1. What Does The Ideal Candidate Need To Succeed?
The first question is a tough one, and it’s meant to be open for the employer. You want to know what you’re in for, but you don’t want to seem like you aren’t thrilled about joining. Instead, ask about the skills one needs, and make sure that you ask for specific skills. That way your future employer is put on the spot as to how to describe the position to you, rather than you trying to decipher it on your own.
2. How Does This Position Benefit The Company?
This is one of the best questions that you can ask an employer. The manager interviewing you will be amazed that you are inquiring about such a specific element. Remember, jobs aren’t just about getting in there and making money. It’s about being a catalyst for problem solving within a business. Your role is going to solve an issue, what it is may be a matter of focusing on the right set pieces overall. Think about this carefully, and see what the employer says.
3. What Do Employees Like Best About Working At The Company?
In order to gauge whether or not you’re going to enjoy the position you are seeking, ask about it. Instead of asking this question of the interviewer directly, ask the employees that are in the company. Find out if they love where they work, or whether they are unhappy. Of course a manager is not going to paint you a negative picture, but what if they do? What if they tell you about the stress that many are under? That can be helpful, right?
4. Is There Room To Grow?
Ask about whether or not there is room to grow in the position you are being offered. Often, you will be asked where you see yourself in 5 years, but you can easily turn the tables. Ask about the potential for growth, and whether or not they hire from within when new positions open up. Just remember, ask about the growth potential, so that you are not stuck in a dead end position for years to come.
5. Are There Any Hiccups In My Work History?
Here is a question that will definitely get you on the short list with most companies, and that’s whether or not your work history is missing something. Ask whether or not you’re qualified for the job, and see what they say. You may have what it takes, but you may have omitted it from your work history. This is your chance to get into the trenches and prove that you know what you’re talking about. If you omitted something, or aren’t qualified, make sure that you ask about it and fill in the gaps while you’re in their presence. You’ll be surprised how well this works to your advantage.
6. Are There Incentives for Continuing Education or Benefits For Training?
Some companies offer a tuition credit if you go back to school for an advanced degree. In some instances, they will even pay for your master’s degree, assuming that you are going to continue to work with them afterwards. You will have to ask up front, or at least drop the notion that you will be going back to school to get a higher degree. You may be surprised by how many managers see this as a positive thing, and it will pay off dividends down the line for your professional career, that’s for sure.
7. Will I Be Flying Solo or Is There A Team?
Find out from the managers whether you’re going to be a hired gun or you will be a team player. Sometimes, you will find that jobs don’t really indicate the goal that you are going to face once hired. Some people aren’t doing very well trapped in cubicle land alone. If you want that type of job, they are out there. However, if you aren’t thrilled about the proposition of going this route, then you will want to ask up front whether or not you will be alone or with a team.
8. How Does The Company Plan To Grow in the Next Few Years?
Here’s another one of those questions that turns the tables. Ask about the growth of the company at large. Ask about whether or not the position is part of a larger global strategy. You’ll not only look like you care about your job, but you will be caring about the good of the company. This little tidbit may be simple, but it’s going to make a huge impact on whether or not you get hired, and once hired, you’ll be able to illustrate to the employer that you’re going to stick around to see that growth potential.
9. How Was The Position Vacated?
Don’t be afraid to ask about what happened to the last guys that were in the job. You may be going into a hostile environment if you don’t. There’s nothing wrong with asking why the position is vacant and why you may want to join. Keep in mind that they may not tell you, but if they do, wait for the answer to decide if you want to progress.
10. Ask About The Next Step In Hiring
At the end of the day, you want to know what’s next, so ask. Ask how long it will take to get notified of the position or whether or not you’re going to end up without an option down the line. Whatever the case is, just ask.
Looking for more career tips? Head over to YoungFinances.com/career and get a free download of How to Write a Job Getting Resume.
LaTisha Styles is a motivational speaker, millennial money expert, and spokesperson specializing in simple finance for millennials.
LaTisha is the producer and host of Young Finances TV, a weekly series featuring funny, insightful videos on the basics of personal finance. LaTisha has been quoted in Forbes and Mainstreet, featured in The Economist, and mentioned in US News as a top personal finance expert to follow on Twitter.
You can follow LaTisha on Twitter for daily millennial money tips to budget, invest and achieve success!
