Some job seekers view the interview process as an interrogation: The hiring managers ask the questions and you supply the answers. In reality, a job interview is a two-way street. Yes, the employer is sizing you up against their other candidates, but it's also your opportunity to evaluate whether the company is the right fit for your career goals and skills.
It's important to advocate for yourself and ask the right questions during an interview to make this determination for yourself. Below, members of Forbes Human Resources Council shared 10 must-ask questions to put on the table before accepting an offer of employment.
1. How Does Your Company Culture Address Conflict?
Ask about the culture and what it feels like to go through conflict. Employment is a relationship and you need to assess if the company fits you as part of this process. Tell me what type of environment you thrive in without worrying about the interview. As an employer, it is then our responsibility to provide that environment or tell you honestly if we can’t. - Lucy Rivas-Enriquez, Union Rescue Mission - Los Angeles
2. Do You Think I Can Do The Job?
Asking this question may make some hiring managers uncomfortable, but it helps to understand why they think you are the right fit. The answer should include not only what you bring to the company, but potential gaps that they are considering working on with you. There needs to be a mutual fit and the acknowledgment that they will support you. - Tracy Bittner, SPHR, Ionic Security Inc.
3. Are You Willing To Negotiate On These Terms?
Before accepting an offer, a candidate should never hesitate to ask for the offer terms (salary, benefits, etc.) that are reasonable and important to them. While some things are standard across the company, most employers are willing to negotiate and work with their best candidates to create a win-win. - Candice McGlen, The Rinker Group
4. How Would This Role Tie Into The Company's Mission?
If an interviewer is able to articulate a response to this question, it speaks volumes about the investment that leadership has made to ensure that every employee feels valued and an integral part of the larger team working toward a common mission. I would ask this question to the hiring manager as well as other interviewers to look for consistency (or lack of) in responses. - Ushma Mehta, KenSci Inc.
5. What Do I Need To Know To Succeed Here?
A simple, elegant question all candidates should ask to understand if the position is a right fit for them and for their skill set is: "What do I need to know about the company, the culture and the position's challenges in order to succeed?" It shows the hiring manager that you're analytical and goal-oriented while revealing more about the company, so both sides get more real with each other. - Angela Nguyen, Ad Exchange Group
6. How Are Your Employees' Voices Considered In Day-To-Day Operations?
Leaders set the culture, tone and expectations at a company. To understand the level of support that is provided to employees, one question a candidate should always ask in a job interview is how is the employee's voice is considered in the day to day operations. - Sherry Martin, OmniTRAX
7. What Is The Turnover For This Role?
Always ask about the turnover rate for the role. The reasons for the turnover will give you insight about the organizational culture and how the organization manages the employee experience. If you discover that you will be the third manager in three years or the role turns over every year, not to promotion but attrition, stop and assess if this is the right role and organization for you. - Bridgette Wilder, Wilder HR Management & EEO Consulting
8. Do I Have Room To Fail?
Every manager should allow room for failure. Failure is a necessity for personal and professional growth. Furthermore, failures mean that there is risk being taken, and measured risk ultimately leads to organizational benefits. For that reason, candidates should always ask "Will I be given room to fail?" - Gregory Pontrelli, Lausanne Business Solutions
9. What Is Your Most And Least Favorite Thing About Working Here?
My favorite question asked by candidates is really a twofer: "What is your most and least favorite thing about working here?" This question is valuable because it cuts straight to what employees love or loathe about company culture, operations or leadership. Each answer will be based on experiences, so the more you hear the same answer, the more likely that element exists throughout the company. - Dr. Timothy J. Giardino, Cantata Health, LLC
10. Does This Role Align With My Personal Values?
While it may seem counter-intuitive, the best question to ask during your job search is one that you have to ask yourself: "Does this organization and this role align with my values?" You will never find a role that is fulfilling if you are in a position where your personal values are not honored, or worse yet, stepped on. - John Sigmon, johnsigmon.com
