Any questions?

Many people find the ‘any questions’ part of an interview daunting but they can be one of the most important parts of the interview, often left until last when you can leave a good impression. It can take some people by surprise but it’s a real opportunity to find out more about your potential employer.

Our experts universally agreed that you should ask questions. “They’re a really positive thing. Showing you care about where you want to work is really valuable to us,” said Karen. Ian also emphasised that an interview is a two way process. “Don’t be afraid to bring in written questions, have your notes there. Take the opportunity to ask questions. It will show them you have taken the time, you have a real interest in who they are and what the job is. If you haven’t got any questions, they will take that as a sign of lack of preparation or interest so prep questions which will show you in a good light.”

Claire advises: “Don’t ask questions that are already answered on the website. I’m always quite impressed with a candidate that ask me what the process is going forward. It shows they’re engaged, that they do want the job and that they’re thinking about what are the next steps so they can start preparing for them. I don’t mind it when people ask me how the team works, thinking about what their future career is. You can show your willingness to learn through the questions you ask at the end. Don’t be afraid to walk in with a notebook. If you need to have notes, that’s fine. You don’t have to remember everything.”

Here are a few suggested questions:

• What can you tell me about the team I’d be working in, if I’m successful?
• How would you describe the studio culture here? Is it relaxed or always in crunch, high pressure or easy going?
• What’s next for the studio after (insert the name of their last game)?
• What are the benefits on top of the basic salary? (Only ask this if they are not listed in the job description)
• What are the chances for career progression? (Only ask this if you can answer the obvious follow up – “What are your career ambitions”?)
• What’s the studio’s average release and post-release cycle?
• Do you offer any training or trade show attendance?
• What is the studio’s primary commercial model? (Only ask this if it’s not obvious.)

What other things could you ask about a studio? What do you think these questions might tell a studio about you?