Landing a great job starts with having the right questions to ask HR. It shows the interviewer you’re serious about the job and want to fit in.
To make a great impression on HR during your next interview, we’ll give you 27 strong questions you can ask. These will help you learn about the company culture, the job itself, and what it’s really like to work there.
Top 5 Questions You Shouldn’t Forget To Ask HR
Here’s a quick overview of the top 5 questions to ask HR:
1. Can you describe the company’s culture?
2. What are the company’s core values?
3. How does the company support professional development?
4. How does the company handle employee feedback and concerns?
5. What benefits does the company offer?
Now let’s discuss these questions in detail.
27 Must-Ask Questions for Your HR Interview
Here are 27 important questions to consider asking HR during your interview:
Question 1: Can you describe the company’s culture?
This question helps you learn about the atmosphere and values that define how people work together. It gives you a clearer picture of what it would be like to work in this environment.
Why Ask This Question
Understanding the company culture helps you decide if it matches your preferences and working style. It shows you want to fit in and succeed with the team.
Question 2: What are the company’s core values?
This question helps you know the values that guide the company’s decisions and behaviors, reflecting what the organization stands for.
Why Ask This Question
Knowing the core values lets you identify if your personal values match with the company’s. It ensures long-term job satisfaction and that you work in an environment where you can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Question 3: How does the company support professional development?
This question explores the opportunities for growth and learning within the company like training programs, workshops, and career advancement paths.
Why Ask This Question
Knowing how the company invests in its employees shows its commitment to continuous learning and improvement. It also helps you assess if the company provides the resources and support for your long-term career goals.
Question 4: How does the company handle employee feedback and concerns?
This question checks the processes in place for employees to voice their opinions and concerns, and how the company acts on this.
Why Ask This Question
Knowing that your feedback will be valued and addressed creates a supportive and responsive work environment. It shows the company cares about open communication and continuous improvement.
Question 5: What benefits does the company offer?
This question will let you understand the range of perks and benefits available to employees, like health insurance, retirement plans, and other incentives.
Why Ask This Question
Benefits are part of your overall compensation package. Knowing what’s offered helps you evaluate the total value of the job and ensure it meets your needs and expectations for financial security and well-being.
Question 6: What are the opportunities for advancement within the company?
With this question, you can learn about the potential career paths and growth opportunities available to employees.
Why Ask This Question
Career advancement creates long-term job satisfaction. When there are growth opportunities, it means the company supports employee development.
Question 7: How does the company measure employee performance?
This question will help you understand the criteria and processes the company uses to evaluate employee performance and achievements.
Why Ask This Question
Knowing how performance is measured helps you know what is expected and how to succeed in your role. It ensures transparency in evaluations and shows the company’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding employees’ contributions.
Question 8: What is the onboarding process like for new hires?
You can learn about the steps the company takes to integrate new employees into the company, from initial training to ongoing support.
Why Ask This Question
A strong onboarding process ensures a smooth transition into the company, setting you up for success from the start. You can gauge how well the company supports new hires and prepares them for their roles.
Question 9: Can you describe the company’s approach to teamwork and collaboration?
This question looks at how the company encourages collaboration and teamwork among employees.
Why Ask This Question
Knowing how teamwork is managed is important for fitting in and being productive. It helps you assess if the work environment encourages cooperation and supports collective success.
Question 10: What training programs are available to employees?
Asking about training programs helps you find out if the company supports employee growth. It shows if they offer chances to learn new skills and advance in your career.
Why Ask This Question
Training programs promote continuous professional growth. Understanding the available training opportunities shows the company’s commitment to employee development and helps you gauge how you can enhance your skills and advance your career.
Question 11: How does the company manage conflict resolution?
This question examines the processes for resolving conflicts between employees or between employees and management.
Why Ask This Question
Effective conflict resolution ensures a harmonious work environment. Knowing the company’s approach helps you assess how well they handle disputes, maintain positive relationships, and support a collaborative workplace.
Question 12: Can you explain the company’s leave policy?
Asking about the leave policy helps you understand how the company handles time off. It shows what types of leave are available, like vacation or sick days, and how flexible they are.
Why Ask This Question
Leave policies help manage your time off and work-life balance. Understanding these policies gives you an idea of how the company supports work-life balance and ensures that the company’s approach to leave aligns with your personal needs and expectations.
