Employers do expect
you to ask questions during an interview. In fact, if you do not have some in mind, it
can raise some serious doubts about your interest in the job and how well-organized
you are. Below are some of the questions
you might ask, as well as some methods of getting into a position where you can
ask them, in case you are not offered the opportunity. Each interview is different depending on what
type of job you are seeking, as well as the experience of the interviewers.
1. Does a job description exist for this
position? If so, may I see it? If you do not have a job description, you
should ask for one. A good time to do
this could be when you meet the gatekeeper or administrative aide in the outer
office or before you begin the interview. If there are any uncertainties about the job,
this is the time to clarify them.
If it is not clear, ask: What are the
qualifications for this job?
2. What are the major responsibilities for
this position and what are your expectations? or Beyond the job description, what are your
expectations for this position and how will I be evaluated? It is important going in to fully understand
their needs and what will be expected of you.
3. Who will I be reporting to? You need to know who your supervisor will be
in case he/she is not on the interview panel and try to meet this person, if
possible. It would be a mistake to leave
the interview without knowing/meeting your supervisor.
4. Is there
opportunity for advancement? or What would be the next step in career
progression? If you are not looking
to move up, they may not see you as the energetic type of employee they are
looking for.
5. You should ask about health insurance,
vacation, and retirement benefits - if you have not been provided a handout
on company benefits. Usually, this
information will have been provided to you unless it is a very small firm.
6. Will I have the opportunity for pay
increases?
7. Are there specific aspects or situations
that will require immediate attention? This is a forward-looking question that shows
you are on the ball and have been around. It’s a smart question to ask.
8. Does the company provide educational
opportunities that will enable me to improve my skills? This is another important question to ask.
9. Is this a new position? If it is a new position, you may have a lot of
latitude and an opportunity to create your own job description or at least add
to it once you get going. It is also at
this point that you could be creative in questioning items on the job
description you have been given that could show your savvy/experience - this is
situational.
10. What resources are available to accomplish
the job responsibilities you would be assigning me? This is an excellent question that shows your
experience and willingness to accept the duties expected of you. You are simply asking what is there to help
you get the job done.
Resources you should expect to be
there for you would include:
● Budget (how big is it and is it a department
budget).
● Clerical support.
● If appropriate, ask whether you would be supervising others?
Ask about your level of authority?
● What type of training and experience do employees in the
department have? This is another
situational question that you may or may not ask.
● What type of support will I get from the top for my
position? This is another situational
question that you may or may not ask.
11. Can
I meet other people who would be in my department? (if
you have not already done so)
12. What is the culture of the company?
13. How would you describe the management
style that I will be seeing?
14. What is the company dress code? (if you are unsure)
15. To what extent will I be operating
independently? What types of
decisions would I need to seek approval for?
16. What is the most important contribution
you would be expecting from me in my first six months or first year?
Bob Raikes, National Certified Career
Counselor