Written by: Greg Weiss
A job interview should be a two-way dialogue, not a one-way street.
I often get asked by job seekers if it is appropriate to ask the recruitment firm handling their application for a job, or their potential employer questions at the interview.
The simple answer is to absolutely, without doubt, 100 percent ask questions!
Asking questions helps all parties, namely job seekers, recruiters and potential employers determine motivational and cultural fit, and it demonstrates good thinking by the applicant.
So let me repeat this, a job interview should be a two-way dialogue, not a one-way street.
If you are an applicant for a job, what would make some good questions to ask the Recruiter or Hiring Manager representing your potential new employer?
Upon commencement of the interview, it helps to ask:
- How long have you allowed for this interview?
You may then even suggest the following:
- I’d like to ask some questions. When can we fit those in?
When it’s time to ask your questions then ask some or all of the the following:
- Why is this role vacant?
- How long has it been vacant?
- (If it’s a replacement for a previous incumbent, ask): How long was the last person in the role?
- (If less than 2 years ask): And before that?
- How would you describe the first 3 – 6 months in this role?
- What is the company’s policy on remote work and hybrid work models?
- How many days a week is this role expected to be in the office versus working from home?
- What measures are in place to support this role working remotely
- How does the company ensure effective communication and collaboration among all work styles, including remote and hybrid teams
- How does the company handle onboarding for this role?
- What does good performance look like?
- How would you measure that performance?
- How would you describe your style of management/leadership?
- What’s the team like?
- How is the team performing?
- Is there anything further you’d like to ask me?
- How did you feel this interview went?
- What are the next steps in the interview process?
Incorporating these questions into your interview can help you get a clearer picture of how the company operates and ensure that the next steps in the interview process of clear to you, and that its policies align with your needs and expectations.
Good luck with your interview!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Greg authored 3 practical Career Books, and 1 Book helping Visionary leaders scale their businesses. He is one of Australia’s most experienced HR consultants and leading career coaches. He is the founder and owner of Soulidify and Career365. As an entrepreneur/business owner, Greg has experienced first-hand the joys and frustrations of starting and growing one’s own business.
