by Deborah S. Hildebrand

Created on: December 08, 2009

While many job applicants become nervous during job interviews, it is important to remember that the purpose of the job interview process is not just to provide employers with the opportunity to screen candidates. The job interview is a vital tool for job seekers to find out what they need to know about a potential new employer and employment opportunity. Therefore, the question shouldn’t be whether to ask questions, but rather what are the best job interview questions to ask.

Job interviews are unequivocally meant to be a two-way street. Yes, it typically seems as if the employer has the upper hand and, therefore, many job seekers come in ready to sell the employer on their skills and abilities, but ill-prepared to determine if what the employer has to offer is really what they want. And perhaps in the current economy it’s more about being employed rather than being happily employed.

However, asking questions during every step of the job interview is the only way that job seekers can determine if there is a good match between their career aspirations and interests and what the employer is offering. So before ever going on a job interview, be sure to find out all you can about the job and the employer and take along a list of questions that do three things.

First, they should clarify any confusion about the specific job. That means job title, duties and responsibilities, goals and objectives, reporting relationships and any other specifics that will aid you in determining if your skills and knowledge fit the bill and that you are comfortable with the employer’s performance expectations.

Next, your questions should clarify any details about the employer. This may include news headlines you’ve read, years in business, number of employees, locations, specifics about the operations and industry, details about goals for the department in which you’ll be working and anything else that will help you to understand what you might be walking into. Another important area to consider covering is company culture. Working in the entertainment industry is much different than working in insurance.

Finally, ask questions that will help you to determine how this position may impact you personally. Things like hours, overtime, and travel are important to your work/life balance. However, even questions about career pathways, salary and benefits should be delicately assessed in order to determine if it makes sense moving forward further with more discussions.

And while the sign of a good recruiter is their ability to provide this information before the applicant even asks, being prepared is a sure sign that not only have you done your homework, but that you are properly managing your career.  

So next time you prepare yourself for a job interview be sure to prepare a list of interview questions. You may find that you won’t need to refer to them because you’ll get the answers you need without asking. But it is always wise to show your next employer that you have come prepared.

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