Checklist: what to ask at a job interview

Going to an interview, we usually worry about the questions that they might ask us, prepare for them. And very often we lose sight of the fact that the interview to find a job abroad is a two-way process. So, you need to think over a list of questions for a potential employer, so as not to make a mistake with the choice of a place of work.

Many specialists, while looking for a job, prepare to answer questions from a potential employer, go through dozens of interviews, get an offer, go to a new job, and in a couple of days they realize that everything is not as rosy as they thought and they don’t want to work here.

The problem is that most do NOT ask questions to the future employer. But without asking just a couple of the right questions at the interview, you will choose the wrong company, spend a lot of time and again return to the search disappointed.

30 questions to ask your future employer

An interview is not just an opportunity for the HR manager to find out everything about you as a specialist and as a person. This is also an opportunity for you to understand if this job is right for you? It is very important to get answers to such questions: what do you need to know about the vacancy? About the company? About the department?

We’ve put together a list of key interview questions to ask when we cherish “So, do you have any questions?” moment arrives. This list will help you make sure you cover all the key points.

Questions about the position and the work itself:

1. What are my job responsibilities? The first thing you try to find out about a potential job is what you will do, what you will do and what area of ​​work you will be responsible for. True, basically the employer himself tells what duties the vacancy implies, but if you still have doubts or you are not quite sure whether you have understood this information correctly, then it is still better to clarify or ask again.

2. Is this a new job or an old job? Many people think that getting a new job is better than taking an existing job. If a vacancy is just being created, then you have the opportunity to arrange the work as you see fit. Otherwise, you will have to adapt to the rules and obligations that are inherent in this position.

3. Who will I report directly to? Before accepting a job offer, it is worth finding out general information about the hierarchy in the company. So, it will be easier for you to figure out in the future who you can contact with a question or who to ask for advice. In some companies, issues of subordination are very strict, so in order not to get into trouble in an unfamiliar team, it is better to immediately clarify this issue for yourself.

4. Does my position involve business trips, participation in additional projects? The text of the vacancy does not always indicate what additional activity the job involves. Meanwhile, the presence of business trips can significantly affect your decision – for some applicants, such obligations are unacceptable. The same applies to participation in other projects of the organization. If in the course of work you can be involved in parallel projects that the company is engaged in.

5. How is success in this job measured? If in the field of sales this is more or less clear, then how, for example, to evaluate the work of a marketer? Each company may have its own way of determining efficiency. You can focus on one focus of work, but at the same time, it turns out that management uses a completely different criterion to evaluate success. Therefore, it is better to prepare in advance and place the right accents.

6. What can you tell about the vacancy that was not written in the advertisement? As a rule, the text of the vacancy contains only the main points, but any job involves a lot of interesting little things. Therefore, ask the recruiter to talk about any non-obvious or hidden nuances of this position.

7. Can you show an example of a project that I have to work on? It will not be superfluous, if possible, to get acquainted with similar projects in order to roughly understand what will be required of you in the future.

8. Are there frequent promotions in this position and what is needed for this? If the issue of a raise is fundamental for you, then it is better to clarify your expectations right away. Otherwise, in the future, disagreements in this area may lead to dismissal.

9. What is the employee’s responsibility? Immediately try to determine the scope of responsibility and compare it with the benefits offered.

10. What are the most difficult tasks that an employee in this position can face? As the saying goes, always hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. Therefore, if possible, it is better to prepare in advance at least morally for the difficulties that may be expected in the work.

11. What else is included in the daily/weekly duties? In addition to job responsibilities, a vacancy can often also involve minor tasks, such as buying stationery or ordering water for the office. So that such tasks do not come as a surprise to you, try to find out at the interview.

Questions about probationary period:

12. What results do you expect from a new employee during the trial period? This question is somewhat similar to the question of performance evaluation, but more specific. You must understand what will be expected of you in the near future and whether you will be able to meet these requirements.

13. What are the main features of the trial period in your company? Find out how long the trial period for this position lasts, how much it is paid, what obligations you will have to the company and the company to you.

Questions about motivation:

14. What is the salary and how is it paid? This question is one of the most key in the interview, and often the salary is indicated in the text of the vacancies. But just in case, it is still worth clarifying this point.

15. Is there a social package and what does it include? How many companies offer various compensation packages? Therefore, a set of additional “goodies” can significantly affect the choice of a job.

16. Are you expected to pay for overtime? And are there any processing in the company at all? In any case, if the company pays for overtime work, then this item should be spelled out in the employment contract.

17. What are the prospects for growth in this position? Again, if career growth is one of the main issues for you when choosing a job, then it is better to clarify this point right away.

18. Is additional training expected? Some companies may offer training at their own expense, conducting language courses as part of the workflow. Also, the company can partially pay for advanced training courses or additional education.

19. What qualities and skills should an ideal candidate have? So you can compare yourself and the image of the candidate that the employer would like to see, and understand how suitable you are for this job.

Questions about the company:

20. What is the structure of the company? Perhaps this information is publicly available and can be found on the company’s website. But if you have any doubts about this, then it is better to clarify incomprehensible points.

21. What is the procedure for hiring employees? Does the company provide official employment? What is the time frame for registration and are any additional documents needed – a health book, certificates, etc.? This aspect is extremely important for further cooperation.

22. Do I need to enter into a non-disclosure agreement? Some companies, especially in the information technology field, may require employees to sign a contract that will limit the dissemination of confidential information.

23. Does the company have a dress code? Although now more and more companies are abandoning the dress code, preferring a free choice of clothes, check what the procedures are in this company so as not to find yourself in an awkward situation on the very first working day.

24. How is the interaction between departments or structural units? You must understand how communications are carried out within the company. In large organizations, interaction between branches or departments can be quite time-consuming and formal, so it’s best to be prepared for this.

25. What are the development plans of the company? Just like recruiters ask, “Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?”, ask what the company’s goals are. This will help you understand if you are on the right path with this organization.

General issues:

26. What is the expected work schedule and can it be adjusted? This is one of the main issues, along with job responsibilities and remuneration. Often, due to an inconvenient or too tight schedule, candidates have to refuse a vacancy.

27. What kind of workplace will I have – open space or a separate office? Many employees find it difficult to work in a shared office. Not comfortable conditions are unlikely to contribute to productive work.

28. How is the workplace equipped? Do you have all the necessary equipment or will you need a personal laptop?

And finally:

29. How long does it take to get feedback from you? In order not to waste time and your own nerves waiting for an answer that may be negative, it is better to immediately determine the time frame.

30. What can you say about my resume? What should be improved in it? As they say, there is no limit to perfection. Even if it seems to you that your resume is perfect, an opinion from the outside never hurts.

Of course, we definitely do not recommend asking them all at once – you will certainly receive some of the answers during your conversation with the HR manager. Just make sure that after the last interview you can answer all of them, and then you can be sure that your interview went well!

We wish you successful interviews and only worthy job offers!