Five Interview Followup Questions

The worst is over. You reach the end of an interview, and the interviewer asks if you have any questions. Then you freeze.

When you focus on having the right answers to their questions, it can be difficult to remember to get answers to your questions. Asking the right questions can leave a positive, lasting impression and also reiterate your interest in the position.

Read these tips and never again end an interview with an awkward, "I think I'm all set."

1. Show You Did Your Research—You should know your interviewer's career and the company's history front and back. Ask a thoughtful question that not only shows you did your research but relates to your position within the greater organization.

2. The Future—Where do you see this business going in the next five years? How can you play a role in that future development? How do they measure performance, and what benchmarks do they use to show success in the organization? Asking these questions will show that you are dedicated to the organization's success as a whole and want to play an active role in its growth and development.

3. Previous Employees—What are some strengths of the people who have held this position in the past? Why were they successful, and what makes them stand out to you? This question shows your motivation and commitment to excellence.

4. Direct Report—Ask to whom you will be directly reporting to. Not only will it help you understand your role within a broader context, but it will also clue you in on the position's interpersonal component.

5. Timeline—Ask your interviewers what their hiring timelines are. Knowing their hiring timelines is important for you to determine your appropriate follow-up time and to gather when it might be a good idea to move on to a new opportunity. Asking about the next steps is critical to ensure you and the interviewer are on the same page.

Asking the right follow-up questions not only guarantees you are obtaining all of the information you need to make an informed decision about working with the company but shows your dedication to the position and communication skills.

Using these questions as a guideline and creating thoughtful questions will show your potential employer that you would make an excellent addition to their company. Now get yourself out there, and good luck!

The Azara Group (TAG) is a consulting firm that promotes the development of leaders in an increasingly competitive and diverse marketplace—providing strategy consulting services and leadership training services to advance professional and life success. TAG leverages expertise in career strategy, diversity, negotiation skills, and business acumen to provide strategic advice and consulting services to help people and organizations get what they want, achieve their goals, and advance their business and career objectives. TAG also helps companies better attract, retain, and promote diverse talent, and develop robust diversity platforms and strategies to create a more inclusive workplace.

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