10 smart questions to ask at the end of your next job interview

One of the most difficult questions to ask in an interview is “Are there any questions you’d like to ask me? Most of the time, candidates don’t know what they might ask the hiring manager, and under the pressure of the moment, they may ask questions that don’t benefit them and may even convince the interviewer that they’re not the right person for the job.

But this moment should be seen as an opportunity. We are often so worried about the answers we give in the interview and whether we are the right person for the job that we sometimes forget that we should also be evaluating the employer. So at the end of the interview, when the employer asks if you have any questions, take the opportunity. It’s the best way to find out if you’ll enjoy working there.

The interview should not be seen as a one-sided discussion where the employer asks all the questions, but as a mutually beneficial discussion.

Our advice is to prepare a list of questions that will help you get a clearer idea of the clinic’s profile and make you stand out in the competition for the job you want.

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10 questions to ask at the end of your interview

You should therefore prepare at least four or five questions, two of which will be answered during the interview. Their purpose is to obtain useful information for your future career, and to really benefit from them, it is advisable to formulate them carefully. At the same time, we recommend postponing questions about salary and other material benefits to a second interview, when the discussion on these topics is initiated by the employer.

What you can ask:

1. Can you give me more details about this institution (hospital, clinic, etc.) and what has been the progress of this position?

Sometimes job postings for doctors can be quite general and emphasize the qualifications the ideal candidate must have. But this question can help you get more information that is useful for you. What is the reason for this vacancy? Is the previous person retiring? Has he/she chosen to go elsewhere? Is the clinic expanding, is there a high volume of patients? The answer to this question tells you if the job is a stepping stone, what responsibilities you will have and what your expectations should be for the job.

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2. What working hours will I have? What is the patient flow?

First of all, start with your own analysis and try to see what is the number of patients you treat on a daily basis that you feel comfortable working with, so that they get the best treatment. Then, when you ask the question, make sure you get concrete information such as: working hours, how many patients you will treat per day, how many patients come into the clinic each day (a busy facility with queues at reception, for example, could put a strain on your workflow), whether you will also work weekends, multiple locations and so on.

3. What are the characteristics of a successful employee in this clinic?

This question gives you the opportunity to find out about compatibility with the job. Try to elicit information that is not already in the job description, and if you were not able to do so during the interview, take the opportunity to illustrate the qualities that make you the right person for the job. You can also get a sense of how the hospital you want to work for measures the success of its employees.

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4. What are the goals of the dental practice and how can I help achieve them?

Each specialist has unique qualities and experiences. This question can help you determine if you have the right skills for the job. Depending on their answer, you’ll find out if they want you to see more patients, if you’ll have more responsibilities than your current job, and how you can make a concrete contribution to the goals of the medical facility. It is also important to find out if accepting the position will help you achieve your professional goals.

5. What is the greatest challenge for the person taking this position?

You can find out what the employer considers to be the most challenging part of the job and whether you find the answer reasonable. It’s also a question that allows you to learn more about the skills the hospital is looking for in the future employee and whether you fit the job requirements.

6. Who do you see as the dental practice’s main competitors? How do you differentiate yourself from other dental facilities?

This is a difficult question, but it will show that you are interested in the hospital’s goals, and you will see how the recruiter responds. Depending on how quickly and naturally they respond, you can tell if they are happy with the job and the benefits offered to employees.

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7. How would you describe a typical work day for me?

Many employers appreciate specific questions about what you do, what the work standards are, or what you do on a daily basis at work. So, asking questions about the activities you will be doing on a daily basis in the job will make a good impression and find out what your daily routine is. Depending on the answer you get, you can find out if this is what you want to do in the future.

8. Is there a performance review process? How does it work?

The employer will certainly appreciate this question. It shows that you are a results-oriented person. The answer is also useful because it tells you whether the organization rewards and recognizes the performance and contributions of its employees. Setting up the right performance appraisal system should take into account the specifics of each employee’s job and have clear objectives in mind. It is useful to know in advance what the process will be and who will be evaluating you.

9. Can you tell me about the team I will be working with?

As a dentist or dental assistant, you will need to work very well as part of a team. Patient care is the result of an effective team that communicates well and works together. The team must be flexible, able to adapt to the needs of each patient and their families, and able to deal with any situation that may arise during the course of the patient’s illness. Therefore, it is very important to have details about the people you will be working with in your new job.

10. Is there any other information I can give you to help you make your decision?

This is a very appropriate closing question. It is a polite way of giving the employer a chance to ask questions or draw a conclusion to the interview. It also shows empathy and a willingness to cooperate, so you’ll end up making a good impression. If you have answered the above questions in the interview, you can use this question as a backup. If the potential employer is confronted with a lack of questions from you, they may see this as confirmation of a lack of interest and commitment.

Read also: “Why should we hire you?” – 6 tips and answers to a challenging question

Conclusion

During the hiring process, each party should ensure that the position is a good fit from both the employer’s and the candidate’s perspective.

If you feel you don’t have all the information or still have questions, don’t hesitate to talk to other people who work in the clinic. Ask them how they have adjusted to the work environment, what they wish they had known before joining, what their complaints are, and what they like most about their current job. The most important thing when starting a new job is to have as much information as possible. This will prevent many unpleasant situations, such as stress, burnout, and dissatisfaction, and set the stage for a successful work experience.

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