Here we explore how to answer “Do you have any questions?” in a job interview and provide several examples of questions you can answer.
Do you have any questions?
It is not uncommon to be asked, “Do you have any questions?” by an interviewer towards the end of a job interview.
While this question sounds simple, it plays an important role in how you perceive the hiring manager.
Preparing some quality questions will ensure that you are ready to answer that question and can help differentiate yourself from the competition.
Some other formulas
Some of the frequently asked questions related to the question “Do you have any questions?” are many and have more than one form, here are some of them:
- Would you like to ask us?
- Do you have any questions for us?
- Would you like to say any other information?
Why does the interviewer ask you this question?
Since the question “Do you have any questions?” is common at the end of every type of job interview, it makes sense to plan ahead and prepare.
Make a list of the questions you want answered and remember that your questions may change slightly depending on the interviewer. For examples:
- If you're meeting with someone from Human Resources, for example, your questions might focus on the interview process or the general organization of the company.
- If you are interviewing the person who will be your manager, you may ask specific questions about your intended role or about the hiring process for new employees.
How to prepare for an answer
Answering the question “Do you have any questions?” is to answer with a question. Your questions should make it clear that you were engaged during the interview and quickly gained a sense of the company's goals and priorities.
You can go back to previous moments in the interview or build news within the company or its market. Always aim to ask open-ended questions, not questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no".
Examples of answering the question
Sample responses can help you understand how to carefully answer the question “Do you have any questions?”. Consider these sample answers to help inspire you to prepare your own answer:
Can you share more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
If I am assigned to this role, what do you want me to achieve in my first two months?
What mechanisms are in place for performance reviews and when do I receive my first formal evaluation?
What do you think is the most important indicator of success in this role?
How would you describe the organization's management style?
What makes you happy to go to work every day?
How long have you been in the company?
Can you talk about the company culture?
What is the biggest challenge facing the company?
What are the company's goals for the next year?
Don't ask these questions
It may be an open question, but that doesn't mean you can ask any question. Stay away from questions related to the following topics:
1- Activities outside work
It's a good idea to ask questions about the culture on the job, but steer clear of inquiries that focus on non-work activities, such as happy hour outings, lunch, or vacation.
These types of questions will make you seem uninterested in actually doing the work, which is not the right impression to leave.
2- Interviewer’s personal life or office gossip
Give interviewees the same courtesy you want them to give you by not asking about their family, living situation, or gossip about people you may know.
3- Things you can answer on your own
If your question can be answered easily with a quick online search or just a peek at the company’s website, skip it.
Time wasting questions will not be appreciated. Interviewers expect that you will research the company and learn the basics.
4- Salary and benefits
If it is a first-round interview, setting salary and benefits may make you seem uninterested in the job and the company, and focus only on yourself.
5- Too complex or multi-part questions
Asking multi-part questions can confuse interviewees, such as:
- What are some of the latest developments in your company?
- How much can I expect to earn during the first year?
- What do employees do to have fun with colleagues after work?
- Do you have children?
- Is this a child friendly business owner?
- What are the five strategic goals of the organization during the next five years?