At some point in every job interview, your interviewer will ask you questions. Unfortunately, many applicants still make the mistake of answering this question with a shake of the head, silence, or in denial. Why? Perhaps because of nervousness, or because you just can’t think of anything to say. Here, the right preparation is the key. You should always have questions. On the one hand, this is your unique opportunity to find out more about the company and perhaps the future workplace, the boss and the working atmosphere. On the other hand, you show your interviewer that you are seriously interested in the job and have prepared yourself intensively for the interview. So make sure you take advantage of this opportunity. But be careful! Not everything that interests you will be well received, and questions should be well considered. Of course, every job interview is different and should be considered individually, but there are a few rules you should follow for your next interview. We have summarized the most important facts for you:

What you should rather not ask…

• What exactly does the company do?
  Detailed questions are great, of course, but you should be able to answer the main questions yourself.
• Can I bring my dog with me?
  This is a question you should rather ask after signing the contract.
• How many employees does your company have?
  Ideally, you should be able to answer this question yourself.
• How long do employees* in your company usually wait for a promotion?
  You don’t even know if you’re hired yet and you’re already thinking about a promotion? That might not go over well at all.
• Which model of car do I get?
  Usually, the employer will address such issues himself/herself, so you should be careful not to be too demanding.
• How much do the employees in the department usually earn?
  This is a legitimate question, but it should be approached differently. Here it makes sense to research the earnings in advance and then ask whether this corresponds to the actual figures.
• How much revenue did the company generate last year?
  Inform yourself in detail about the company beforehand, you should be able to answer such questions yourself.
• Do you check whether your employees use their PC, or cell phone, for private purposes?
  This could be a sign that you are easily distracted at work and like to spend your time on your smartphone, so this is also a no go!



What you should definitely ask…

• What would a typical workday look like in this position?
  This shows that you are seriously interested in this position and would like to start right away. In addition, you will even
  learn something new about your potential tasks.
• How are employees promoted at your company?
  With this question you let your counterpart know that you are willing to learn new things and do not stop at learning gifts.
• How do you deal with ideas, suggestions and feedback from your employees?
  This question should of course suit you as a person, but it shows that you are also open to criticism and would like to actively contribute to the company.
• How would you describe the corporate culture?
  With this question you can check whether the company’s culture suits you at all.
• What does the rest of the application process look like?
  You definitely have a right to know how things will proceed and what the next steps are.

Please keep in mind that every interview is different and you should always ask what you are interested in. Nevertheless, it makes sense to think about what is appropriate and what is not. We hope this little guide has made it easier for you to prepare for your next interview. Do you still have questions or are you currently looking for a suitable job? Then get in touch with us. We will accompany you throughout the entire application process and find companies that really suit you and your personality.