So, you are interviewing? Top questions to ask to avoid a career mistake.

• What does success look like in this role, and what are the most immediate priorities?
• How would you describe the company culture and management style?
• What opportunities for growth and development exist within the company?

I have been in the job market for a long time. Hard to believe actually, I still feel like I'm just getting going, LOL. Even though I was in two roles for 10 years, I have had some mistakes in my career mapping. As a perpetual optimist, I always manage to rebound and learn from them. With so many on the hunt for an ideal role, I want to share some insights I have. Being unemployed is a tough thing to deal with, don't let it get to you. Make a plan, stay focused and work the plan.

The hiring process is risky for both the employer and the candidate. Both have expectations, needs and goals to hit. Know your end game going into the interview process.

Don't rush into a job, unless you are prepared to use it as a stepping stone to get to your ideal role. Employers won't like that comment, but if you are hiring for a role and you don't make it attractive enough for people to stay, that's your problem. I get it, bills don't stop just because you are in transition. Many of us are not sitting on a pile of cash and can coast unemployed for months.

When interviewing for a new position, it’s easy to focus solely on impressing the employer. Interviews are a two-way street, providing a critical opportunity for you to evaluate whether the role and company align with your career goals and values. Asking the right questions can make all the difference in avoiding a career move that could lead to regret. Not only are you "selling" yourself, but you too are making a "buying" decision, make it thoughtfully.

Setting expectations is important in sales, so many of you have that skill already. Make sure you and the employer set the expectations. Some companies "over do" the interview process while others are so busy and short handed, they hire without a proper due diligence. Beware of the later, although both are yellow flag. Do you really need 6 interviews to determine a fit?

I had a mentor once tell me about the "slow burn". When you make a big compromise on a point that is important to you, over time it will eat at you and create negative feelings and regret, which are not productive feelings and will impact your performance and relationship with your employer. Avoid "slow burn" situations

Defining Success in the Role

One of the most important questions to ask is, “What does success look like in this role, and what are the most immediate priorities?” This question helps you understand what the employer values most and whether your skills and experience align with their expectations. It also gives insight into how you can make an impact early on, setting the stage for a successful start. Be honest with yourself. Its ok to "opt out" if you see red flags. Again, I get it, gotta pay the bills. If you have a good network and job options, it's easier to punt on a job that doesn't fit. In addition, ask about tools and processes in place to accomplish your job. How is it being done today?

Understanding Culture and Management Style

A company’s culture and leadership approach play a big role in your overall job satisfaction. Asking, “How would you describe the company culture and management style?” allows you to assess whether the work environment is supportive, collaborative, and compatible with your work preferences. A mismatch in cultural values or management style can quickly lead to frustration, making this question a critical one. How they answer will be telling. I once asked a friend working at a company I was interviewing for if there was anything I should be aware of or would make me regret coming on board, his response should have been a red flag, he hesitated and chose his words very carefully. at best it was a yellow flag. Considering both parties are on their best behavior, this may be tough to get a straight answer on. Use your instincts, ask others their opinion, reach out to employees on LinkedIn.

Exploring Growth Opportunities

Long-term career development is an essential factor to consider when evaluating a new role, in my opinion. Some folks may have no ambitions of career growth, which is odd to me. But, to each their own. By asking, “What opportunities for growth and development exist within the company?” you can gauge whether the organization invests in its employees and provides a clear path for advancement. A lack of growth opportunities can lead to stagnation, which is a key contributor to job dissatisfaction.

Why These Questions Matter

Failing to ask these key questions can leave you in the dark about critical aspects of the job and the organization. Without this information, you risk stepping into a role that doesn’t align with your skills, values, or long-term goals, creating a "slow burn" and potentially putting back in the job market searching. By taking the time to ask thoughtful questions, you demonstrate not only your genuine interest in the role but also your proactive approach to ensuring the position is the right fit for you.

The questions you ask during an interview are as important as the answers you provide. As I said earlier, it's a big deal for both parties. Having interviewed hundreds of candidates myself, I always appreciated thoughtful questions, shows you are a analytical thinker and recognize the weight of choosing to join an organization.

If you are on the job market and searching, I wish you luck. Make your "job" finding the right role. My opinion is to either find a headhunter to work with better yet, leverage your network. Most people are hired because they "knew" someone. Blindly applying online is a huge waste of time in my opinion.