Thanks to the pandemic, face-to-face meetings have become virtual. The office desk for many, has now become the dining room table. And with the UK in a complete lockdown and only essential travel allowed this working from home set-up looks set to continue.
So, what does this mean when it comes to a job interview?
Without real-world cues like body language, the vibe of an office, and the ability to gage the friendliness of potential colleagues, it can be difficult to decide whether a company is the right one to enter in to. So, asking the right questions during the interview process has never been more important.
A job interview is as much an opportunity for a business to find out about the candidate, as it is for the candidate to decide whether the company is a good match for what they are looking for.
Therefore, when it comes to an interview, asking the right questions is vital to gain an understanding of the company, its culture and how it will impact your career.
Here are some key questions to ask at a job interview, to make sure you leave knowing all the important information.
1. What might career progression within this company look like?
When going for a job, it is vital to consider your long-term career goals. While doing the job you have applied for is fine for a certain period, is it something you’d still like to be doing a couple of years down the line? It is important to get an idea of how a company might see your role progressing and what training could be on offer to help you progress.
2. How often will I be reviewed, and what will the process look like?
A review process in any company has many benefits, both for the company to ensure it’s on track and for the employee, to get an idea of how they’re doing. Not carrying out a review processes at least once a year, can lead to miscommunication and a lack of direction. Typically, most organisations will carry out a review every six months to a year.
3.Where do the company see themselves within the next couple of years?
With the pandemic, a lot of companies are still going through a shift. Whether that be related to the products or services they offer, or the roles and responsibilities of employees. Getting an idea of a company’s long-term plan means should there be any planned changes in the short-term, you can be aware of them.
4. What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the job?
Although job descriptions can be pretty comprehensive, it’s always good to get an idea of what your working day will look like. Asking this question will help get the clearest view possible regarding the role and what you’ll be spending most of your time doing. Having an idea of this before committing to a role means you can decide if it matches your particular skillset and preferences.
5. What does the dynamic of the team look like?
Who will be your manager? What job roles do the rest of your team have? Whether you will be in a team of 5 or 50, the dynamic of different teams can vary depending on several factors. It’s always helpful to be aware of how teams are structured and how this might impact your job.
Contact us today to see how we can help you find your next role.
Written by Josh Smith