Interviewing is a critical step in the job search process, and it’s essential for both the employer and the candidate to ask the right questions. Traditionally, the interviewer is the one who asks the questions to learn about the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and fit for the role.

However, in recent years, a new trend has emerged – the interviewee interviewing the company.

This approach shifts the traditional interviewing process, allowing the candidate to take a more active role in the conversation and get a better sense of whether the company is a good fit for them.

By asking questions about the company culture, work environment, growth opportunities, and more, the interviewee can get a deeper understanding of what it’s like to work for the organization and make a more informed decision about whether to accept an offer.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of interviewing the company and provide some examples of questions that candidates can ask to gain valuable insights into the company’s culture and values.

Whether you’re a job seeker preparing for an upcoming interview or an employer looking to improve your hiring process, this post is for you.

Culture

Are you a fellow introvert that charges their batteries with some personal down time? If so a company with a large communal culture that promotes “optional” social events each night or staying past dinner time might not be the place for you.

On the flip side, if you are someone who thrives in competition, then an organization rooted in metrics with a ranked bonus structure is where you could soar.

What to ask: “How would a fellow associate describe working here?”

Growth Opportunities

Is this an organization where you have a chance to stay long-term and climb within the ranks? Do they allow for people to grow professionally in their skills, or do they exclusively hire from the outside? You want to know how important this is for you from the onset.

If this job has the potential to become a larger chapter in your career story, it is critical to see how they will invest in you while demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for the current position being offered.

What to ask: “What is the company’s stance on professional development to best serve this role?”

Company’s Needs

Knowing the “why” behind the position can help immensely with your understanding of what to expect from day one. Is this a role that is newly created? Or have 3 candidates held the position in the last 12 months? employees.

The turnover rate for the role or department will reveal whether you are likely to be overworked or how well the company understands the capacity of their employees.

What to ask: “Please share what the ideal candidate would bring to this team to achieve both the short and long-term goals of the department.”

Nature of Hybrid

For military spouses, hybrid opportunities can not only be a perfect fit for current family needs and responsibilities, but they also have huge potential for the long run of your career. If a role can be partially remote now, then maybe it can be fully remote after the next PCS and once you are a vital member of the team.

Because the definition of hybrid can be so broad, it is critical to understand exactly what it means to the company.

What to ask: “Can you tell me more about the virtual vs in-person structure for the position?”

There are more questions that you can include when interviewing a potential employer.

Knowing the decision timeline, next steps, onboarding procedures, are a few additional questions you may choose to inquire about. It is critical to leave an interview knowing exactly what you can offer and what you can expect from the role you are being considered for.

Asking thoughtful questions can help you stand out in a competitive job market and leave a positive impression with the interviewer. 

*Written by Sidney Hubner

Sidney is a Transition Specialist with the Serving Spouses Team at Hire Heroes USA where she has supported more than 900 military spouses and veterans in finding meaningful employment… so far. She is a military spouse herself, married to a USMC veteran, and has personal experience navigating the balance between career, family, and military life.

She has a diverse professional background across the social work field including child welfare, domestic violence survivor support, and homeless employment empowerment. Since joining Hire Heroes USA in 2018, Sidney has engaged with clients individually as their personal Transition Specialist and in groups by facilitating 8+ Virtual Workshops.

While she has always helped with behind-the-scenes projects, her passion is social advocacy through building unique relationships with clients to ensure they have all the tools and support to achieve their career goals.

*For more articles from HHUSA, Please visit them on our Expert Bloggers Page.