Asking a recruiter questions about the job position is a great way to determine whether the job is worth securing. For example, imagine you’ve already started your probation and found out the company didn’t have a remote work policy. As a result, you’ve wasted your time and missed other job opportunities as a candidate. To avoid this, check the list of questions an applicant might ask to determine whether they’re a right fit for the job.
Why Should One Ask Questions Before an Interview?
A standard job interview is an introductory stage of the hiring process. During an interview, a recruiter or a hiring manager gathers more data on the applicant’s skills and experience. Reaching out to resume service here might help you get a job-winning resume. But the agency won’t save you from applying for a job that doesn’t suit your demands. Yet we advise you to learn as many details as possible before you agree to go through a common job interview.
Follow the steps below to determine the questions one should ask before the interview.
- Take a paper and write down the no-brainers. For instance, distant working might be a non-negotiable condition;
- List your fears. Are you afraid of bullying? Ask the recruiter about the company’s ethics.
- Form questions according to your list of priorities and fears. Then, when applying for the job, send the questions to the recruiter. Or if the latter decides to call you before an eye-to-eye interview, ask the questions then.
Voila! The list of the before-interview questions is ready! Now check the possible questions to add from our experts below.
#1: How can you describe the culture in your organization?
Most companies are left-leaning nowadays, with gender policies and great social packages. However, some companies might resist fighting off social injustice. Ask the recruiter how they address conflicts based on race, gender, or religion. If you come from a minority background, justice and safety should be among your top priorities.
At the same time, checking the company’s culture yourself is easy. Visit sites like Glassdoor, where former employees gather to leave reviews on companies. Or check what others say about the company on LinkedIn and social media.
#2: Which stages do the interview process consist of?
Jobs differ. Yet no wonder job interviews for various job positions will vary as well. For instance, a job interview for a teacher’s position might include a short performance in a class. Meanwhile, a job interview for a slogan writer might consist of the task of writing a slogan for an advertisement campaign. Also, there might be a job interview with your future team’s supervisor.
Include the following questions when asking about the stages:
- Will there be multiple interviews?
- Will the interview include assessment tests?
- Will I discuss with my potential supervisor?
- How much time will each interview stage take?
#3: Which skills or knowledge is the company looking for the most?
Some skills like communication and teamwork are universal since most job positions require them. What if you lack the skills which the company treasures? Can you attain them in a short period?
You’re applying for a managerial job position in the building sector. If you’ve worked as a manager in a different industry, you might lack knowledge of building and architecture. Even if your managerial skills are top, the lack of expertise will cut your chances. Be aware.
#4: What is the salary?
Some companies will propose you a raise in a few months or right after the probation period. Meanwhile, getting a pay raise might take years in other organizations. If you expect your paycheck to get bigger each month, ask about it before the interview. Sure, the salary question is a sensitive one. However, no one will blame you for it if you’re the only breadwinner in the family.
- Ask the recruiter how often the company initiates performance and salary evaluations;
- Ask about taxes. The tax collection might take a big chunk of your budget away;
- Ask about the career ladder. Moving up the career ladder commonly means getting a higher salary.
#5: What is the social package?
One day we’ll all retire and have to live on the savings we’ve made throughout our careers. Hence, don’t be ashamed to ask about the 401(k) plans or insurance. Also, check whether the company pays for your vacation and sick days. If it does, check out the number of days the company pays for. Some companies will allow you to have a longer vacation but on the condition that you pay for a week or two.
If you’re planning to start a family in the future, ask the recruiter about the paternal/maternal leave conditions.
Other things the social package might include are:
- Paying for a sports club subscription;
- Free meals;
- Paying for foreign language courses or other courses that employees consider essential or interesting.
#6: What is my team at the company?
By asking the recruiter to describe your potential team, you’ll get an idea of who the people you’ll have to work with are. You’ll also find the number of working hours, the nature of teamwork, and the team’s direction when it comes to a project.
If you’re not a big fan of teamwork and find out that collaboration takes too much time, move to the next company.
#7: How long has the position been open?
Most job-hunting platforms show the publication date of the job post, but ask the recruiter this question. If the job has been posted long ago, the company needs to be more picky or thorough in its job search. Proceed with caution!
On the other hand, a job posted recently maximizes your chances of winning it since you’ll be one of the first candidates to apply for it.
Final Thoughts
The answers to sensitive questions like the company’s culture or career development might scare you away. This should not disappoint you. Imagine if you hadn’t asked all these questions and wasted your time on the interview and probation. Hence, it’s always better to find out that one is a bad fit for the job as early as possible.
We hope the article was helpful to you. Good luck!
