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Maximizing Your Interview: Key Questions to Ask

Maximizing Your Interview: Key Questions to Ask

When searching for a job, it’s easy to focus solely on how to impress potential employers. But here's the truth: an interview is a two-way street. It’s just as important for you to assess whether the company is the right fit for your career goals, values, and work style.

Asking insightful questions during the recruitment process not only helps you stand out but also gives you a clearer picture of what your future might look like at the company. In this blog, we’ll dive into some key questions you should be asking to make sure the next step in your career aligns with your expectations and aspirations.

In The Early Stages

In the early stages of the recruitment process, you'll be identifying your needs and the organisation might explain the types of positions available. It's the ideal time to find out what's on offer. It's also time to ensure the details and documents that you give them will give you the best chance at securing the role you want.

Here are the questions to ask with explanations of why you should ask and what you can gain. 

What positions do you recruit for where I would be a good fit? 

The answer to this question tells you whether the organisation is able to help you in your specific search. It's an excellent opportunity to share more about the kinds of positions you're looking for and your expectations. 

Alongside speaking in general terms, it can also act as a prompt for the recruiter or person managing the vacancy to check your skills and match you to certain roles.

Do you have any reservations about my experience and qualifications? 

Getting an opinion on this can only help you secure a position. While their feedback might seem disheartening, it's always useful. You might have the skills required but you haven't highlighted them clearly. On the other hand, they might point you in the right direction of positions where you can gain the experience or qualifications you need to progress. 

Are there any CV or covering letter changes you recommend?

Like the question about reservations, this request gets you feedback on your application. It makes sense to take advantage of their thoughts. 

Can you share the job description? 

If you can't get a good flavour of the role from the advert, it's best to ask for a job description. Not only will it tell you about the duties involved, but you'll also get an idea of what's required. 

Both of those elements are crucial to understanding if the role is right for you. Alongside the requirements and duties, the information should also detail the location, working hours, any shift patterns and the salary. 

What are the top three skills required for the position? 

The job description will have all of the information, but sometimes it helps to get the recruiter's view of what they are looking for. This question asks that, but in a more specific way. 

The answer will allow you to highlight those skills and your past experience where you demonstrated them. While you'll want to show off all your attributes, it's good to focus on two or three aspects in your application and interview. 

What's the work environment like? 

What's written on paper doesn't always give you the full picture about the job. The recruiter or person hiring should be in a position to share some information with you about the work environment. It'll help you know if it's the right fit. 

Areas that they could mention are the size of the team, whether you'll often work alone, and what your level of responsibility will be. They could also provide insight into the general conditions, the opportunities for training, career progression and flexibility. 

What's the selection process? 

It's not always helpful to focus on the competition but it is good to know how likely it is that you'll get an interview or the job. 

You'll find out if there will be a phone interview, group interview or several rounds of interviews. In some cases, the employer might not be actively hiring, but looking for future needs. 

Can you tell me more about the home or service I'll be working in?
What do the people I will be supporting or caring for like to do?

Asking questions like this is crucial for several reasons. First, these questions show that you are genuinely interested in the specific environment and the people you'll be working with, not just the job itself. This demonstrates empathy and a proactive approach, qualities highly valued in care and support roles. Employers want to see that you're thinking beyond the tasks and are invested in creating meaningful relationships with those you support.

Second, understanding the environment and the preferences of the individuals you’ll be working with allows you to assess if the role is a good fit for your skills and personality. For example, if the home is highly structured, but you prefer a more flexible, creative environment, this insight can help you determine if you would thrive in that setting.

Lastly, these questions help you to prepare mentally and emotionally for the realities of the role. Knowing what the people you’ll care for enjoy doing can also help you gauge how you can contribute to their well-being and happiness. In essence, these questions are not just about the job— they're about ensuring that you’re stepping into a space where you can make a meaningful impact while also finding fulfillment in your work.

A Two-way Street

Asking the right questions during your job interview not only gives you valuable insights into the role and the company, but it also showcases your genuine interest in making a positive impact. When you dig deeper into the environment, the people you’ll be working with, and the values of the organisation, you position yourself as someone who’s not just looking for a job, but as someone who’s dedicated to finding a role where they can truly thrive and contribute. Remember, interviews are a two-way street - take the opportunity to learn as much about your potential new workplace as they learn about you. This ensures that when you do accept an offer, it’s for a job where you can excel and feel fulfilled.