Tips for the current jobseeker – turns out that doing your homework matters!

Is a new job at the top of the list for your 2024 goals? If so, then you’ve probably already started updating your resume, applying for interesting positions, and asking for recommendations and referrals on LinkedIn. It may seem like the hard work ends after the application, but for the best candidates, that’s when the real work begins – the pre-interview ‘prep work’.

During the interview, you need to be prepared to ask the tough questions (yes, you). In the most successful interviews, the candidate should be asking the hiring manager questions about the company, the position, and corporate expectations. It should feel like both parties are mutually invested in finding the best fit to align with their unique needs. Asking thoughtful questions not only shows the interviewer that you are interested in the job but also allows you the opportunity to learn whether the company is in line with your values and if the position will satisfy your professional goals. While you may be hyper-focused on securing the job, you also should be just as keen to ensure the company is going to be the right fit for you in the long run (you don’t want to have to do this again in a few months do you?).

So, when you are asked, “Do you have any questions for me?” Well, yes, you absolutely do! Below are a few of our favorite interview questions asked by candidates that are designed to not only express your enthusiasm and initiative to prospective employers, but will also help you to assess if the company is the right fit for you: 

• I’ve reviewed the job description and I am curious which responsibilities are your immediate priority? What do you think is the most challenging aspect of this job?
• Walk me through how you would approach [key function of the role]. What tools and/or techniques would you expect me to use?
  
• What experience do you/the team have with [key technologies used]? What specific considerations apply in implementing them here?
• What does a typical day in this role look like?
• How would you describe the work environment here – is the work typically collaborative or more independent?  Can you share more about the specific team I would be working with?
• What two or three qualities define a top performer at your company? What does success look like in this position, and how do you measure it? What would you expect to be able to say that the person hired into this role has accomplished six months from now?
• What are the company’s current goals, and how does this team/role work to support reaching those goals?
• What key characteristics do you think a person needs to be a great cultural fit at your company? Can you describe the company’s culture and core values?
• What career development opportunities do you offer to your employees? How does the company foster professional development and career growth?
• What do you like most about working for this company?
• How do you see my skills and experience fitting with the needs of the company?
• Do you have any reservations about considering me for this role? (Typically, this is the final question I would ask.)

Taking the time to prepare and customize questions for each opportunity will allow you to thoughtfully consider what is important to you and ensure your next opportunity closely aligns with your professional goals and values. Whether you ask a few of these or put together some of your own, seize the opportunity to seek out the information that you need to make the right decision for yourself and stand out from the competition (you’d be surprised at how many candidates fail to ask any questions during an interview!). Good preparation will differentiate you from others. Good luck and happy job searching!