Job interviews are essentially the act of selling one’s relevant experience and best personality traits. Knowing how to properly market all that one knows he can offer seems like an insurmountable feat. Yet, every person will experience the process of interviewing for a job during his lifetime, no matter how daunting the experience is. Rather than going into a job interview blindly, there are steps that can be taken to prepare. Of special importance is the act of asking questions of the employer. These tips from career professionals will direct readers to the right questions to ask, leading to them not only acing the interview process but also getting the job!
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Asking the Right Questions
When a person is interviewing for a role, it’s important to not just ask questions, but to ask the right questions. Does the company promote from within? Do they offer continued training, so moving into other roles is a possibility? And finally, how important is employee engagement?
Travis Killian, Owner and CEO, Everlasting Comfort
The Job Expectations
It is important to ask what the job expectations are early on in the interviewing process so you have an understanding of what expectancies will be placed on you should you be offered the role. Knowing the requirements the employer is seeking will allow you to focus on the skills you bring matching those needs; then you can market yourself accordingly. Not only will you be able to ensure you can offer the expectations but also you will quickly understand whether you could be the right fit for the position.
Charlie McKenna, Chef & Founder, Lillie’s Q
How the Company is Growing
No one likes changing companies too often. When a workplace is a good fit for both the employee and employers, the quality of work is better. You should always ask how the employer sees the company growing in the next few years. This timeline allows you to judge whether the company is on an upwards trajectory. Perhaps this opens up a platform for you to discuss how you can help lead the company into further growth, or maybe it just gives you insight into the future of the position you are applying for.
Geoff Percy, CEO, Simple
The Structure of the Position
When you apply for a job, you want to have a clear understanding of the structure of the position you are in the running for. One question worth asking your future employer is “What does a typical day look like?” This simple question helps clarify what the normal would be if you were hired for the role. It will both give you a greater understanding of the position and will show the employer you care about what you would be doing each day.
Chris Gadek, Head of Growth, AdQuick
The Timeline for the Hiring Process
It is very important to ask questions during an interview, because it shows that you are interested in the position and in the company. A great question to ask is what is the timeline for hiring for the position that you are applying for. This will let the interviewer know that you feel a sense of urgency to get the job, and it will help alleviate your having to guess about the process after the interview is over.
Sarah Pirrie, Brand Director, Healist Naturals
How Success is Measured
It is important to ask how success will be measured for the position you are applying for. Even though you may have a good grasp of what the role will involve every day, if you aren’t aware of how the company will be measuring whether or not the person in that role is successful, it can be difficult to understand if you are a good fit.
Benjamin Smith, Founder, Disco
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What Concerns the Employer Has With Your Resume
I think the most important question to ask is “Do you have any concerns with me or my application?” This addresses your perceived shortcomings and allows you to defend any issues the employer may point out. It also lets you walk away from the interview with peace of mind that you addressed the main concerns. Asking the hard questions shows confidence in your skills and sets you apart from the other candidates.
Adam Rossiter, Co-Founder, Bulk
The Fluctuation of the Role
Knowing how much to expect changes in the position you are applying for will provide valuable insight into the role and the company. Expecting large fluctuations in the tasks associated with the position versus having an awareness that the position will not change outside of what has been outlined lets you consider what kind of adaptation-style you do best with. Ask the employer how much his or her position has changed from what he or she expected, as well as how much room for adjustment there is in your applied position.
Jacques-Edouard Sabatier, Co-Founder and CEO, JOW
Examples of the Work
Asking for examples of the work completed for the position gives you a better understanding of what your day-to-day role will be. It also allows you to visualize yourself in the position, and knowing the work type offers the opportunity for you to market any skills you have that align with the role.
Jeremy Goldstein, CEO, Navitar
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The Attributes of the Candidate
One question you need to ask your future employer while in an interview is “What attributes make someone really successful in the role?” This question will help you determine if the job is a good fit for you. It will also allow you to showcase some of your strengths and align them to the job description.
Darren Litt, Chairman and Co Founder, MarketerHire
The Challenges of the Position
Do not be afraid to delve into the more concerning aspects of a position during the interviewing process. You want to ensure you gather all the information you can before you commit to a job. An important question to ask is, “What are the unique challenges of this position?” No job is going to be without its difficulties, and establishing what those will look like right away will only benefit you in the long run.
Jeff Henretig, President, Apothecanna
The Company’s Management Style
An excellent question to ask during an interview is, “What is the company’s management style?” This will let the employer know that you are interested in the company and that you’ve given some thought as to how you might fit into the corporation. It is always best to ask at least one question during an interview in order to show that you would truly like to be offered the position.
Sheila Chaiban, CEO, One Ocean Beauty
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What the Employer Likes About the Company
One good question to ask employers is what made them want to work for the company in the first place. First of all, people normally appreciate being asked about themselves, so the employer will likely be happy to speak on his or her own experiences and to feel heard in this way. Furthermore, this question shows that the job seeker really wants to get to the heart of what makes this company special and that he or she is willing to take the initiative to do so.
Joaquín Roca, Co-Founder and CEO, Minerva
