Your Turn to ask the Interviewer Questions

Job Seekers who attend a job interview with a well prepared set of interviewee questions are always most successful. When preparing for a job interview it is vital to prepare questions to ask your interviewer.

At some point during the job interview the Job Seeker will be offered the opportunity to ask the interviewer questions. This is where most Job Seekers learn the most information they need in order to make an informed employment decision. This also reinforces your keen interest in joining the organisation. By asking questions during a job interview, you display your understanding of the firm, common policies and procedures and perhaps some industry related performance figures that you have researched. There is a distinct list of questions a job seeker could safely ask to secure a solid call back.

Jobs.co.za provides a list of important questions to ask during a job interview.

1. If my employment application is successful, what is the first task that I would be required to address?

Based on the answer you receive from the interviewer, you are able to clearly understand the tasks that you will be required to tackle. Titles and job ad descriptions aren't the greatest reflection of what a job entails. By getting a clear picture of the kind of tasks you will have to perform will help you to decide. By asking this job interview question reflects your enthusiasm and interest in the discussed role. Always remember the relevancy of first impressions.

2. Why did the predecessor of this role resign and how long where they here?

While it is not necessary to know the grim details, try to identify potential problems with your pursued role. Often scepticism prevails when we are faced with something that's 'too good to be true'. While acting conservatively under such conditions, rely on research to guide your decision. The more constructive information gathered the better. Try to get an understanding as to why the previous employee left the company. Simple career advancements, transfers or perhaps something that sounds a bit fishy, all of this information is relevant. By asking your job interviewer, you are able to decide if this is a role you could ultimately thrive in or not.

3. What incentive devices, if any, does your management style employ?

Get an understanding of how well or poorly employees are nurtured. While in some cases financial resources are restricted, incentive schemes are pretty simply implemented. Companies that are dedicated to motivating their employees, incentivise them. Most people understand that, what you put in is what you get out. When companies motivate targets with rewards, they are empowering their staff. Empowering employers are the ones you want to work for. The better the incentive, the more the company compensates for performance busters. The only way of finding out about such schemes is by asking the relevant question during the job interview.

4. What personality type excels in this role?

By understanding the kind of person that the employer is looking for, it will assist you in comparing your own skill to the role. While no one wants to hear they are not suited to a role; prevention is better than a cure. You rather want to avoid ending up in an ill suited position than stuck in a role you hate. Understand the type of person the employer is looking for and honestly assess if you would fit in or not by asking your interviewer who they are specifically looking for.

5. Why were you interested in interviewing with me?

As you are required to research details about the interviewing company, so the interviewer researches you. You are by all means allowed to ask the interviewer what it was about your CV that made you stand out from other job applicants. Understand what the employer sees in you and why they think you will excel. Explain that in order to assess if you are well suited to the role you need to understand their expectations of you.

Always prepare questions to ask during a job interview. Even if the interviewer doesn't offer you the opportunity to ask, ask the questions you have. The job interview should be seen as mutually beneficial opportunity to exchange job interview information. Be sure to leave no question in your mind whether or not you should accept a job offer.

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