of getting the job?

This question is aimed at understanding the competition you are facing from other applicants. It shows the employer that you have the desire to work for them. Some employers will give you their honest assessment, others will tell you to wait and see or they cannot answer that question until they have interviewed all the other candidates and others will simply refuse to answer the question. All in all, it does no harm and it is actually a question that depending on the answers will decide your next course of action like keep on trying elsewhere or be ready to be a potential employee of the company.

5. When can I start working?

To some interviewers, this question is too cocky but to some, this question is enough to give the interviewee the job. It shows the right desire and creates the impression that you are ready for the job.  Employers love people who are up to the task and this question proves it beyond a reasonable doubt.

6. What do you demand from your employees?

Some people believe that this question is similar to the one on qualities an employer is looking for. This is not the case. This question is aimed at trying to understand your potential employer. Employers spend a reasonable time during the interview asking questions that help in knowing whether an applicant fits in the desired profile of an employee. It is only fair that the interviewee returns the favor by trying to understand the boss they will be getting.

7. Apart from the ones described in the advertisement, which other responsibilities can I be assigned?

This question is aimed at understanding the job. It shows being serious or a good level of commitment from the applicant.  It also helps you plan on how you intend to go about the job once you get it. Try to find out everything you can from the employer on the nature of the job you have applied for. Find out about the departments you will be working with and the management structure you will be operating under.

8. What are the challenges should I expect to face in this job?

It is good to be aware of the problems you might face in the job so as to come up with ways to solve them in advance. This is a very important question especially in situations where the vacancy has been made available through dismissal of the previous employee.

A job interview is a two-way process. There is a common belief that it is rude for employees to ask their employers any questions. During a job interview, it is actually the opposite. Not asking any questions creates a very negative impression. It shows a lack of interest or desire from the applicant to get the job. Employers love confident people and asking questions is a very efficient way to display confidence. It is, however, important to note asking questions alone does not guarantee you the chance of getting the job. Other factors such as grooming and presentation come hand in hand during the interview. However, with some of the questions above the stakes are raised in your favor.

Job Interview Topics – Common Job Interview Questions & Answers

Below you can find a list of common job interview topics. Each link will direct you to an article regarding the specific topics that discuss commonly asked interview questions. Furthermore, each article discusses why the interviewer asks these questions and how you answer them!

1. Accomplishments
2. Adaptability
3. Admission
4. Behavioral
5. Career Change
6. Career Goals
7. Communication
8. Competency
9. Conflict Resolution
10. Creative Thinking
11. Cultural Fit
12. Customer Service
13. Direct
14. Experience
15. Government
16. Graduate
17. Growth Potential
18. Honesty & Integrity
19. Illegal
20. Inappropriate
21. Job Satisfaction
22. Leadership
23. Management
24. Entry-Level & No experience
25. Performance-Based
26. Personal
27. Prioritization & Time Management
28. Problem-solving
29. Salary
30. Situational & Scenario-based
31. Stress Management
32. Teamwork
33. Telephone Interview
34. Tough
35. Uncomfortable
36. Work Ethic