Have you ever been hired into what you thought would be your dream job only to find that it’s is not a dream at all, it’s a nightmare? If the answer is yes, chances are you did not ask the right questions during the interview.
We prepare diligently for an interview and in the meeting, aim to convince the interviewer that we are the perfect person for the job. Most of us don’t spend nearly enough time trying to figure out whether the job, the boss and the company truly meet our needs and expectations.
Can you trust the company? Trust is the basis of all successful relationships, employees-employers included. Now, this doesn’t happen over night; however, there are some key questions that can help you to identify any red flags. How do they direct day-to-day activities? How do they influence decision making? What are the core values of the company and how do they encourage employees to embrace these values? Can they share examples of when the values have been demonstrated?
Not only do you want to trust the company, you want to work for one that keeps employees motivated and encourages participation and collaboration. Ask about goal setting within the organization. Do individuals set their own goals? Are there standards of performance available to base goals on? What are the goals of the company?
Lastly, but perhaps the most important is identifying a company that invests in its employees. Companies that care about their employees have employees that care about their company. Do they offer continued education benefits? Do they encourage their senior staff to mentor junior employees? Are programs in-place that enhance work/life balance? How passionate is the interviewer about the information that they share? If they are excited, chances are you have reason to be as well.
By asking the right questions you can eliminate the wrong opportunities and increase your chances for finding a fulfilling career.
Happy Hunting!!