Interviewing Your Interviewer: 10 Questions to Ask Potential Employers

Interview environments often put pressure on the candidate(s). In some cases, this makes sense; life can be competitive. It can be so competitive to achieve the extraordinary that we forget our own needs. One of these needs is engaging more in job interviews to ensure their suitability and that they meet your expectations and needs. Both the interviewer and interviewee have likely worked very hard to get to where they are now and want to pursue opportunities they consider to be mutually beneficial. Considering factors such as compatibility and expectations can make a huge difference in the way we work with one another, so we can achieve longevity and happiness at work.

10 Essential Questions to Ask Potential Employers

These ten questions to ask potential employers are designed to give you a deeper understanding of the role, the team, the company, and the expectations placed upon the successful candidate.

Questions Focused on the Role and Your Future (Career Growth)

These questions help you gauge what the company expects from you and the available path for career growth.

1. What types of professional development and training would the successful candidate receive or require for this position? (Focuses on immediate support)
2. What does success look like for this role in the first 6–12 months, and what are your expectations for the successful candidate in five years? (Addresses short-term goals and long-term trajectory)
3. Could there be an opportunity for the successful candidate to join or start a workplace committee, and what types of internal committees currently exist? (Indicates potential for cross-functional involvement)

Questions Focused on the Work Environment and Values (Company Culture & Work-Life Balance)

Understanding the day-to-day environment and how the company supports its employees is key to assessing long-term happiness and fit.

4. How would you describe the overall work culture and team environment within the company? (Helps you visualize the daily atmosphere)
5. How does the company actively foster work-life balance among employees, particularly within this team? (Allows you to assess their commitment to work-life balance)
6. What are the company’s core values, and how are they reflected in day-to-day work and decision-making? (Provides insight into the organizational ethos)
7. How does the company address issues of employee safety, and what is the policy or action taken if an event, such as discrimination or harassment, were to occur? (Demonstrates concern for employee well-being and clear procedure)
8. What do you personally enjoy most about working here? (A personalized question that can reveal genuine enthusiasm or underlying issues)

Questions Focused on Next Steps

These questions show professionalism and keep the communication channel open.

9. What are the next steps in the hiring process, and what is the anticipated timeline for a decision?
10. May I contact you if any further questions arise? What is the best way and time to follow up with you?

Asking the Right Questions to Find the Right Fit

Asking these in-depth questions to ask potential employers is essential because you will spend a significant amount of your time and energy on your job. While researching companies online is a great start, a public image may not offer the whole story. By thoughtfully preparing your own job interview questions, you empower yourself to gauge the potential job opportunity on a deeper level, ensuring longevity and happiness in your next career move.

“It’s not what you achieve, it’s what you overcome. That’s what defines your career.”

– Carlton Fisk

Like this read? Check out Relationship with Society: Reimagining Social Structures for a Just and Equitable Future to explore the many other ways to improve your relationship with society.
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