5 Interview Questions For Your Potential Employer
“Shoot first, ask questions later.” makes for a great Western movie but signing first and asking later in the job search context, may lead to the exact opposite of a blockbuster.
The best time to ask your questions is before you’ve signed that contract, during your interviews. And if you struggle figuring out what to ask, first understand some reasons why we ask.
No job ad ever, in the known history of job ads, has provided all the information a candidate needs to know about the company and the role.
Other than clarity about the work you would be doing, the questions you prepare can give you clarity on the kind of people you would be working with, their values, and their expectations. It’s also a chance to signal your interest in the role, the company, and the team which, if you are going about your job search the right way, will be genuine.
? Here are 5 questions you can ask in just about any interview:
1. How do you handle overtime?
Are you willing to “go the extra mile”? Recent research shows that about 48 % of employees in Germany work more hours than those stipulated in their contracts. The data also shows that the number of additional hours put in varies between professions, regions, and seniority levels. But if you are employed, it is to be expected that you will have to give that little extra at some point.
With almost half the workforce putting in overtime, it’s nothing extraordinary – so what’s there to talk about?
This question gives you an opportunity to discuss how you can get a return on the additional hours you invest be it monetary (paid overtime/bonus) or another arrangement (flextime, holiday balances). You can see this also as a way to gain a better understanding of how hard work and achieving a work-life balance is perceived at the company.
2. What’s your personal view on the company culture?
It’s no longer uncommon for companies to have a section on their website dedicated to telling candidates about their company culture and employees’ experiences. If you’re like me you’ll enjoy watching those videos where the employees praise their company and talk about great teamwork. DO NOT go to the interview or send out an application without having checked this out.
All the information presented here is positive and no it is not likely that the interviewer will highlight the negative aspects or challenges they face but it is an opportunity to hear an unscripted version of day-to-day life in that company. And if you are good at reading people, you may be lucky enough to catch some red flags if the response doesn’t ring authentic in your ears but more like Morse code for RUN. Then, you RUN!
3. What can I expect in the way of compensation and benefits?
It’s not about the money, money, money but it’s kinda important. This elephant might not be in the room in the first interview but it’s coming in sooner or later – so address it. And if the question is presented to you, respond with confidence (always a range!) and follow up with the question “Is this in line with what you had in mind?”.
Using the phrase compensation and benefits means we are not talking solely about typical monetary incentives (salary and bonus). It allows you to get an overview of the full package on offer which may include a train ticket, meal vouchers, and other items that may reduce your personal expenses and improve your standard of living.
4. What is your performance evaluation process?
Ask this question to figure who will be evaluating your performance and how. It doesn’t eliminate company politics but the clearer the guidelines around this topic, the better. Clear processes increase the accuracy of the feedback provided and fairness and transparency to the decisions around career progression.
Additionally, if you are receiving variable compensation such as performance-related bonuses – you have to know. What was once typical only for sales and management roles is increasingly being offered as an incentive for other roles as well.
5. Do you see me in this role?
Every job seeker has been ghosted or blindsided by a rejection before. Sometimes it’s by companies we didn’t even think were that hot anyway! Regardless of what stage it happens you may wonder “Was it me?”, “What did I miss?.”
TIP: find out during the interview. Once you have made it to an interview, you have the chance to reaffirm your interest after all you have learned about the opportunity and enquire as to whether, after having gotten to know you better, the interviewer can see you in this role.
IF the interviewer gives you honest feedback (and it is an if), you have the chance to iron out any concerns and improve in the upcoming interactions if necessary.
Bottom line: ASK FIRST, SIGN LATER is the motto. Asking no questions during an interview is a faux pas and doing yourself a disservice. Bring these and other questions to your next interview and nail it!
Follow me on my social platforms for more tips on how to present the best version of yourself.