Current Events > Why do they say you got to ask questions in an interview?

(+) Yeah! (+)

I never understood that. I mean sometimes, but mostly I just wanted the damn job, that's it.

It shows you did some research about the company before hand.

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Is there any reason I may not get this job

this way they might bring up something that you can counter with to show you are qualified for said job

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"Are we really a family?"

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'What is the on call schedule'
if it's anything other than 'doesn't exist' I laugh and leave
'Am I expected to stay late if there's an emergency?'
if it's anything other than 'if possible but we pay you 2x or give you 2x time in return but we understand you won't be expected to stay' then I laugh and leave

I guess it's not that important if it's a low-entry/dead end position. But if you're selling your skills and are expecting tailored compensation, then you better watch your own butt.

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I mean... You don't have to, but if your interview score is super close to another candidate's, then you asking a question could just be what makes you stand out.

Plus, it helps you get some answers you might be curious about. When will you hear back from them, once they choose a candidate? What are the expected work hours (if that wasn't already made clear)? What type of upward mobility is available within the company? There's lots you can ask.

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The understanding is that you are looking for a job where you will be spending at least 40 hours a week of your time, getting to know your boss, your coworkers, the building, the work itself, potentially growing as an employee, and advocating for whatever company it is. In the one hour interview where you are answering questions about yourself and supposedly have people from the company available, is there not a single thing you want to know about the company where you would be putting in all this commitment? There is nothing in the job description you have a question about? Not at all interested in the culture of the company, the values of the company (not just the ones on the website, but how they're shown day-to-day), and the interview committee's own experiences and thoughts on their work?

I can see none of this mattering in an hourly job, but anything with a salary would likely expect some level of interest from the applicant during the interview process.

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I try to make it conversational during the main interview so I don't always have real questions at the end. Sometimes I'll do an inane HRish question just to have something to ask though.

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Zanzenburger posted...

is there not a single thing you want to know about the company where you would be putting in all this commitment? There is nothing in the job description you have a question about? Not at all interested in the culture of the company, the values of the company (not just the ones on the website, but how they're shown day-to-day), and the interview committee's own experiences and thoughts on their work?

Yeah, sure. I guess I've asked those kinds of questions in the past. Still, I feel like it's implicit that I feel just fine working there based on what I know because why else would I apply...? I mean yeah, I need the job but I wouldn't knowingly apply to something I thought was bullshit. If I want the job, there's nothing that I'm going to ask where they'd give me an answer and I'd be like, "Awwwww hell nahhhh, fuck this!" Know what I mean?

Cocytus posted...

Yeah, sure. I guess I've asked those kinds of questions in the past. Still, I feel like it's implicit that I feel just fine working there based on what I know because why else would I apply...? I mean yeah, I need the job but I wouldn't knowingly apply to something I thought was bullshit. If I want the job, there's nothing that I'm going to ask where they'd give me an answer and I'd be like, "Awwwww hell nahhhh, fuck this!" Know what I mean?

I get what you're saying, but I've been in interviews where I learn things that instantly make me lose interest in the job.

Examples of interview-specific job issues:

• The actual job I'd be doing is different than what is in the position description; follow-up questions clarified that the parts of the job I wanted to do found in the description were very miniscule part of the job
• The work culture is horrible. While the job itself looks great, getting answers from the interview team gives me a sense that it's dreadful to work there and I may end up hating it
• Benefits or pay issues; sometimes jobs don't bring up benefits or pay until the interview phase, and sometimes you have to ask as they won't tell you; if the pay is too low or benefits suck, then it's good to know before going too far into the process
• The supervisor sucks; if your future supervisor interviews you, asking them questions can get you a feel for their personality, management style, values, etc. I've had red flags from potential supervisors during interviews.

There are things in a job that one may not know when applying. Asking questions is a good way to learn about these things, as some job descriptions can be misleading.

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Zanzenburger posted...

I get what you're saying, but I've been in interviews where I learn things that instantly make me lose interest in the job.

Examples of interview-specific job issues:
* The actual job I'd be doing is different than what is in the position description; follow-up questions clarified that the parts of the job I wanted to do found in the description were very miniscule part of the job
* The work culture is horrible. While the job itself looks great, getting answers from the interview team gives me a sense that it's dreadful to work there and I may end up hating it
* Benefits or pay issues; sometimes jobs don't bring up benefits or pay until the interview phase, and sometimes you have to ask as they won't tell you; if the pay is too low or benefits suck, then it's good to know before going too far into the process
* The supervisor sucks; if your future supervisor interviews you, asking them questions can get you a feel for their personality, management style, values, etc. I've had red flags from potential supervisors during interviews.

There are things in a job that one may not know when applying. Asking questions is a good way to learn about these things, as some job descriptions can be misleading.

Well, thanks.