5 Impressive Questions To Ask An Interviewer And Why

By: Yadira Cabrera

Through my three years at Boston University, I have had wonderful opportunities to network with PR professionals and learn from my internships. One piece of advice I have received and would like to share is interview questions that professionals have received during applicant interviews that impressed them. 

What would I need to do in my first 90 days to be successful in this role? 

This is a great way to show your interviewer that you are committed to the role you are applying for. You are a candidate who is looking to learn and improve your skillset. Internships and job applications are looking for curious candidates who are dedicated to growth. 

What are some DEI initiatives the company has implemented for its employees? How would you describe the company’s culture? 

Being curious about a company’s CSR initiatives shows that you care about diversity and being in a comfortable work environment. You are showing your interviewer that you would like to revolve yourself around a company that represents different cultures and backgrounds, and celebrates one another. Another reason to ask this question is for yourself. Nowadays, diversity in companies is more demanding than ever and you want to be part of a community that represents and supports you. 

What was a challenge for you when you first started in the company? 

When you ask a question that the interviewer can answer from personal experience, it shows that you are invested and care about their experience. Being interested in the kinds of challenges that can occur in a role shows that you are interested in overcoming them to better yourself and the company. 

What is your performance review/constructive criticism process for employees? 

Showing interest in a company’s process for performance reviews gives the interviewer the ability to see that you are goal-driven and care about improving your work ethic. Not many interviewees think about this aspect of an internship, so it will impress your interviewer to see that you know the different kinds of resources that a company has to offer its employees for room to grow. 

How has the company changed since you joined?

Not only does this question allow the interviewer to shed some light on the company’s changes, but it shows that you are interested in the company’s desire to grow. You want to show your interviewer that you want to be part of a company that is adaptable to change and is looking for ways to go beyond its values and goals.