While job interviews are a time for potential employers to better know you as a candidate, it is also a time for you to get to know your prospective employer as well. By asking some important questions, you can piece together what a typical day might be like and the general attitude and moral of potential coworkers. Plus, it shows your interviewer that you are engaged and interested not only in the interview but also in the company.
- What Is A Typical Day Or Week For This Position?
Some job positions have a steady workflow from day to day while others may see periods of high intensity followed by relative quiet. Similarly, some jobs, by their nature, have frequent situations that demand immediate attention, outside of regular work hours or a scheduled agenda. If you value consistency and routine, this question may be of particular importance to you in understanding what kind of working environment you will be entering and what kinds of expectations the employer will have for you if hired.
- This A Current Position Or A Newly Created One?
If the position is a current one, it may be important for you to know if there will be someone to train you. Some people enjoy learning as they go, getting-hands on experience and learning for themselves what works or not. Others learn better by having someone give them an outline or by being guided through once. For a newly-created position, ask why the position was created and what goals the company had in mind when creating it to make sure that expectations align.
- How Does This Position Function In Terms Of Overall Company Management?
By this point in time, if the interviewer has not already answered this question according to your personal criteria, try to initiate a discussion of how this position contributes to the daily or weekly operation of the company. Do not be afraid to ask the interviewer what he or she likes and or dislikes about employment at the company and his or her length of service with the company.
- What Growth Potential Does This Position Afford?
While making sure that you are not entering a “dead end” (one in which there are no advancement opportunities) is important, immediately asking about advancement may somewhat disinterest a potential employer. Inquire, instead, about continued training that the company may offer in terms of continuing education. This shows potential employers that you are interested in the long-term and in continual improvement to maintain a high level of competency.
- What is one of the most exciting projects you’ve worked on (or most proud of) since starting here?
By answering this question, current employees will give you insight into the moral and general mood of the company. Employees who are passionate and speak with enthusiasm show that the workplace is a positive atmosphere and that they believe that are valuable to the institution’s goals and missions. On the other hand, employees that have little to offer when responding to this question may not feel valued by their company or feel that they contribute in any significant way.
