So you’ve been given a job offer, now what? If you are excited and the job fits your requirement, then accept it on the spot…but only if you have the answers to the questions that confirm it’s the right fit for you. Here are the top five questions to ask a potential employer that will allow you to see if this position aligns with your personal and professional goals.

1. What is a typical working day like? What will my responsibilities be?

You don’t want to go into your first day of work blindly. You need to make sure you have a clear understanding of what is to be expected of you during those first few weeks or months of starting a new role. This way, you can brush up on certain skills before your first day and be more confident in completing your tasks. This will also give you a sense of how to set up your career goals and maintain success going forward with your new employer.

2. What is the company culture like?

You may have all the qualifications ticked, but if you don’t connect with the organization’s personality, chances are you may not be the happiest you can be in your new role. Since you’ll be spending a majority of your waking hours in the office, it is crucial that you determine if you fit in with the organization’s management style, level of innovation, and co-workers. Take a look at our past blog post that provides you with more questions you can ask to get a better feel of what the company culture is like.

3. What is the benefits package?

Though your overall salary is definitely important, it’s not the only thing you should be aware of when accepting a job offer. A benefits package also includes things like paid vacation time, retirement plans, insurance plans, and any additional perks that an organization may have. Be sure to read through the entire plan in order to be aware of what resources are available to you. Once that’s clear, also double check that you have a competitive salary. Do a little digging and research respectable salary ranges for your position and skill level. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, as long as it’s reasonable.

4. How is success measured in this role? What type of person is successful here?

If you want to excel in your new job, you’ll need to know what your managers expect of you, so that you can meet and exceed those expectations. Understand the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate employees at that organization and cater your work to them. See if the characteristics of successful employees at that organization match your own traits to gauge whether you will be able to be successful there yourself.

5. What on-the-job training is offered to promote professional growth?

It’s great to have the stability that comes with a job, but don’t accept one that will stagnate or even delay your career goals. The best organizations to work for are those that see their employees as assets that must be invested in. Make sure you ask about training you’ll receive on the job, and any other methods the employer uses to develop their employees. Not only will this add value to the organization, but also to your own professional advancement.

It’s crucial to keep these questions in mind the next time you’re debating whether or not to accept a job. Having a thorough understanding of your role, as well as your employers’ expectations of you, are the best way to start off on the right foot. Make sure to ask these questions and get definitive answers questions before giving your final decision so that you can embark on this new chapter in your life with confidence, knowledge, and a clear vision of your future.

 

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