Job interviews, needless to say are one of life's true minefields. The internet is brimming with advice on what to ask, what not to ask, what not to wear, even when to shake a hand... the list is truly endless, and can often be rather intimidating when you are faced with a set of exhaustive instructions on every single aspect of an interview. Ultimately, the key thing to remember is an interview is a two-way street. While they are chance for employers to determine whether an individual has the appropriate attributes to fill a job role, they are also a chance for you to decide if the job is right for you and your career. Given the high unemployment rates we have faced in recent times, it can easily seem as if all the power is in the employers hands, while we do not want too be to selective, it is really important that you are prepared not just to ask questions, but the right ones, in order to get the best possible job role for you. And so, here is a concise user-friendly list on four things that are really worth asking in a job interview:
1. What career progression is available in this position?
This is an important question to ask because it communicates to the employer that you are ambitious and eager to progress in a job role, while also allowing you the chance to get a grasp on where this may take you in your future, and whether or not this is the career path that you want to take.
2. What are some of the largest problems this company and its staff could be faced with? Do you feel I could solve these?
Asking a question like this shows you to be someone who is proactive and wants to make a difference in the work environment. When asking something like this be prepared for the question to also be returned to you, meaning this is a perfect opportunity to show off the research you have carried out for a particular company and offer constructive suggestions on how they may be able improve in particular areas. What's more this will give you taste of the negatives that you may come up against whilst working for an employer.
3. Please could you offer some examples of the projects I will be working on / key tasks I will expected to carry out?
Questions like these allow you to get a firm grasp on what will be expected from you in your job, which in turn enables you to make an informed decision on whether a particular job is matched to your capabilities and career interests.
4. Is this a new position? If not - what did the former employee go on to do?
While you do not want to be too intrusive, this is a great chance to be able to get a sense of what opportunities might be open to you through the job role. If the position is new, follow up with a question regarding how regularly positions come up, which will indicate a companies growth and the chances available for progression internally.
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