Question 13: What is the company’s policy on employee evaluations?
Asking about the employee evaluation policy helps you understand how the company measures and reviews employee performance.
Why Ask This Question
With this question, you’ll how often evaluations happen, what criteria are used, and how feedback is given. This can give you an idea of how your work will be assessed and how you can improve and grow in the company.
Question 14: How does the company handle performance improvement plans?
This question shows how the company supports employees who need help improving their work.
Why Ask This Question
Knowing about performance improvement plans helps you understand how the company supports employees in enhancing their skills and addressing performance issues. It shows the company’s commitment to employee development and fair treatment.
Question 15: How does the company stay compliant with employment laws?
This question explores the measures the company takes to ensure adherence to local, state, and federal employment regulations.
Why Ask This Question
Compliance with employment laws ensures a fair and legal work environment. Understanding the company’s compliance practices guarantees they operate ethically and protect employees’ rights, providing a secure and trustworthy workplace.
Question 16: How does the company support employees during major life events?
Asking about support during major life events helps you understand how the company cares for employees during big changes, like having a baby or dealing with a family issue.
Why Ask This Question
Support during major life events shows the company’s compassion and understanding. Knowing the policies and resources in place helps you assess the level of care and flexibility the company offers during critical times, ensuring a supportive work environment.
Question 17: What is the company’s approach to health and safety in the workplace?
This question examines the measures taken to promote and ensure employee health and safety.
Why Ask This Question
A safe work environment promotes employee well-being and productivity. It reveals what measures they have in place to protect employees and how they handle safety concerns. This helps you understand their commitment to a safe working environment.
Question 18: Can you describe the company’s approach to innovation and change?
Asking about the company’s approach to innovation and change helps you understand how they adapt to new ideas and improvements.
Why Ask This Question
Innovation and adaptability keep the business competitive. This question will show if they encourage creativity and are open to trying new things, which can indicate how flexible and forward-thinking the company is.
Question 19: What are the company’s policies on social media use?
This question outlines the guidelines for employees’ use of social media in both professional and personal contexts.
Why Ask This Question
Understanding social media policies helps you navigate appropriate online behavior and protect your professional image. It also ensures you comply with the company’s expectations regarding privacy and confidentiality on social platforms.
Question 20: How does the company handle employee feedback from exit interviews?
By asking this question, you can find out how the company uses feedback from departing employees to improve the workplace.
Why Ask This Question
Exit interviews provide valuable insights for organizational improvement. This question shows if they use this feedback to make improvements and how they address concerns raised by departing staff. This can give you an idea of how the company values and acts on employee input.
Question 21: What steps does the company take to retain top talent?
This question looks at the strategies and initiatives to keep high-performing employees engaged and satisfied.
Why Ask This Question
Retention strategies indicate how the company values and invests in its employees. Understanding these steps helps you assess the company’s commitment to nurturing and retaining skilled professionals, ensuring a supportive and rewarding work environment.
Question 22: How does the company ensure job security for its employees?
Asking how the company ensures job security shows what steps they take to keep employees’ positions stable.
Why Ask This Question
Job security gives you peace of mind and long-term commitment. Knowing the company’s efforts to ensure job stability helps you assess your potential for a secure and lasting career with them.
Question 23: What is the company’s vision for the future, and how do employees fit into that vision?
This question assesses the company’s long-term goals and the role employees play in achieving them.
Why Ask This Question
It helps you see how your role aligns with their future plans, creating a sense of purpose and direction. It also indicates the company’s commitment to involving employees in its growth and success.
Question 24: What is the company’s policy on dress code?
This question outlines the expectations for employee attire in the workplace.
Why Ask This Question
Knowing the dress code helps you prepare appropriately and understand the company’s professional standards. It also provides insight into the company culture and whether it aligns with your personal preferences and comfort.
Question 25: How does the company support employees during major organizational changes?
This question looks at the support and communication provided to employees during big transitions within the company.
Why Ask This Question
Support during major changes ensures a smoother transition and reduces stress. Understanding the company’s approach to change management helps you gauge how well you’ll be supported during periods of transformation and how the organization maintains stability and morale.
Question 26: How does the company foster a collaborative environment?
Asking how the company fosters a collaborative environment shows how they encourage teamwork and cooperation among employees.
