Instead of settling on a basic inquiry, or even worse, floundering until you claim that you don't have any questions at all, we've itemized clear-cut questions to add to your repertoire.
During an interview, you never want to seem passive about the position you're applying for. Moreover, you probably do have considerations to take into account before committing to a new job. Sometimes, it's difficult to fully communicate your concerns in an opportune manner.
So, take a look at the topics below to bear in mind before your next big interview.
Think About Your Timeline
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Taking your own schedule into account when applying for a job is crucial. And, oftentimes, the summary for a position can be quite vague when it comes to scheduling. Asking about the time allocations expected for particular shifts is not inane; it's practical.
First, see what kind of information is already provided to you on scheduling. Have you been given a number of hours to work a week? Or perhaps the specific weekdays they need someone to fill this position? Most importantly, has this job been specified as full-time or part-time? And is this a temporary or seasonal job?
Once you look at the scheduling information provided, consider what has been left out. You can then ask your interviewer about the gaps in scheduling information. For example: "Given the hours of this job, how many days a week should I be prepared to come in?" Or, "Are there any other commitments beyond regular work hours?"
If you require flexibility due to other commitments, you can always ask about how flexible scheduling your shifts can be, or you can also explain those other commitments to the interviewer.
Although you may have to alter parts of your routine to accommodate a specific job, the people who you work for should still respect your time. Keeping open communication and being fully aware of the commitment you're making is crucial in the job search process.
Assess Workplace Culture
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How a company or organization runs will affect how you do you your job. Every work environment and workplace culture is different, and those differences place particular expectations on each employee. Even if you've held a similar position before, the variance in how things are run can vastly influence your next experience. Accordingly, looking into your work environment more generally can be very advantageous in your job search.
Asking questions about workplace/company culture can also show that you have a comprehensive outlook and an adaptive mindset. Asking about how teams operate in the office, or which departments work together, is a good place to start.
More specifically, you can ask who you would be reporting to directly and which positions you'll be collaborating with most often. Moreover, you shouldn't be afraid to ask about company values and how the position you're applying for contributes to those values.
In order to completely understand the role you are interviewing for, you must consider how your work contributes to a bigger picture, and how that bigger picture affects your specific job.
Go Beyond The Job Description
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If you don't ask about the specific position you're applying for, you might find yourself taking on more than you bargained for. To get an idea of the amount and type of work you would be doing on a regular basis, ask what a typical workday looks like for someone in your position. If you have concerns about working independently or in a group, ask if you would be doing more work as an individual, teammate, or a mix of both.
Don't be afraid to ask about how this position would affect you, too. Ask if the previous person in this position had any concerns. If they simply moved up in the company, you could follow that question with how they succeeded to get that promotion. If they left for another company, you could ask what led to that decision.
When you ask about the advantages of this job, you can also make a judgement call on whether your hard work will be recognized and rewarded.
Keep Moving Forward
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As you get closer to the end of the interview, don't forget to remind them that you are still interested in advancing in the hiring process. Ask when you can expect to hear back about whether they are still interested in you for the position. If they set a specific date and you still don't have an answer, follow up with a quick email or phone call. Even if they decide to hire someone else, it is better to have a clear answer so you can also move on.
If you are applying to similar jobs at the same time and going to other interviews, be honest about that during the interview. Rather than using their potential competition as leverage, ask how long you will be able to weigh your options if you receive multiple offers.
Honesty is important as both a potential hire and long-term employee, and this will show them how you sort out your priorities before making an informed decision.
Do you want to learn more about the types of questions you should ask at the end of a job interview? Check out our YouTube channel here. Our Job Interview Prep playlist will help you get ready to take on your next interview with confidence and a clear head.
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