As a job seeker, you do your best to prepare for questions the hiring manager may ask you. However, YOU have just as much opportunity to ask questions that are important to you and your career. The interview meeting is your chance to find out if this company and the role is the right fit for you. A new opportunity should be a win-win for both you, the employee, and the employer. So before your interview, go online and research the company. Read about their background and history, press releases and any articles and interviews your can find. Check out the conversations on the company’s Blog, Facebook and Twitter pages.
What sparks your interest about the company?
What natural questions come out of your findings?
Write them down in a notebook and bring it to your interview. This will show the hiring manager you did your homework, you have thought through this job role and you are prepared.
It’s a good idea to inquire about information that job seekers can not typically find online or the company website. Here are 7 questions that will give you good insight into your potential future employer:
1) Tell me about your company culture and management style.
(Example: Is the company culture conservative and structured or relaxed and flexible?)
2) What have been some of the biggest challenges faced in this role?
3) What happened to the previous person who held this same job?
4) What do you like most about working at this company?
5) What are the most important skills and attributes needed to be successful in this position?
6) Will I receive or need any formal training and professional development?
7) What are this company’s short-term and long-term goals?
Add your own unique questions from your research findings. The most important thing to remember is to be relevant. Make sure you stay on topic and adapt the questions to the employer. For additional tips or suggestions, please feel free to contact us! Best of luck!