So you are on the job hunt. Maybe you’re fresh out of college or you could possibly be interested in a more challenging role. Whatever the case may be, you need to be prepared for when that phone rings (or email is sent) and you’re requested to come in for an interview. However, being prepared means more than just knowing what you’re going to wear and reviewing the job description. It also means compiling a list of questions to ask your potential employers when they are finished grilling you. Instead of worrying about that, I compiled a few of my favorite go-to questions that have revealed a lot of information in the past.
What is the atmosphere of the company?
This normally lets you know how the company and department gets down. Are they in business casual attire everyday or can you show up on your first day in jeans? You’ll need to know before you realize that your blazer and heels could’ve stayed in your closet.
How would you describe your management style?
Finding out if your potential boss is a real stickler for checkpoints (AKA a possible sign that he or she is a micromanager) or just lets you do what you need to do can be the saving grace of your sanity. Also, if you’re trying to leave a role where your supervisor was over hovering your back with a microscope, you might need to make sure you aren’t about to run into that scenario again.
What activities does the company and department put on to maintain and to boost company morale?
Is this a place where happy hours are recurring events on the Outlook calendar? Is this a place where food trucks are often parked outside during the summer? Essentially, you want to know if this is a place that values a work/life balance and appreciates its employees beyond the basic benefit package. The answer always reveals if this is a fun place to work for.
What is the company’s policy regarding telecommuting?
Okay, so this might be an iffy one. If you are a parent, a student, or one who lives more than 20 miles away, this may be a relevant question for you. Some companies encourage working from home several days a week. But, some only allow you to do so when it is necessary, such as if the plumber is coming because the pipes burst in the middle of the night. Peep how this question is answered to see how the company really feels about this.
Are there any opportunities for training or mentorship?
I doubt any company would say no. However, some have formal programs in place that allow you to expand your skill set. This means that they value you as an employee and want to see you do well. For you, this means squeezing as much juice out of the lemon as possible just in case this position doesn’t work out forever.
The job search process in itself can be stressful, but hopefully the questions above can help alleviate the madness that could come while preparing for the job interview. Do you have any go-to questions of your own? Please share!
Credits: Wonderlane