Copied from the newsletter of Zuzanna | AI Flavours ☕️ (@aiflavours) / Twitter

About the classic question for questions: "So, what do you want to know about Imaginary Inc.? Do you have any questions for us?". Avoid silence or being shy:​

Why is this question important?

If you did something like that or if you're absolutely unprepared for this type of question - don't worry, I've been there, I've done that. There's no shaming in that.

One of the reasons we're not sure what to ask is the dynamics we're being taught about the interview process. We're being told the interview is for the company - it is their chance to examine us, verify our capabilities and skill and see if we fit the job. We should let go of this mentality.

The interview process is simultaneously for them, and for you. It is your chance to verify if the position you're applying for is exactly what was written in the job posting, to check how the employees are treated, to guarantee your stability and many, many more. Treat it as a first date - it would be weird if only one person was able to say "no", wouldn't it?

The interview shouldn't be treated as an exam - it is your chance to build a relationship with the interviewer and get to know if the company is a right fit for you.

So what to ask about?

This is why I want to show you some example questions you can ask during your next interview and explain why you should ask them.

​Questions about the company/team

1. Can you tell me how the company is planning to grow in the next 5

years?* - this can give you the information on how the company see their progress so far and in the future and tell you what is the potential for you to work there long term

2. What management/leadership techniques are being used to execute

projects successfully? *- you can get to know the hierarchy in the company and get a sneak peak if you're going to be left by yourself or you'll have mentors to look up to when you work there

3. Can you tell me about the team events that are happening in the

company? *- with this one you can see if the company's goal is to integrate the team and organise some team building activities

​Questions about the position

1. What does the typical day of someone in this position look like? *-

this will give you more information about your potential day to day activities

2. What skills are you looking for to fill in your current team? *-

most often companies hire new employees because they lack someone for a specific aspect of their work - ask what the aspect is

3. What are the accomplishments someone in this position should achieve

in the first X months? *- ask this to see what is expected from you if you get the job

​Questions about your growth in the company

1. What is the common career path for someone working in the position

I'm applying for? *- ask this one if you want to get to know if the company has a long term plan for you and your position

2. Are there any training or certifications available for your

employees? *- see if the company is prepared to invest in your growth and skills development

3. What does your onboarding process look like? *- by asking this you

will check if you're going to be left on your own to figure everything out in your first days or someone will help you

​

I hope those questions will help you see that the company shouldn't only require things from you - you should require things from the company too. You have the right to be respected in your position no matter your age, experience or stage in your life.