It is very important to ask questions in an interview. This shows initiative and that you are genuinely interested in working for this specific organisation.
Research shows that for an Interviewer, there is nothing worse than not being asked questions. So, we suggest that you have some questions written down on a pad, to prompt your memory, when in the interview. You only get one chance to make an impression.
Here are some questions you may wish to ask;
How long do staff members tend to stay within the company?
The answer to this question will help you identify if there is a high staff turnover, if you are used to job security, this environment will, more than likely, not suit you.
What are your expectations of staff members?
If the person interviewing you would be your Manager, you want to identify (as much as possible) what management style they adopt. Do they have high expectations, would you be expected to work lots of overtime?
Are staff members required to work overtime and at weekends?
If you cannot work overtime and weekends, you need to ask this question before you start the job. Be careful there is no ‘tone’ in your voice, as some Interviewers may view this question negatively, however you do need to know the facts.
How often do the shifts rotate?
If someone is permanently asked to work the weekend, this may be reason to leave a job. Make sure you clarify this information at the interview.
How much notice is required for holiday leave?
If you have a spouse and family to consider, this question may be very important to you. Some companies are very rigid where holidays are concerned.
If I were offered the job, could I meet staff members before making a decision?
Culture and personality fit is important to consider when joining a team / company. This gives you the chance to see if you ‘think’ you would fit in and be happy.
How are staff members measured in the job re goals and objectives?
Some Managers communicate well, however, some do not. If you are being measured within a job, you need to know exactly how. Don’t let time slip past and then attend an appraisal meeting to discover your Manager is unhappy with your performance.
How often is the workload reviewed?
If your workload on a daily basis is unreasonable, this will no doubt cause you stress and discomfort at work. This could have a knock-on impact in other areas of your life i.e. home. Ideally you want the opportunity to speak to your Manager openly, so if needed they can help distribute the work.
Some of these examples will not be relevant to the job you are applying for, however we like to stress the vast array of questions that you can ask. How many times have you heard friends or family members say ‘They never told me that at the interview!’
If you are working with a recruitment agency, make sure they have briefed you and advised of their working relationship with the client. If they know the company well, you should simply be reiterating some information and trying to visualise if you can work for the company.
Please bookmark this page, so you can use it as a resource. Scottish Jobs On The Net has an excellent working relationship with recruitment agencies and employers in Scotland. We bring you the latest jobs – temporary, contract or permanent.
