Image courtesy of: Enri Endrian Flickr CC Written by: Allie Cooper
Apart from the set of questions from the head of recruitment (HR),
you have to prepare as well at least five queries for them that will help you
understand more about their company. In the latter part of the interview, they
would ask you if you have any questions you want to raise, this opportunity
shouldn’t be taken for granted because it can make or break your success of
getting the job. Make the questions related to your earlier discussion or the
wittiest you can imagine. “The candidates
asking the memorable questions are usually the ones who get job offers,”
coach to senior managers Andrew Sobel said.
To help you out on your next journey to starting your career, here are some memorable questions you can raise to the employer in your job interview.
Where is the company heading?
Before asking this one, you must be prepared to review the company’s background. Understand the current state of the firm, latest news, and any issues which you think your skills will be helpful. This will determine on where your career is heading once you get hired. You have to match your goals to that of the firm’s mission and vision. Employers that cannot give you a firm answer to this question should be on the back of your list.
What does it take to progress in this career?
This type of question shows that you’re very interested in the job and that you’re aiming to set your best foot forward all throughout your course with them (if you get hired). Richard of how2become said that asking this would demonstrate that “you are keen and enthusiastic about the job and that you’re eager to learn more.” Asking the worth of your labour wouldn’t sound off to the employer, so long as you won’t push the discussion about the benefits too much. This will also give you a clearer picture on your future as a possible employee.
Why is this position vacant?
Knowing the answer to this question will help you understand more about the nature and the culture of the work. Are they expanding? Was someone promoted? You don’t want to find out that this position has been filled by several employees due to high turnover. If this is the case, you may need to probe more. Instead of asking the reasons for them leaving the company, tell the interviewer that you want to know the strengths and weaknesses of the previous employee to know your Dos and Don’ts to success.
Tory Johnson of abcNews said that success also depends on how well you fit into the company and not only based on your performance. “They're sizing you up for cultural fit, and you should be doing the same with them. They want to know what makes you tick and what ticks you off,” Johnson said.
How do you motivate your employees?
Direct translation: “What benefits do you offer your employees?” The answer will help you understand on how well they take care of their staff. Apart from the usual benefits mandated by law, knowing that the company appreciates the work of their subordinates allows you to know the kind of future you’ll get once you get hired and stayed with them for good.
Overall, remember that the questions you will ask the hiring managers are the factors that will persuade you in choosing the right company. At the end of the day, it is you that will spend months and years of working for this firm; so, it’s best to get all the heads up you can get before signing any contract.
About the Author:
Currently in her fourth year in
the university, Allie Cooper is excited to land her first real job after
graduation. She’s been reading several resources online on how she can
successfully get hired and excel in her chosen profession. Know more about her
discoveries by messaging her on Google+ or
tweeting her at @AllieCooper_18.