Unlock the Interview Process: Key Questions to Ask Your Potential Employer

By Finnegan Sokolowski , Intern at Lynn Hazan & Associates

Have you ever finished a job interview and felt unsatisfied? If so, chances are you didn’t ask enough or the right questions. Lynn Hazan, President of Lynn Hazan & Associates, has been working for 38 years as an executive recruiter in communications and marketing. Hazan's job involves interviewing candidates to assess their suitability. She understands what critical topics candidates need to explore and what they must be aware of before accepting job offers.

Prep Work

Candidates often err in interviews by not asking sufficient or appropriate questions. Clear understanding of the job on both sides helps make the perfect match. Do your research so you know what to ask. Hazan emphasizes, “interviews require 80% preparation and 20% execution.” You first need to be aware of the company’s core values, job responsibilities, and requirements. Understanding the specs will also aid in building your case as the right fit. After you’ve explored and analyzed the position, develop a list of questions for the interview.

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Ask about the job.

Be fully aware of the requirements and responsibilities before you move on to those other burning questions. Here are some sample questions: (Journalist mantra W5 + H)

●??????Why is the company looking to hire for this position?

●??????What would an average day look like?

●??????How would you break down responsibilities on a percentage basis from 0-100%?

●??????Who are your clients/customers and how do you prioritize their needs?

●??????Where would I fit in the company's organizational structure?

●??????When is the ideal start date for this position?

●??????Is the job on-site, remote, or hybrid?

Ask clarifying questions to demonstrate your deeper interest in the position. For example, What are some of the inherent challenges and opportunities of this position? How is the communication structured within the team/department/organization?

Company culture, core values, & organizational goals.

Are you the right fit for the company? Do you see yourself working there long-term? Some sample questions you could ask:

?●??????How are the company’s core values displayed in the workplace?

●??????Who is responsible for upholding the core values?

●??????Why is this job important to the company's mission?

●??????What are some goals for growth?

●??????What is the company’s commitment to DEI?

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Benefits

Some jobs come with compelling benefits. The most popular and useful ones include; health insurance, PTO (paid time off), retirement plan, dental, vision and life insurance, and bonus eligibility. Don’t ask about benefits too early in the interviewing process. Focus on the job first! Here are some sample questions:

●??????What type of healthcare benefits are available for employees?

●??????Do you offer performance reviews after 6 months or 1 year of employment?

●??????If and when is this position bonus eligible?

●??????When do benefits start?

Once all the benefits are taken into consideration, your opinion on the salary may change. Benefits alone can account for up to 25-30% of a candidate's total earnings.

The questions listed above are crucial to ask before you can even consider accepting a job. Now it’s time to execute. Here are some tips on how to nail the interview after all prep work is complete.

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During the Interview

Timing is just as vital as the questions themselves. You need to be in a zone with the interviewer to gauge when to ask what. Typically, interviewers allocate time at the end for candidates' questions. It may feel less forced and awkward if you can integrate them seamlessly into the conversation. That’s why you need to build rapport.

Candidates often know the location and salary beforehand, but not always. When you ask about salary, ensure it's at an appropriate time. Choose your words carefully. Instead of using "money," use "compensation," and inquire about a range rather than a specific amount.

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Hazan’s Top 3 Suggestions to Keep in Mind During the Interview

1. Build rapport: Connecting with the interviewer is just as important as asking smart questions. Relax so the conversation can flow comfortably. Take deep breaths before and exude your confidence!
2. Establish why you’d be a good fit: Highlight your strengths. Speak assertively about how your skills will help you in this position. Explain your ability to meet the job requirements, how your core values match up, & how you will integrate with the team.
3. Show you’ve done your research by asking intelligent questions: Ideally, fit them into conversation or wait until the end. Ask clarifying questions!

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Post Interview

Always send a thank you email to the interviewer for taking time out of their day. We recommend you take notes on everything you learned and the pros and cons of the position. Once all the interviews are finished and you’ve been offered the job, it’s time to decide if you’re the right person for the role. You should have an intuitive sense by this point if the job is right for you. It's also time to clarify any remaining questions you may have. Send out an email to the interviewer to clarify a concept or start a conversation. You will leave a lasting impression that they will remember you by. This will help set you up to find a job where you belong.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” - Confucious

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What to Negotiate for in a Job Offer

Once you’re offered a job, you may want to set up a meeting to negotiate salary, benefits, or services provided. You don’t have to negotiate for more than what you’re offered. You could be leaving money on the table if you don't ask. Negotiation is an important part of any interview process. It’s a lifelong skill that takes years to master. When you ask questions, you need to think about the combined weight of salary and benefits. Demonstrate what you’ll bring to the job by voicing your added value. If you feel you deserve more than what’s offered, prove it. Here’s a list of topics worth negotiating for.

●??????Salary: Research the salary band for the position. Know your worth and negotiate for more, if the amount is below your expectations. If you’re a candidate the hiring manager truly wants, the compensation could be negotiable. If you don’t ask, you won’t know.

●??????Professional associations: Joining a professional association gives you access to resources, networking, and a like-minded community. Company support shows investment in your development and staying current.

●??????Continuing education: Many industries require professionals to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date through continuing education courses. Negotiating for the company to cover the cost can demonstrate that they care about your growth. You’ll also save a fortune!

●??????Mentorship program: First, inquire whether the employer has a mentorship program or not. Express your interest in being a mentee and ask when you can participate.

●??????Attending conferences: Learn about new trends in the industry and share knowledge with your colleagues. Make your case and show your supervisors the value you will bring by participating in said conferences.

Summary

Preparing for a job interview is essential for a successful outcome. The questions you ask and the answers you give during an interview can make or break your chances of landing the job. Research the company, understand the job requirements and responsibilities, and prepare your questions beforehand. When it comes time to negotiate an offer, don't be afraid to ask for more. Remember, choosing the right job is a big decision, so take the time to do your due diligence before accepting an offer.

P.S. I put my article to the test while preparing for an interview of my own. I felt comfortable knowing I had an extensive list of thoughtful questions at the ready. However, I realized that I needed to prepare for common interview questions, which were not discussed much in the article. To do so, I googled “challenging questions frequently asked by employers” and wrote down my answers in advance. This helped the interview go smoothly. I built rapport with the interviewer, asked clarifying questions, talked about my skills and why I thought I would be a perfect fit. I recommend using this article as a checklist to ensure that you’ve done everything you can to prepare. If you’re not overprepared, you’re underprepared.?