Why Ask This Question
It reveals the strategies and practices they use to promote working together, which can give you an idea of how they support a team-oriented culture.
Question 27: How does the company manage and store employee data?
This question assesses the practices and technologies used to handle, protect, and secure employee information.
Why Ask This Question
Understanding how the company handles your personal information ensures your data is protected and managed responsibly.
How To Prepare For The Interview
Follow these steps to increase your chances of making a positive impression and securing the job:
Step 1: Research the Company
Understand the company’s mission, values, culture, and recent news. Visit their website, read their blog, and follow their social media channels to get a comprehensive view of the organization.
For instance, the interviewer may ask, “What do you know about the company?” You can answer this question immediately and impress them with your interest in the position.
Step 2: Review the Job Description
Carefully read the job description to understand the role’s responsibilities and requirements. Identify the key skills and experiences needed and match them with your qualifications.
Most interviewers ask, “Have you read the job description?” to gauge your interest in the position and to see if you have assessed your suitability for it. Make sure you know the requirements and responsibilities so you can relate your qualifications and experiences to the role you’re applying for.
Step 3: Craft a Winning Resume
Update your resume to highlight your relevant experience and achievements. Tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for, emphasizing the skills that align with the job description.
Step 4: Master Common Interview Questions
Prepare answers for common interview questions, like your strengths, weaknesses, and career goals. Practice delivering your responses confidently and concisely. Check out these interview questions for different job positions.
Step 5: Curate Your Questions for HR
Prepare a list of questions to ask HR like the 27 must-ask questions mentioned earlier. Frame these questions to demonstrate your interest in the company and role, showing that you’ve done your homework.
Step 6: Choose Your Power Outfit
Choose professional attire that aligns with the company’s dress code. Make sure your clothes are clean, ironed, and appropriate for the interview setting.
Step 7: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all necessary documents, like your resume, cover letter, portfolio, and any other materials the employer has requested. Bring multiple copies to the interview.
Step 8: Perfect Your Interview Etiquette
Plan to arrive early, greet everyone politely, and bring a positive attitude. Good manners and a friendly demeanor can leave a lasting impression.
Step 9: Nail the Post-Interview Follow-Up
Send a thank-you email to your interviewers expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. Reiterate your interest in the role and highlight key points from your interview.
Strategies To Ace Interview Questions
Prepare well for the interview questions to build your confidence. Here are strategies to help you answer them:
I. Be Prepared
Anticipate both common and tough questions, but try not to sound rehearsed. Prepare examples that showcase your skills and experiences. Practice delivering your answers naturally to convey confidence and authenticity.
II. Use the STAR Method
When discussing past experiences, the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method can help you structure compelling answers. This method ensures your responses are clear and focused on your achievements. It also makes it easier for interviewers to understand the context and impact of your contributions.
III. Listen Carefully
Remember to apply active listening during the interview. If a question is unclear, it’s better to ask for clarification than to give an irrelevant answer. This demonstrates your attention to detail and willingness to engage in meaningful conversation.
IV. Be Concise
Give detailed answers, but be direct and to the point. Avoid rambling by sticking to the most relevant information. Clear and concise responses help keep the interview on track and make your key points stand out.
Conclusion
Preparing for an interview can be nerve-racking, and you need to get it right the first time to increase your chances of getting hired. After reading this guide, grab a piece of paper or open your notes on your phone and jot down the questions to ask HR during your interview.
Also, keep in mind the tips and strategies to prepare well for your interview. If you have several interviews scheduled, make sure to put them in your calendar, and be on time to create a good first impression.
FAQs
1. How to ask HR if I am selected or not?
To ask HR if you’re selected or not, send a polite email thanking them for the opportunity and asking for an update on your application status. Express your continued interest in the position.
2. Is it OK to ask HR why you weren’t hired?
Yes, it is ok to ask for feedback if done respectfully. This can help you improve for future opportunities.
3. How do you ask HR if they made a decision?
Follow up with a courteous email inquiring about the status of the hiring decision. Mention the date of your interview and reaffirm your interest in the role.
4. How do I ask HR if they are still hiring?
To ask HR if they are still hiring, send a brief email to HR asking if the hiring process is still ongoing. Include a reference to the position you applied for and express your interest.
