It’s crucial to ask your potential employer questions before accepting a job offer. We share the top 7 questions you need to ask during a job interview.
Getting interviewed for a job is a two-way street. Anytime you get invited to interview, you should wow the interviewer with your many skills. And yet, they should want to impress you as well!
In between answering their questions, be sure to ask them plenty of questions of your own. Doing this will enable you to discover whether you’re a good fit for the job.
A hiring manager will respect an applicant who has lots of questions. So though you may not want to bother them, it’s in your best interest that you do.
You want to ensure it’s a good fit for you both. Therefore, it’s wise to arrive armed with questions you plan to ask.
Here are seven questions to think about asking. Their answers may be very telling and reveal whether you want to work there!
1. When Would You Want Me to Start?
Some companies may not make it clear about when they’d want you to start if you got the job.
If you’re currently employed, you’ll need ample time to let them know that you’ll be taking a new job.
Most companies require a two-week notice so that they’ll have enough time to hire someone else. And in some cases, they may want you to train your replacement.
So, finding out what their starting date is essential so you don’t get caught off guard.
Many companies write this in their job listings, while others don’t. Asking this question right away will make sure the job would work with your timeline.
Not giving your current employers enough notice isn’t very professional. If you want a positive reference down the line, make it a priority to leave your current employer on good terms.
2. Is There Room for Growth?
Even if the listing says there’s room for growth, it’s still wise to bring it up during the interview.
It could be you’re interested in the position. Yet, the reason you’re looking for work is that you haven’t gotten promoted at your current place of employment.
During your interview, find out if you’d be able to grow and get promoted in the future. If you’re comfortable with the interviewer, be candid. Explain that they’re not advancing you at your current job, and that’s why you’re looking for work.
Although, make it clear that it’s not due to a lack of performance but rather a lack of resources.
Finding out whether they promote after a certain length of time or at all will give you intel on the position.
3. How Do You See This Company in 10 Years?
Stability is just as crucial for you as it is for them. They want an employee who will stick around, and you want a job that’s right for you.
They’ll likely briefly cover what their company is all about and explain their goals for the future. While that’s great, you should try to get them to dig deeper than that.
Get them thinking by asking where they hope to take their business in 10 years. This type of question will make them look to the future. Their answer could be very telling of which direction they want their business to go.
4. What Incentives Do You Offer?
It doesn’t hurt to ask what incentives they offer, even though you’re still in the interview stage.
Your current job may not offer a lot of time off or reward you with more vacation hours the longer you’re with them. So it’s alright to ask how vacation works and if it increases the longer you’re with the company.
Also, verify whether they include disability and health insurance as well as a 401k.
Some companies also offer other perks, such as a free gym membership or company cruise once a year.
Knowing whether they offer things like health insurance and a 401k may make a difference to you. If you have to choose between two different job offers, these details could help you decide.
5. What Would a Normal Day Look Like?
Asking a potential employer to take you through what your routine would be is beneficial. The more specific they are, the better, so interrupt them if you need to. It’s vital to get things clarified.
Ask what would happen if you needed more time to complete a project. Or what their expectations are as far as working overtime goes.
Having a general idea of what you would be doing each day will help you both decide whether it’s a good fit.
Their answers will help you gauge whether you can see yourself doing the tasks day after day.
6. Is This a New Role in the Company?
Companies change things all the time, so it wouldn’t hurt to check if they’re hiring for a new job. If it’s new, chances are there may be some kinks they’ll have to iron out that you should be aware of.
Your last job may have been disorganized. You never knew what each day’s challenges would be, which was frustrating for you.
That’s why the answer to this question will be telling for you. The last thing you want is another confusing job. So, it’s up to you to make sure you get that point across while still being professional.
7. How Will the Training Work?
Another thing to ask is how the training process would be like if you got the job.
Will a direct supervisor train you? Or another employee? Knowing these details gives you an idea of what to expect.
It would help if you also asked who you would go to for questions and at what point you’d start performing solo.
So, learn how things would work and when they’d be comfortable with you spreading your wings.
Conclusion
Asking the company a series of questions will clear up things for you right from the start. It’ll also show them you’re serious about the job.
The hiring manager should appreciate you taking the time to care enough to ask questions. However, if your questions put them off, it likely isn’t the job for you. So keep that in mind if they give you a hard time asking too many questions.
As important as it is to them to find someone who’s the right fit, it is for you too. Asking one another questions is for you both to decide whether to move forward.
If all works out, you’ll both be pleased with the outcome!
Author bio:
Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Grove at Murfreesboro to help them with their online marketing.
