It's a little late in the semester to be talking about interviewing, but this is an important topic for everyone.
Interviewing can be nerve-wracking, stress inducing, and sometimes even a little scary. In the moment of panic, many people forget that this isn't just an employer seeing if you fit the company and the job - this is your chance to see if this job and company fit you. Interviews can work both ways.
But how does one go about that?
Luckily for you, we've complied a list of questions you should (and shouldn't) be asking to find if this company is the best fit for you.
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DO's
Here are five questions that can help you better understand the company you are interviewing with. Some questions are more pertinent than others depending on your field, but all can be modified to fit your needs.
-Why the position is open?
Did someone quit? Are they expanding? This question can give you good insight on what to expect from this work environment. If there is a low retainment percentage where people are coming and going constantly, there's a possibility this company either has little career building opportunities or an underlying problem that is pushing employees away. However, this may not be an issue for those who like to move around.
- What is expected of me for the first six months? Year? Two years?
Since you are a college graduate, your employer knows that this is, most likely, your first professional full time job. Some companies will throw you into the deep end on the first day and teach you to swim along the way. Other companies will have a more formal training program and slowly lower you into the pool. Either way is a valid method that works for many people, but what works best for you?
-What would the work product be of a highly successful person in this position?
This builds off of the last question. You already have an idea of how work will start off, but what are they really looking for in someone applying to this position? Will you be working long hours, or expected to be on call during the evenings or weekends?
- What kind of career development is available?
Although a bit more open ended than the previous questions, this is an especially important question for those who will be working in constantly changing fields. Is there any mentoring available, formal or informal? Does the company provide any additional training? What higher levels of responsibility can you expect? Does the company help you further education, or expect you to keep up to date on your own time?
-What the work environment is like?
Is this a formal office, or more relaxed without a dress code? Are you expected to show up at a specific time, or are the hours flexible so long as you get your work done? Are there any activities outside of work that promote teamwork? What are the inter-relations within the company like? For those of you who plan on starting a family, is the company family friendly? Does the company have any extra curriculars that promote teamwork or building relations with your coworkers? You'll be spending a good portion of your time in the office with your coworkers, so make sure it's the kind of environment that you can thrive in.
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DONT'S
Just as important as getting the information you need is not scaring your potential employer away. Here are three questions you should not ask during your interview:
-Don't ask questions that could be easily answered with a quick glance at their website
This makes you look lazy, or that you don't care about the company. Take the time to at least briefly look at their website and get a sense of what their product is and where you would fit in. It is alright to bring up something you saw on the website and ask for a clarification, but if the company is taking their time to get to know you, you should take some time to understand them as well.
-Don't inquire about money/benefits (unless the interviewer brings it up first)
This is incredibly tacky to ask about. You can worry about the money when you have received an offer.
- When you can expect your first promotion
Remember, this company is looking to hire you for a certain position. Asking about how you can get out of that position as soon as possible makes you look ungrateful and uninterested in the position. Why would they hire someone who doesn't even want the job?
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So keep these kinds of questions in mind for your next interview. Find what questions you think are more important to you, and don't be afraid to write them down on a piece of paper and bring it with you. Best of luck!
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