Unlike the actual interview, when you will be asking the questions to a hiring manager, these are questions that you should be asking of yourself so you can get a better idea of what the organization is all about. Think of it as a form of research. These questions will help you be more prepared when it comes time for the interview, and will also help you decide if it's really the job you want.
Here are 5 questions you should ask when researching an organization:
- What is their reputation? A simple Google search will give you an idea of whether the organization in question has had a lot of bad press from scandals. Needless to say, you won't want to be part of an organization that has a spotty ethics history.
- What is the organization's position within the industry? Understanding the company's financial standing is a very important point to consider. You probably don't want to work for a nonprofit that isn't doing too well.
- What unique skills do I bring to the table? Identify the characteristics you have that make you the best fit for the job, and emphasize them as much as possible during the interview. Employers need to know what makes you stand apart from other candidates.
- How much am I willing to sacrifice? Every job has its drawbacks, but you should determine what your line in the sand is when it comes to accepting a job offer. You should be extremely excited about the position if you are willing to accept things like a long commute.
- Is there a lot of turnover? Try to find out how many different employees have worked in the position for which you are applying. High rates of turnover can indicate bad management or a poor working environment.
