4 important questions to ask a prospective employer

A job interview is a conversation. The employer wants to get to know you on a professional level so he or she can make an informed hiring decision. Your role is to not only make a good impression, but also determine if the position is a good fit your skills and personality. Therefore, you should be prepared to ask questions that will help you make that decision. Here are four questions to consider:

1. What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the position?

This question will help you get a better understanding of what will be expected of you should you get the job. You can't always rely on the job description to give you an accurate understanding of daily work life. It's also a good opportunity to find out if the employer expects you to do tasks outside of your comfort level, or if the employer places emphasis on tasks you hadn't anticipated focusing on. In some cases, your understanding of the position may differ from the reality of the job.

Gary Hahn, Recruiting Manager for Beacon Hill Technologies' Division in St. Louis adds: "From a tactical, day-to-day perspective, here are some other questions I suggest my candidates ask:

1. If offered the position, what could I do between now and the start date to prepare for the role?
2. What would your expectations for me be over the next 30, 60, 90 days?
3. Are there any key skills that you feel I may be missing for the opportunity?"

2. What do you like about the company?

If the interviewers can't provide a good answer to this question, consider it a warning sign. If they're unhappy with the company - or worse, bored with their position - there's a good chance you'll experience similar issues. Pay close attention to what they find most appealing about the workplace. Do they find the work fulfilling, or are they only in it for the perks?

3. What are the biggest challenges someone in this position would face?

As with any relationship, it's best to know the worst before making a lasting commitment. For example, if you're applying for a project-based position, you'll want to know what it's like when deadlines are approaching. Will it mean late nights at the office? And if so, how frequently? Remember, it's OK to turn down an offer if you believe it will add unnecessary stress and strain to your personal life.

4. What are common career trajectories in this department?

It may seem presumptuous to ask about promotions before you've landed the job, but it's an important consideration, even at this early stage. Would you be comfortable taking a position with no clear line of advancement? If you're OK with job hopping again in another year or two, this might not bother you. But if you really want to settle into a company, there needs to be a way to meet your career goals.

Preparing for interviews can be a daunting task. For personalized help with finding the job of your dreams, contact the expert recruiters at Beacon Hill Staffing Group today.

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