Questions You Should Ask During the Hiring Process

As a candidate, you should aim to find out as much as you can about a job, and this goes beyond simply asking what your day to day would be like. It means finding out about everything from company culture and the onboarding process to the possible opportunities for career development.

Important Questions for Candidates

• What are the responsibilities of this role? - This is a good question to ask, as it helps you to gain a better understanding of the specific job requirements. You can ensure that your skills and experience align with what is expected of you, giving you an insight into whether it’s a job that you should pursue.

• What are the opportunities for professional development? - The chances are, you will want to progress and climb the career ladder, so make sure that the role gives you the chance to develop. Ask this question to learn about potential growth opportunities within the company, and to ensure that you will have the chance to advance professionally.

• What is the company culture like? - You will spend a lot of time at work, and company culture can make a big difference to how much you enjoy your time there. By asking this question, you can determine if you will fit in with the company's values and existing work environment, or if you would be better suited elsewhere.

• What are the company's long-term goals? - Understanding the company’s long-term goals will give you an insight into what the business’ growth and development could look like. It also shows that you are interested in the company's future, and that you are keen to contribute to its success.

• What is the company's approach to work-life balance? - A lot of companies are embracing hybrid, remote and flexible working, but some have better work-life balances than others. It’s important to ask this question, as it helps you to ensure that you can maintain a healthy work-life balance if you were to accept the job.

• What is the onboarding process like? - This question helps you to understand what to expect in your first few weeks on the job and how you can best prepare. Onboarding varies from company to company, but knowing what to expect can help you to prepare, and subsequently relax a little, before your first day.

• What is the company's approach to diversity and inclusion? - Diversity and inclusion is important in the workplace, and it’s something that a growing number of businesses are focusing on. You can ask this question to learn about their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

•  What are the next steps in the recruitment process? - There are often a lot of steps in the hiring process, but asking this question will help you to understand what to expect after the interview. It will also help you to ensure that you are proactive in following up with the hiring manager.

A lot of candidates shy away from asking questions during the hiring and interview process, but it’s something that we highly recommend. By asking questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of what the job entails, and whether it’s the right opportunity for you.