The job description never paints a full picture of the job. You need to ask the right questions to uncover if the opportunity is the right fit for you. Find out how to ask potential employers questions.
Welcome back to Part 2 of the blog series on Interviewing Employers! Interviewing your potential employer is very important, as we discussed previously the employer should impress you, to ensure you are getting into the right role. In our blog Interviewing Employers Part 1 we talked about asking general questions regarding the role, growth opportunities and culture. Today we will be asking technical questions that are more job related, that are pertinent to ask to ensure you are walking into a great opportunity…
Ask potential employers questions about duties and responsibilities
Looking at a job description it will list your required duties and responsibilities. Before accepting any new position, it is important to know what is exactly expected of you. If the requirement says that you are making outbound calls, your question to the employer is “How many calls per day (or hour) do you expect a person in this position to make?” The point is to find out exactly what is required and what is expected. This way you are not blindsided after accepting and finding out that this opportunity is really not right for you.
Ask about job requirements
Job requirements can range anywhere from an employer asking for exceptional computer skills or requiring that you travel on the job. It is important to break down your questions and find out exactly what it is the employer is looking at. In this case, lets look at travelling on the job. Ask the employer “what percentage of the time am I required to travel? Is it mainly day or overnight travel? Is it local or international travel?”. All of these questions are very important to narrow down if the opportunity is right. This will eliminate any element of surprise and can really show you if you are truly the right fit.
The Ideal Candidate
Who would be the ideal candidate for this role? In my professional opinion, I would say this is one of the best questions to ask. It puts the hiring manager in a position to honestly say what they are looking for. The job description never paints a full picture of the job. When the hiring manager gets to speaking they will open up about details, characteristics and expectations of the role and candidate. This will allow you to consider the whole opportunity in perspective and truly understand if it is right for you.
Interviewing is a two-way street. Both parties need to know what they are getting into before they make any formal decision. Accepting a new opportunity is a long-term commitment for most individuals. Ask potential employers questions before you accept an offer. Asking the right questions will ensure you are walking into the right opportunity!
Thank for the advice, sometimes its just a matter of putting your self out there with a voice. Although I hesitate sometimes, your article made me think from the employers perspective. They might actually value someone looking for a job that fits them well.
Hi Mangupreet! Thank you for your comment, as candidates the only way you will ever know if the job is right for you is by asking the right questions. This way you can truly understand what the employer is looking for and whether or not you are the right fit. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Excellent topic and very well written Manraj. As a candidate who has had her fair share of interviews I do believe that asking the right questions will really show you if the job is right for you. Can’t wait for your next blog!!
Hi Anna, thank you for your comment! Everyone is looking for the right fit, just be prepared with the right questions. My next blog topic will be quite exciting as well!! Thanks for stopping by!
Great advice Manraj! As a prospective employee, it is important that during the interview the conversation is bi-directional and you ask the employer details on specific requirements. Ensuring your experience aligns with what the job mandates is necessary to avoid stumbling upon too many unknowns when starting.
Hi Joginder, thank you for your lovely comment! Being specific with your questions will really paint a full picture of the job and it will eliminate unknowns when starting. Thanks for stopping by!
Great blog Manraj! Not only is it critical to ask questions to get a feel for a company’s culture and what to expect out of a prospective position, but it also shows that you have a certain level of interest in the eyes of the interviewer. By conversing with the interviewer on what is expected on the role that you have applied for, you will, as Joginder has stated, avoid stumbling on unknowns if you do start the position. No one wants unexpected surprises!
Hi Sairya, thank you for your comment! You have made an excellent point, asking questions also makes candidates look eager and more interested in the job. Which is very positive in the eyes of employers. Thanks for stopping by!
Good blog manraj