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Employment Advice Column: The Last Question Of The Job Interview – What To Ask?

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Centred Content

Dear Joanna,

I’m preparing for a virtual job interview for a work-from-home part time position as a bookkeeper. I’ve attended a couple of excellent virtual workshops on this topic with Reena’s virtual employment and career program. Plus I’m practicing with my Reena coach on zoom. I understand that the interviewer will ask me if I have any questions at the end. I’d like to be ready to ask questions to help me understand the job and company better. Do you have any recommendations?

Signed: Questions to Ask

Centred Content

Dear Q&A

According to blogger Eber, in https://www.fastcompany.com/90622890/10-questions-to-ask-in-a-job-interview-that-will-really-expose-a-companys-culture?utm_source=pocket-newtab and Simpson in https://theinterviewguys.com/top-14-questions-to-ask-in-an-interview/ it’s important to prepare four to five questions when the interviewer asks you “Do you have any questions” at the end of the job interview. You never know when some of your questions might be answered during the interview. And it’s important to ask questions. It shows the employer that you are eager and interested in learning. However, cautions the bloggers, the interview is not the time to ask tons of questions and do a deep dive into the company. Leave this for when you get the job offer.

Simpson stresses the need to ask questions and reports that according to Glassdoor Survey of 750 hiring managers, “…nine in ten (88%) hiring decision-makers agree that an informed candidate is a quality candidate.” and that “an informed candidate is prepared for the interview and asks pertinent questions.“ He suggests that the questions you prepare should cover these areas: THE JOB: Is there anything in the job that wasn’t in the job posting? THE REQUIREMENTS: Are you fully prepared to start if you are hired? Is there anything you need to know in order to do the job? Is there any special training or any classes you’re going to be required to take if you’re hired? THE EXPECTATIONS: How you do your job is also equally important…and what they expect from you as you do it! The best way to meet the goals of your employer is to know upfront what they are. What do they expect from someone who is hired for this position? How do they evaluate that performance? Are there reviews? THE COMPANY: Find out who will be your boss – who you will be reporting to. Some information on the company is available when you do your research, but some facts can only come from an employee – the hiring manager is a great source! THE PEOPLE: How about your fellow co-workers? What about the people that make up the roster of employees? Who are you going to be working with? Are you working with a team? THE WORKPLACE CULTURE/ATMOSPHERE: Another important consideration is the culture of the company you are going to work for. What kind of place is it? What do employees wear to work? Is it a more casual approach or professional all the time? Do employees volunteer in the community?

In the box below, you will find some recommended questions by Simpson to prepare in advance for your job interview. For more information visit the links above. Good luck with your job interview!

  1. Can you tell me exactly what I would be expected to do if I was hired for this position?
  2. Can you walk me through a typical day here at Company X?
  3. If I were hired for the position, would I be going through any training prior to actually starting the work?
  4. How will I be trained?
  5. What are the performance expectations for this position? Will that expectation change the longer I am doing the job?
  6. Is there an employee performance review process? How often does that occur and can you walk me through a typical one?
  7. Where do you see the company in 5 years? 10?
  8. Can you tell me what the career paths are for this department and what sort of advancements I could work towards?
  9. Will I be working with a team and if I am, can you tell me a little about each of them?
  10. Can you tell me about my direct supervisor? Is there anything I should know about working with them that will make my integration a smooth process?
  11. Can you tell me what you love the most about working here?
  12. How would you describe the working environment here? Is work done in a collaborative style or are employees more independent?
  13. What are the next steps in the interview process?
  14. Is there anything else I can provide you with that would be helpful or questions I can answer?

Joanna

To submit your questions and comments to this column IN CONFIDENCE, please email jsamuels@reena.org