Interviews are nerve-racking, but they don’t always have to be.
As much as an interview is time for the employer to see whether or not you’re a worthy candidate for the job, it’s also a chance for you to see if the company is a fit for you.
Below are 10 questions you should ask your potential employer going into any job interview. It’ll help you to further understand a company’s goals, work culture, and most importantly, if you can see yourself at this job.
What are the characteristics of the ideal candidate for this position?
This question will help flesh out the position even more (beyond the job description) so you can understand what the company’s needs are. You can also figure out what types of personalities and office environment the interviewer values. For example a more traditional, conservative employer might want a candidate that will follow structured guidelines, while a more avant-garde company will encourage creativity.
What can I expect in terms of progression and advancement in the company?
Nobody wants to be stuck in an entry level position for more than a few years. By asking about advancement opportunities in the future, you can get a better sense if the company will encourage your professional growth. Also, this question will show the interviewer you’re thinking about a future with the company — and not just trying to make some cash.
How much freedom is there to participate in other aspects of the company?
You can find out if you’ll be pigeon-holed in the specific role, or if you’ll have the opportunity to explore other sectors of the company. For those who don’t land their dream job right off the bat, getting your foot in the door is a good starting point. The interviewer will also see that you have a desire to work for the company, and that you are a multidimensional employee who is willing to take on other roles.
Why is this position open?
It’s awesome that there’s a position open at your prospective company, but be sure to learn why this position is open. If it’s a new position, that’s a good sign — it means that the company is growing and expanding to accommodate its higher demand. But if the turnover rate is high, that’s definitely a red flag. If you feel confident, ask a follow up question in regards to where previous employees in this position are now, or how long they expect candidates to fill the specific role.
Where do you see this industry headed?
Get a better picture of what to expect in the industry– not just in the near future, but also further down the road. An insider’s forecast can help determine whether or not there is potential for your growth in the company and industry. It doesn’t bode well for the company if the viewer isn’t optimistic — why would anyone want to jump aboard a sinking ship?
Could you give me a rundown of what my day-to-day would look like?
Job descriptions can be deceiving but ask about your daily activities because you’ll get a better perspective of what responsibilities you’ll have and if it’s of interest to you. The position title and description may give you an idealistic picture, but hearing from the interviewer will give you a better understanding of what’s expected .
Who will I be interacting most with?
A positive office environment is crucial and your co-workers make up the majority of that, too. It’s good to know who you’ll be spending most of your time with — after the interview, see if you can get a tour and meet some employees. Interviewers also try to implement the “layover test” which, in a nutshell, shows how well you get along with the team.
Why did you choose to do what you do?
It’s safe to assume that the interviewer (if they’re not HR) has quite a bit of experience at the company or in the industry. They know what the position entails and the responsibilities that come with it — and hearing what they enjoy at the company and why they chose that career path will further clarify if the job is a right fit for you.
What steps did you take to get to where you are today?
Worst case scenario: you love the company, still want the position, but didn’t get the offer. At least you can take away the interview as a solid learning experience. You’ll not only get practice for future interviews, but this question also serves as a roadmap. Many professionals will tell you that there is more than one way to reach the top, and it’s a great idea to explore different options and routes.
Can you tell me a little bit about the office atmosphere and work-life balance?
If you’ve had a high-stress job or nightmare boss before, you know how important it is to have a positive workplace environment. With the recent rise of “startup culture,” employers have been increasing perks and benefits, but there are still a lot of companies that employ harsher conditions, especially in more conservative industries. It will save you a lot of time and sorrow if you can successfully weed out offices that don’t cater to at least most of what’s important to you.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
