Important Questions to Ask During Your Interview

When it comes to the interview process, seasoned professionals are very familiar with the many steps involved, including the interview.  However, those who are new to the world of searching for the right job opportunity may not be as well versed with this essential step of the hiring process. 

Typically the final step in the hiring processes, an interview provides candidates with the opportunity to speak with a hiring manager to learn more about the available position and the type of skills it requires and the responsibilities it includes. 

During the interview the hiring manager usually asks the candidate if they have any questions.  This is a chance for the candidate to learn about areas that may not have been covered in the earlier part of the interview.  Unfortunately, many candidates do not take advantage of this opportunity.  Once their questions regarding salary, expectations, responsibilities, benefits and hours have been answered, they feel they have all of the information they need to know. 

Not taking the time to ask additional questions is a missed opportunity.  This is the time when a candidate can truly find out if the position and the company are a good fit for them.  Although the salary and benefits may be desirable, candidates need to know if the job itself is going to be personally and professionally rewarding.  If not, the job search process could quickly begin again if they are not happy with the position. 

To avoid missing out on this opportunity, we have compiled a list of five essential additional questions to ask during an interview. 

Why is this position vacant? 

A potential hire needs to know all of the important information about the position.  Responsibilities, requirements and expectations are all essential areas to cover.  Yet, a candidate also needs to know why the position is currently vacant. 

Knowing the answer to this question can help a candidate determine if the position is right for them.  The vacancy could be a position that was newly created to fulfill a specific need for the company.  It could be due to an internal promotion or the previous employee being on leave for a personal reason. 

However, the role may be open due to less appealing reasons.  The vacancy could be due to a workload that proves to be overwhelming for many employees.  Perhaps the schedule doesn’t offer as much flexibility as others. 

Knowing this information up front during the interview can help a candidate avoid accepting an offer that may not be as beneficial to their personal or professional needs. 

How often does this position lead to a promotion?

This is a particularly important question for entry level positions.  If the hiring manager demonstrates a pattern of promotion generated from this position, it indicates that the company is keen on developing and growing talent internally.  This incentivizes accepting an employment offer. 

However, if the hiring manager honestly answers the question and explains that the role offers little opportunity for advancement, it may be less desirable to a candidate.  While the position may offer a nominal amount of experience and/or fulfill a need for employment at the current time, it may not be beneficial for the candidate’s professional development. 

What is the performance review process? 

The hiring manager will often discuss salary and benefits packages during the initial stages of the interview process.  Yet, the subject of performance reviews and evaluations are not often covered in an interview. 

While the salary and benefits may be generous at the offset, it’s important to know if the company conducts annual reviews and evaluations.  If so, candidates should ask the hiring manager to explain the review process.  Understanding the review process can help a candidate determine whether the hiring company recognizes talent and values its employees enough to offer incentives and promotions for their excellent performance (and training so they can be promoted!) 

Why do employees remain with the company? 

Retention is a word that makes everyone feel better.  Companies are happy when they can retain their top performers since it helps ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity. Employees who enjoy going to their jobs every day are more likely to remain with the organization. 

If the company enjoys a healthy retention rate, candidates should ask why that is.  Does the company strive for an optimal work/life balance?  Are the schedules flexible to accommodate personal or family obligations?  Is the company culture inclusive and diverse?  Are employee opinions and contributions encouraged and acknowledged? 

Understanding why current employees are more inclined to remain with the company goes a long way in determining if the company is a good fit for the candidate. 

Why have employees resigned from the company?

If the company has experienced higher turnover rates, candidates need to understand why.  Sometimes turnover is due to a pleasant event such as a retirement, maternity leave or the acceptance of a new employment opportunity that’s more aligned with their needs or experience. 

However, turnover may be due to less pleasant reasons.  The responsibilities of the position may prove to be too stressful to many less experienced employees.  There may be less opportunity for advancement than other roles within the organization.  The department may be in a near constant state of flux due to turnovers. 

Knowing the causes of a high turnover rate may deter candidates from pursuing a less than satisfactory opportunity.  

The importance of asking questions in an interview cannot be stressed enough.  These additional questions help fill the gaps on topics that may not have been covered or fully addressed during the initial interview process.  By asking these questions, candidates have a more well-rounded understanding of the position and the company.  In doing so, they will be able to make a more informed decision if a job offer is extended to them. 

Another way to make the interview process more enjoyable and informative is to work with Elite Personnel.  Our expert team is very familiar with the companies we provide with talent so we can offer a great deal of insight into the organization and its current openings.  This allows us to supply candidates with answers to these questions before the interview. 

Ready to fill your calendar with new interview opportunities? Contact us today!