s1jobs welcomes Net Talent as our IT guest blogger. Net Talent are Recruitment specialists in the IT, Data and Digital arenas.
It can be easy to forget that an interview is a two way street and is every bit as important for you to question your potential new employer as it is for them to find out more about you.
The company needs to sell itself to you, whilst you ensure that the opportunity on offer matches your own career aspirations. It’s also important to know exactly what you want and to consider questions you might ask the hiring manager before the interview. Candidates often come out of interviews and have been too busy selling themselves that they forget to ask key questions which will be crucial in accepting the offer, should they be successful. For example salary, employee benefits, holiday allowance or even flexible working hours.
What’s worthwhile bearing in mind is that vacancies are available because the company has a need. Therefore, by positioning yourself as the perfect solution by matching your skillset to the job description, gives you the competitive advantage. And remember, the fact that you’ve got to this stage means you are in the top of their candidate selection. So as much as the interviewer will ask you questions, you need to show you’ve done your research and demonstrate how you are the right person for the position.
If, by the end of the interview, almost all the questions have been asked by the person at the other end of the table, then it’s likely you won’t have impressed the potential employer. A one-way conversation within an interview environment is not what employers are looking for. You’ll be left looking uninterested, disengaged and lacking confidence in your own ability to do the job. If you really want to work for an employer, then you need to find out as much about them and the role as possible, before and during the interview process– in particular things which you won’t find on a job spec or website. Do the groundwork, and you’ll be sure to impress.
To give you a helping hand, here are some of the questions you should be asking at every single interview:
What are the business’ short, medium and long-term goals?
This is one which always goes down well because it provides an opportunity to show how interested you really are in the vision and future growth of the business – and how you can be part of this. Ask the interviewer where they see the business heading over the next year, and in particular, what their specific goals are for you and the department you’ll be operating within.
What’s the culture like?
Remember you spend an average of 40 hours per week in the office, so you need to make sure you are in an environment which fits with you, allowing you to be confident, successful and be happy while you’re at work.
For example, are you somebody who enjoys a high level of interaction with colleagues, or do you prefer autonomy? By understanding the role and the company’s culture and management style will allow you to assess whether it is for you.
Are there opportunities for progression?
A good organisation will not be put off by your ambition; in fact they will admire and encourage it. Be careful however not to seem too eager i.e. can I get your job in five years? You should always consider what future opportunities the role will bring. Are there opportunities for you to progress in terms of seniority, job title, responsibility and earning potential are all good questions to ask.
How will I be measured?
This ties in to career progression. It’s important to know what is expected of you and how you can achieve your objectives. By asking for specific details on what the overall goal and expectations of the role are allows you to understand if it’s for you.
Remember – when it comes to interviewing it’s a two way street. By having the confidence to ask the right questions will stand you in good stead for your future career in IT. (Just don’t ask what the sickness policy is!)
The post Questions you should ask in every interview appeared first on .