How to Interview the Company Interviewing You

You know when you’re in an interview for a job and they get to the end where they ask, “So, do you have any questions for us,” did you know you can use that time to actually interview the company?

Historically, my response has always been something along the lines of, “No, I think we covered everything.”? It absolutely blew my mind when I first realized that I could ask questions that would help me essentially interview the company to see if they are the kind of place I want to work.? This has been a total game-changer for me and definitely helps me to feel more empowered during interviews and like I have greater agency in the evaluation process.

I’ve compiled a list of questions that may help you get to know a little more about how the company practices (or doesn’t) the values they talk about on their website.? This isn’t exhaustive by any means and is meant to give you some ideas that spark other ideas for questions. As you read through, pick 4-6 questions you’d like to ask in your next interview…and when you do, I’d love to hear about what you learned and how it felt for you to interview your interviewer!?

?What practices have you implemented to protect the health and wellbeing of employees throughout the current Covid19 pandemic?

?How do you support employees who need an accommodation of full-time remote working?

?Tell me about a time when a person on your team shared a perspective or solution to a challenge that was different from your own or anyone else’s on the team–how did you respond?

?How do you respond when employees ask about the context or rationale for doing things a certain way?

?What is the culture around mistakes?? How are employees treated when they make mistakes?

?Tell me about a time when you as a leader acted out of alignment with the company values and how you took responsibility for course correcting and repairing any relational damage done.

? What specific practices do you engage in to ensure a psychologically safe workplace?

?As a leader, what are some of the practices you invest in for your own personal development, growth, and accountability?

?How often do you invite feedback about your management style and what is the process for employees to share that information?

? What does an anti-racist workplace mean to you?

? What is your understanding of accessibility and accommodating employee needs?

? In what ways do you encourage diversity of thought and learning among your teams?

? What systems do you have in place to foster employee growth on paths to promotion?? What do employees need to do to pursue their next promotion?

? What leadership opportunities are available to employees at X level?

? What is the accountability process for leadership upholding and practicing the company’s values, mission, and vision?

?Tell me about how you respond when an employee makes a case for getting a raise?

?What is something you’d like to see shift in company culture over the next 1-3 years?? What part do you want to play in that change?

?What are some areas this company needs to improve with regard to culture, values, and workplace environment?? How is that currently being addressed?

? How do you evaluate “success” and a “good employee”?

? When can I expect to hear back from you about next steps after this interview?? Who do I contact if I haven’t heard by that date?

I’d love to hear what questions you’ve asked in an interview that gave you helpful information about the company that informed your decision-making.

Looking for support with accommodations and/or a career change that better honors how your brain and body work?? Let’s have a 15 min chat to see if we’re a fit, click here to schedule a call with Jennifer Alumbaugh, MS!

Image description: Two Black women sitting at a table, notebooks open, looking at each other and smiling; there is a window behind that looks out onto other buildings.