Best Questions to Ask in a Job Interview in 2023

During a job interview, asking good questions is essential. Not only can it offer valuable insights into a company's values, culture, and day-to-day tasks, but it's also one of the best ways to engage and impress a potential employer, in addition to demonstrating your interest in the job.

Naturally, interviewing for a new position can be a nerve-racking experience for many job seekers, especially for those wishing to find work as soon as possible. In the heat of the moment, it can be difficult to know what questions to ask.

Keep reading to learn some of the best questions during a job interview in 2023 so you can make a great impression and get the job you want.

3 Tips to Make a Good Impression in a Job Interview

Factors like industry, geographical area, and the nature of the job itself (full-time vs. part-time, salaried vs. hourly positions, etc.) can play a role in which questions are best to ask a potential employer, not to mention how and when to phrase them.

In other words, the best exact questions to ask an interviewer can vary from employee to employee based on their unique circumstances. To avoid getting bogged down in technicalities and establish which questions are most appropriate for you, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:

Tip 1: Personalize your questions.

In today’s automated world, it’s important to humanize ourselves and engage in sincere conversation. Avoiding generic language when phrasing questions is important, as it can help the interviewer visualize you in the role you’re interviewing for and maximize your chance of receiving an offer.

Tip 2: Build off of the conversation.

Reciting a mental checklist of generic questions after an interview is unlikely to impress a potential employer. While it’s normal for applicants to feel pressured to ask questions after an interview, job seekers should take care to build off conversation in the interview itself.

Using current topics and subjects as segues into new questions can show potential employers that an applicant can actively listen and retain new information, is motivated by genuine intentions, and was consistently engaged throughout the duration of the interview.

Tip 3: Ask specific and/or open-ended questions when possible.

Again, it's best to avoid the monotony of reciting basic, scripted questions at the conclusion of an interview. Applicants typically benefit from structuring their inquiries as specifically as possible. If this isn't doable, sticking to open-ended questions is another best practice, as it enforces fewer restrictions on the quantity and quality of the interviewer's answers.

12 Questions to Impress Potential Employers in Job Interviews

Having a successful job interview is essential for any employee looking to make a good impression on potential employers. Asking the right questions can be just as important as having the right answers. Knowing what to ask and how to phrase it can help you stand out from other applicants and show that you are genuinely interested in the position.

Consider these top 12 questions to impress a potential employer in 2023:

• What is a typical day in the life of someone in this position?
• What are some typical challenges faced by someone in this role?
• What are some quantifiable expectations for someone in this role?
• How long and/or intensive is the training process for this position?
• How often does the company conduct performance reviews?
• How are one-on-ones or performance reviews structured?
• Is the nature of this role more collaborative or autonomic?
• How much flexibility can this position offer in terms of hours, scheduling, and pay?
• What are some typical opportunities for advancement in this position?
• What are the company’s current goals?
• What are the company’s long-term goals?
• How would you describe the company’s values?

3 Signs of Discrimination During the Hiring Process

Unfortunately, some companies engage in unethical practices during hiring processes, knowingly or otherwise. It's crucial for job hunters to stay alert for signs of discrimination while applying and interviewing for new positions.

Not only can discriminatory hiring practices prevent deserving candidates from getting hired, but in the event that an unsuspecting employee receives an offer from a discriminatory employer, they’re at risk of jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Discrimination during the hiring process can be difficult to recognize, but there are some warning signs that job seekers should be aware of. Consider the following signs of discrimination during the hiring and interview process:

• The interview inquires about a protected class. One of the most common forms of discrimination is when employers ask questions pertaining to a protected class under the EEOC. These classifications include a candidate's age, race, religion, gender, sex, or disability. This type of questioning is illegal and can be a sign that the employer is discriminating against potential applicants.
• The interviewer uses offensive or otherwise questionable language. Certain slang and slurs, no matter how oblivious or well-intentioned, can indicate potential discrimination within the company.
• The interviewer asks about your personal life in a way that lacks relevance or context. It’s one thing to establish rapport with an interviewer and engage in more personal conversation, but there’s a big difference between a reciprocal conversation and discriminatory questions. For example, asking inappropriate questions without context or explanation—such as how many children a candidate has, or if they’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant during their employment—is likely a sign of discrimination on part of the employer.

Job seekers should also pay attention to how they’re treated during the application and hiring processes. If they suspect they aren’t receiving the same opportunities as others, this could be a sign that discrimination is taking place.

Whether you suspect that you were unfairly treated as a potential hire or as a current employee, it’s imperative to turn to a trusted employment law attorney who can defend your rights.

Protecting the Rights of Tennessee Workers Since 1980

Donati Law Group, PLLC has proudly served the hardworking employees of Tennessee for more than 40 years. Our accomplished attorneys have extensive experience in a wide range of employment law issues. From sexual harassment to gender discrimination to wage and hour claims, you can count on our firm to provide the zealous advocacy you deserve.

Our employment lawyers are passionate about defending the rights of wronged workers throughout the Mid-South. We understand the injustice of being mistreated or discriminated against in the workplace. Employment law violations can derail an employee’s life while their employer walks away unscathed, which is why we’re here to hold Tennessee companies and employers accountable for their wrongdoings.

If you’ve been unfairly treated in the workplace, you deserve justice. Call Donati Law at (901) 209-5500 or contact us onlineto discuss your case with a skilled employment law attorney.