Interview Questions You Should Be Asking Employers

Whether you’ve just started at a new company or are interviewing for new roles, you should be asking questions. From employee benefits to salary reviews, you deserve to know what you’re getting into from day one. Here’s our list of the best onboarding and interview questions to ask employers when preparing for a new role.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Many interviewees and new employees shy away from asking questions. They can spend so much time preparing to answer questions that they forget to come up with any for themselves. Applying and preparing for a new role is a two-way street. Just as an employer wants to find the right fit, you need to know if the position and company align with your career goals.

It’s important to advocate for yourself. Ask yourself what’s important to you in the workplace and don’t be afraid to pose those questions to your new or potential employer. Not only will you get a better idea about whether this role is the right fit for you, but you’ll also demonstrate the level of thought and consideration you have put into this endeavour.

Before You Ask, Do Your Research

Before you ask your new or potential employer anything, do your research. You can seem unprepared if you ask questions that are easily answered with a quick Google search or a browse on their company website. Research the company and role thoroughly to avoid asking questions that reveal a lack of preparation.

Want more tips on how to prepare for a job interview? Check out our blog on How To Prepare for a Job Interview

Unique Interview Questions to Ask Employers

What Does A Typical Day Look Like?

To discover as much information about the role as you can, it’s best to start broad and simple. Asking them to run through a typical day will shed light on your responsibilities and their expectations.

What Challenges Do You Think I Would Face in This Role

This is a great way to find out if you feel comfortable with the potential challenges you would face.

How Do You Measure Performance?

This is a crucial one. To do your job well, you need to fully understand the metrics by which you’re being assessed. This will allow you to start on the right foot with priorities that align with the company structure.

What Is The Future Of The Company?

Have you ever been asked the dreaded ‘what’s your five-year plan’ question in an interview? This is your opportunity to turn it back on them. Asking about the plans of the company can establish whether their strategy aligns with your career plan. It also is a great opportunity to get a feel for the strategy and ambition of the company overall.

How Is The Team Set Up?

This question will give you further insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of your role. Try to determine how many people will be working under you, how many you will be reporting to, and how many you will be collaborating with regularly. This will give you a good idea about the level of communication required for this role.

What Are The Opportunities For Advancement?

If you’re ambitious and career-focused, this question is essential. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a role with no opportunity for growth or promotion.

The answer to this question should give you clarity on what your career progression could look like if you excel at this role, giving you a rough roadmap toward advancement. They will likely also fill you in on any resources they have for professional development.

What Is Your Company Culture Like?

This question can be extremely revealing. While most companies will consider their culture to be great, pay close attention to the language. It can reveal whether they have employee benefits in place, how much overtime you can expect, and the state of their leadership.

What Do You Enjoy About Working For This Company?

This question will shed more light on the perks and company culture. It will also allow you to connect personally with your interviewer or fellow employee.

Do you have any concerns or hesitations about considering me for this role? In response to this, counter their concerns and affirm why you are the ideal candidate.

This is a big one – this is your chance to find out the interviewer’s hesitations in hiring you. Take in their response, think for a moment and then sell yourself. Acknowledge their hesitations and put their mind at ease – reiterate why you are the right candidate for the role!

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