Questions To Ask The Interviewer For A Proper Assessment

Being nervous about going to job interviews, and thrilled to receive the employment letter from your future employer? Well.. these are the steps of getting a new job. We all know that, right? What we tend to underestimate is the value of questions to ask the interviewer and what they can unlock.

In this guide, we talk about the importance of evaluating your future employer, how you can do it, and how to interpret all the information you gathered. 👇

Why ask questions in an interview?
What questions to ask in an interview
How company reviews can help you
Why ask questions related to company awards?

While the best parts of the hiring process are accepting the offer and signing the contract, how do you know the role is right for you? Well, before considering a job, it’s important to learn about your prospective employer.

Why ask questions in an interview?

By assessing your prospective employer, you’ll figure out if the open role fits your skills, expectations, and career development path. This way, you’ll be able to make a conscious and informed decision about your next professional step and find yourself in a better working environment. Besides, it will definitely help you in your discussion and how to manage recruiter’s expectations.

Every candidate should study what kind of questions can be asked in an interview, and which ones are more suitable. Combined with company reviews or employee reviews, you will be able to have a comprehensive understanding of your prospective employer.

 

Some organizations conduct a 360 performance review where managers receive collective feedback regarding their team’s performance from various stakeholders. The goal of this review is to understand how different client groups perceive the team and individual team members, so that potential improvements can be considered and implemented.

What questions to ask in an interview

Interview questions aren’t only to decide if the candidate is matching with the position, but also for the job seekers to find out if the position is right for them. That’s why, at the end of every interview, the inevitable “Do you have any questions?“ comes. Therefore, be prepared with a few questions to ask the interviewer.

When you prepare for a virtual interview, it’s essential to have a list of questions regarding the role, working from home, work/life balance, future growth opportunities, and the dynamics of the team. This knowledge will help you make an informed decision about whether the position aligns with your career goals and expectations.😉

Here are some examples of questions to ask the interviewer:

• What are the most important skills needed to be successful in this position? It’s important to understand the key skills required to excel in the role, and ensure you are well-equipped to meet expectations.
• What are the biggest challenges of this position? By knowing the challenges associated with the role, you can evaluate your capabilities and determine if you have the necessary skills and experience to overcome them.
• Can you tell me about the company’s culture? In the selection process, it is crucial to grasp the company’s culture to determine if there’s a strong alignment between your personal values and work style with that of the organization. This understanding can significantly influence your job satisfaction and success within the company.

These questions not only demonstrate your engagement and enthusiasm but also provide you with essential insights into whether the position aligns with your career goals and workplace preferences.

Additional good questions to ask in an interview

Follow the advice above to evaluate your future employer and take it one step at a time. Don’t let stress overwhelm you and stop being worried about what to include in your resume. Here are some other examples:

1. What does a typical day look like? Getting insight into the day-to-day activities and responsibilities can help you envision yourself in the role, and understand the expectations.
2. Does this position offer ongoing training? Inquiring about ongoing training opportunities shows your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
3. Will this role’s job description change three months from now? Knowing if the role is subject to changes can help you assess the potential for evolution, and adaptability within the position.
4. Is there room for growth? Inquiring about growth opportunities demonstrates your long-term aspirations and ambitions within the company.
5. Can you tell me more about the team? Understanding the team dynamics and getting to know your potential colleagues can provide insights into the work environment, and collaboration opportunities.

During the job application process, it is crucial to prepare your questions for the interview in advance. This preparation ensures that you can engage in a meaningful discussion about the role, further highlighting your interest and readiness for the position.

How company reviews can help you

How about we flip the logic we just discussed and consider the company research a ‘360 evaluation process’? Here’s how to do that.

Why company reviews matter?

Company reviews are an invaluable resource for job seekers and current employees alike, offering insights that go beyond the surface of standard job descriptions and corporate websites. These reviews can provide a candid glimpse into the company’s culture, operational dynamics, and management styles. Here is how you can do that:

1. Familiarize yourself with its activity, strategy, and Employer Value Proposition (EVP). Make sure you are aligned with the products and services that the organization offers and understand the employer’s intentions and proposition. Check if the company culture and values match your own or look into the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and charity activities.
2. Get familiar with the company’s profiles and social media sites, for example LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram. Organizations will typically share their information regarding ‘daily’ life in the organization, like upcoming products and employee reviews. This makes it more tangible for you to understand how your typical day at work could look like.

The importance of employee reviews

Depending on a product or service that the company provides, it’s worth checking what employees are saying about the company. You can understand a lot about how the organization manages its customers based on how it approaches its employees.

Here are some useful tips:

1. Visit a website that provides employee reviews. It’s beneficial to conduct research and analyze any potential red flag on official channels, with first-hand feedback from current or former employees. For example, visit sites like Glassdoor and Monster or have a look at conversations taking place on the company’s Facebook page. These pieces of information will help you understand how the employees perceive the organization “from the inside”.
2. Engage with your network. More often than not, someone in your network works or knows someone who worked for the company. Don’t be shy and reach out to those individuals. You might be able to collect some valuable feedback there as well.

Have a look at Google or Facebook reviews, check employee testimonials available on the company’s website, and you may be able to take a sneak peek into your future working place.

Why ask questions related to company awards?

There are multiple institutes and organizations which recognize and award companies for their working conditions or ethical values.

When preparing for an interview, it is advisable to research the awards and accreditations held by your prospective employer. Incorporating inquiries about these recognitions into your list of good questions to ask the interviewer can provide valuable insights.

Additionally, it is essential to assess if the awards align with your personal values and beliefs. Conversely, the absence of awards should not necessarily be a cause for concern; however, it is important to gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision.

For example, the awards and accreditations may include:

• Excellent working conditions and development opportunities (e.g. Top Employer, Employer of Choice, Great Place to Work).
• Diversity & inclusion awards (e.g. The Inclusive Companies Awards).
• Equality awards (e.g. White Ribbon).
• CSR awards (e.g. The International CSR Excellence Award).

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