What Questions Should You Be Asking in a Job Interview?

Whether you’re searching for a job in the practice or in the support team, the interview process can be daunting. While we often focus on the questions our interviewer will be firing at us, asking your own questions during the interview can help you obtain valuable information about the role and the organisation.

What’s more, posing the right questions can put you in a favourable position by demonstrating your interest in the company,and your eagerness to contribute and progress. If you’re seeking a dental job in Australia, check out these seven great questions to ask in your next job interview:

1. “Could you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?”

Getting to know the nitty-gritty of what the position entails on a daily basis can give you crucial insights into what specific skills are needed, as well as whether the job sounds right for you.For example, if you’re applying for a dental assistant role, having an in-depth understanding of the duties and responsibilities within this particular practice can help you decide whether it’s the best workplace for you.

2. “How would you describe the culture of the company/practice?”

It’s important to get an idea of whether you’d be a good fit for the company you’re applying to work for and vice versa. By discovering more about the company’s culture and values, you can consider whether these align with your own and represent the type of work-life you’re looking for. Workplace dynamics can vary greatly from practice to practice, so it’s good to have a sense of what kind of environment you’d be entering.

3. “Can you tell me a bit about the team I’d be working with?”

Finding out aspects such as who you’ll be reporting to, whether you’ll be working closely with other members of the company or practice, and what kind of management styles are at play can help you understand how collaborative and cross-functional your role would be.

Try to get an insight into the dynamics of the team and how members work together on a day-to-day basis. If you’re applying for a management position in which people report directly to you, obtaining information on the team you’ll be managing will be very valuable.

4. “What would you say are the biggest challenges of this role?”

Every role comes with its own set of challenges. The more you know in advance, the more prepared you can be for what you’ll be facing, as well as allowing you to decide whether the challenges in question are the kind you want to tackle. Some of us may relish the challenge of a busy patient roster, while others may be comfortable with the challenge of dealing with difficult stakeholders.

Knowing what your interviewer views as challenging about the position can also give you an opportunity to identify areas where your own skills-set might prove a valuable asset in alleviating certain pain-points.

5. “What does professional development look like in this organisation?”

No one wants to work in a dental surgery that offers no opportunity for career growth. This question can help you gain an insight into a typical career path within the role you’re applying for, and what kind of opportunities are provided for training and skills development.

Raising the question of career progression also shows your interest in growing with the company - just take care with how you phrase the question to avoid sounding like you’re expecting a promotion the minute you start!

6. “What’s your favourite part about working for this company?”

It can be valuable and interesting to get a personal perspective from your interviewer on what they enjoy most about working for the organisation. If they’re enthusiastic about the workplace - and particularly about areas that strike a chord with your own interests - it can be a good sign. While your interviewer’s answer may not give you a concrete idea of whether you’ll love working for the company, the way they talk about their experiences and the workplace should give you some additional insights into the culture and environment.

7. “What are the next steps in the interview process?”

This practical question is a great way to finish your interview. It demonstrates to the interviewer that you’re keen to move forward with the process and are interested in what’s to follow. Plus,having more information about things like anticipated time frames and next steps in the hiring process can ensure you know what to expect and can follow up appropriately.

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