Job interviews are an important step in the application process. By asking a series of questions, an employer finds out if an individual is the best candidate for the job. From the applicant’s perspective, job interviews give them a chance to determine if the position and company they are applying for will benefit their career.
While many applicants make sure to review common interview questions so they can answer confidently, not all realize that it’s also important to prepare a couple of questions to ask the interviewer. Some people may even worry that asking questions would make them seem demanding and leave a negative impression on the interviewer, which may affect their employment opportunities. In fact, it can actually have the opposite effect. Many job interviewers welcome questions from applicants. By asking questions, you will appear interested and enthusiastic, which are some of the positive qualities a lot of employers want in the people they hire.
Whether you are applying for jobs in Quezon City or other areas in the Philippines, make sure to prepare questions to ask at job interviews. If you need some ideas, here are some good questions you can ask the interviewer that will help you decide if the job is right for you.
Can You Describe ATypical Day or Week on the Job?
Many job postings offer a general overview of the responsibilities you can expect to have. But it can lack specific details that you need to visualize what it would be like to hold the position. By asking the interviewer this question, you can get insights into the day-to-day expectations of the job. It will help you understand what skills and experience are required to be successful. Also, it will help you decide if the job is something that will suit your interests and professional goals.
While a lot of interviewers will give you a direct answer, some may say that every single day is different. If you get this answer, try to clarify by asking about what the person in the position’s recent month was like. If you still can’t get a clear picture of what the job entails, the role’s expectations may have not been clearly defined yet.
How Will You Evaluate the Performance for This Role?
Asking this question at your job interview can make a positive impact on your potential employer because it shows you are eager to make a difference in the company. It will also let you know how you are expected to perform and the kind of learning curve you are bound to meet.
For example, if the interviewer tells you that they expect specific achievements from you after only a few months, it shows that you will need to learn the ropes quickly. While this won’t be an issue if you have a lot of experience, it is something to ponder about if you feel you still lack some skills.
Alternatively, if you like to jump right into the role and start getting things done, you might not be too excited to know that your first six months with the company will be spent in training.
How Would You Describe the Working Culture of the Company?
When you ask this question, you get a glimpse of the working environment of the organization. It is a great opportunity to find out if you’ll fit in. Often, the answer to this question will help you discover how the company values employee satisfaction and if any benefits promote a healthy work-life balance among the staff.
If you want to find out more about the company culture, you can also ask supplementary questions like, “What type of individuals thrive in this organization?” By asking this question, you can learn what managers care about the most when it comes to their employees. The interviewer’s response can also help you discover the specific employee traits that will align or clash with management’s way of working.
What Are the Plans for the Company in the Next Five Years?
When you are getting to know the company you are applying for, it’s important to ask about the organization’s plans. It will provide you with an insight into its progression and place in the market. Many applicants often ask this kind of question to get an idea about job security, but it is also a great way to find out if there are any major upcoming projects or if there are opportunities for your upward growth.
Additionally, asking about the company’s plans for the immediate future shows how interested you are in the position and being part of the company.
Job interviews are valuable to the employer and the applicant alike, and the conversation should ideally go both ways. While the sample questions mentioned above are a good start, make sure to ask questions that will help you figure out if the job is what you want and would help you achieve your goals.
Cover Image: Jason Goodman / Unsplash
