I don’t care how confident you are, interviews are uncomfortable. Nine times out of ten, if we’re interviewing for a job we either really want it, or really need it. As badly as we want to prove our candidacy, let’s not forget how important it is to make sure the job we’re interviewing for will be a good fit for us as well. Too many people walk out of interviews without taking the opportunity to ask any questions when the time comes all because they’re timid. Here are seven questions I don’t let go unanswered –
What do you enjoy most about working here?
If your potential boss doesn’t enjoy working there, it’s not likely you will either. We often confuse interviews as a time for employers to drill us about why we deserve to be there. You’re an asset, it’s important to know why you should want to be there. I understand I may be the one who needs a job, but I also want to be sure it’ll be a position that I won’t dread waking up to pursue.
How likely is growth within the company?
Because I need to know. Several people at my current company came in as interns and are now Vice Presidents; that speaks volumes. If we move forward with the hiring process and I excel in my position, what is the likelihood of me having opportunities to grow? What are the typical frequencies of promotions here? Is there a position above mine or would one have to be created? Let them know that you’re coming in thinking growth within your career path. No, you’re not expecting it immediately, but you’re taking into consideration how it’s generally organized.
Do you all offer any kind of training or continued education programs?
Whether this is your dream job or it’s offering $10K less than you originally wanted to make, this question can help you make your decision. If they offer incentives that will help you land a much better job in one year, it might be worth the sacrifice. Depending on your interest, will they pay for licensing or certifications? What about graduate programs? If these are things you think will be beneficial to your career but are pricey, consider how important they are to your position.
Who will I be working with?
Directly and on a regular basis. Will you be tasked with more independent projects or will you be dependent on a group of people to complete your tasks? Do I have direct contact with management or VP’s? Will you be dealing directly with clients or will you be in the basement with no contact to the outside world? All of this will help you determine the importance of your role and the kind of work environment you can expect.
What is the culture of the company?
Do they encourage family values? What flexibility do they have when it comes to work-life balance? Do they serve employees in ways other than a paycheck? Is it a very formal office or a more laid back environment? There are no right and wrong answers to this question, because the company culture you’ll enjoy most is based solely off of your preferences.
What qualities would make a candidate successful in this position?
This question is specifically for you, giving you the opportunity to be honest with yourself. If they’re looking for an independent self starter who pays close attention to detail and takes initiative while you know that you do better when you’re directly assigned tasks, you may want to be honest enough to admit you wouldn’t be the best fit. It’s important you know specifically what they categorize as success because their meaning could vary from yours.
How soon are you all looking to make a decision?
If you’re looking for a job, it’s likely that you’ll be interviewing at several different places. This question not only lets them know you’re not interested in waiting too long to hear from them, but also helps you gauge how much time you have to decide which position will be best for you, should you get more than one offer.
What questions do you normally ask before ending an interview?
Hey Courtney!!
Working in HR, this post speaks volumes. Using these questions will get a potential hire very far. When I’m on the other side of the table as the interviewee, I always ask what is their favorite aspect to the company and how long they have been with the company (curiosity). Culture is SO important. I strive daily to foster a positive working environment for employee aligning with our company culture.
A good tip in interviewing is to go to the company website and review the mission. Most refer to culture and see if it is what you are looking for. Managers love when you speak about how your goals align with the company mission, etc.
Great post!! I know a lot of readers anticipate your posts. You have a great platform to speak about career, goals, and personal life. We all have our inner ratchet but your polished, goal- oriented, professional side is inspiring. You should make a BWerd Brunch as u expand your brand – you would get a great turnout I know! i’d buy a ticket
– avid reader (sorry for the Harry Potter novel post) LOL
Cassidy !
A B Werd Brunch sounds like something I can definitely see happening! Now you’ve got my wheels spinning…. LOL Thank you for the feed Cass! xx
Awesome post! I asked some of these same questions when interviewing for my current job.
Thank you for reading Jessica! xx
Hey Court, as an HR professional you did a wonderful job. Great questions.
Some people think they shouldn’t ask questions, WRONG that gives off a perception the candidate isn’t prepared and not fully interested. Although you are selling your skills and attributes, you’re also shopping for a new work home. Treat them like you’re shopping for a new pair of shoes, is it a good fit and can it be a staple in the closet.
Once again good job boo!!!
You had me sold at “new pair of shoes” LOL that was the perfect analogy! Thank you for reading hun! xx
This was SO helpful! Such great questions that I’d probably look past or forget about if I hadn’t read this. Will definitely keep these in mind for the future. Thanks for sharing!
Anytime Cori! Thank you for reading hun! <3
One of my favorite questions to ask is: what skill set can I expect to have gained by working in this position? I expect every job to grow me and equip me with tools moving forward that will make me even more an asset.
Precisely Kandyce. That way when it’s time for me to move on I’ll have acquired some new skills to make me more money LOL. Thanks for reading boo!
Awesome tips and advice! Far too often, your nerves get the best of you and asking questions kind of gets thrown out the window, ha. But these are comfortable questions to ask while also getting a ton of information! Great post!
Taylor, for the longest I would politely decline every single time they asked if I had any questions. Big mistake. I’m glad you enjoyed it! xx
Being in the HR field these are questions I like to hear candidates ask. For me when I am interviewing I never forget to ask about culture because that is very important to me.
Thanks for sharing!
Xo,
CC
Thank you for reading Crystal! I always love getting credible feedback from people who actually do the work.
I’ve gone through so many interviews and these are all great questions to ask! My favorite question to pose to interviewers is the “What do you like about working here,” there’s a lot you can glean from their answer. Great post, fellow BLMer. 🙂
Great point Keisha! Thank you for reading.I just checked your blog out and I love it! Keep at it baby doll.
Great tips! I have a job interview coming up and will definitely ask these questions. Thank you!
http://adornedinarmor.com
Best of luck Tarah! Let me know how it goes! <3
Whatever happened to the the soft sell like what is our next step? i’ve researched the company and i’d like to work herie what can I do to help your decision? I deal with the largest, mega-companies but I would agree what matters is how you fit in the local team. Is it a fit that will grow on you.
Great points Frederick. Thanks for the feedback!
These are great questions. I wrote a similar post about making sure to do your research before an interview and I referenced the importance of having questions during the interview. Great read! #BLMGirls
Please share the link with me Charlene, I’d love to read it! xx
Great Advice! Check my blog about my first ever job!
Briana
http://www.beyoutifulbrunette.blogspot.com
Ms. Courtney – you saved my life with this post! I’ve had 4 interviews in the last week and I was able to leverage what you’ve shared; I am forever grateful!
Hi hun! I’m so so happy to hear that! Please let me know how the interviews turned out! Best of luck, xx.