Don’t leave a job interview without asking these 4 questions

Many see an interview as a test, simply a way of an employer finding if you are the best fit for the role of the job in question. But an interview is an opportunity for you to find out if the role is suited to you and if it’s something that you really want to do. To get a real feel for the role and the company, don’t leave an interview without asking these questions.

1) What would your employees say are their favourite things about working here?
A good manager will use this opportunity to actually discuss their capabilities and how their employees have learnt from the best. In this answer you want to hear about the sense of pride workers have about working for the company and how much they enjoy it. If the interviewer is only telling you about the job benefits like a brand spanking new mobile phone and a cracking Christmas party every year, the role itself isn’t actually that good at all.

2) Where do you see yourself in three years’ time?
If they have a wistful look while saying “still here”, then turn it down. But if there is a sense of excitement or passion about opportunities and potential, then there is a good chance that you will stride there too.

3) What’s the difference between a good employee in this role and a fantastic one?
This question will give you the answer into the company’s core values, like their creativity or innovation. The answer you want to hear ideally is something along the lines of working well with others and good at communication. However, if they mention that you’re only a fantastic employee if you win loads of awards, think again about the job, as they’re more concerned about what others think about the company, not the people working for it.

4) How does this job role support the company’s goals?
If you’ve done your research, you may already know about the company’s goals, so make this knowledge clear before asking what the role will bring to the business and how it will help it grow. This answer will show if they believe you are a key member of the team. The response you want to hear is the tasks you will be doing which will work towards the company’s success.

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