Questions to ask a potential employer

Not all potential employers are created equal, so it is really important, before you decide to accept a job offer, or even before you prepare a job application, to decide whether this is the type of employer you really want to work for.

Remember this is your career, so before you invest time in preparing an application, or accepting a job offer, it pays to ensure this is the sort of position you are interested in and that it provides good career prospects.

Below are some vital issues that you need to consider, plus some sample questions to ask a potential employer before, or during the interview.

Is this the type of work culture you would be happy in?

We spend so much of our time at work, so it is important to ascertain exactly the type of work culture the organisation has. I mean it might be well paid, but is their an expectation that you will be working 50 plus hours a week, and that you will be contacted during the weekends and even on holiday? It might turn out that on an hourly basis, you might be getting paid less, because of the number of hours and the work culture within the organisation.

Likewise, is the work culture highly competitive, with lots of office politics? Find out, before you enter a highly politicised or competitive work environment.

Are the bonuses, superannuation and work requirements in line with your requirements?

It is important before you accept a job offer to ascertain exactly what your bonuses, superannuation and the work requirements are. For example:

Is your superannuation more than the 9% compulsory superannuation scheme and is the salary, inclusive, or exclusive of the superannuation amount (it can make a huge difference to your retirement fund and take home pay).

If there is a requirement to travel occasionally – is occasionally just 10% of your time, or 40% of your time. Being away from home 40% of the time, can be quite a burden in particular if you have family, so find out, exactly what the employer’s requirements are.

Are the bonuses legitimate bonuses and will be provided in a timely manner? For example you might be told that you will get a bonus on achieving a certain target, but what if that target is not achievable or unrealistic. Will the bonus program be phased out, once you have been in the company for a certain period of time? Plus, when you ascertain exactly what your bonuses are, make sure you get all salary-related statements in writing, before you start work.

So just how do you find out about the work culture and job?

Consider the job description and ask yourself whether the level of responsibility is appropriate and do the duties of the position sound like something you would enjoy?

Call the contact officer, or HR BEFORE you apply for the position and ask appropriate questions. This is particularly important if applying for a government application that requires hours of your time, addressing selection criteria.

Carefully consider the compensation package and be clear on exactly what your level of remuneration, bonuses and superannuation will be.

Ask around – friends and colleagues can sometimes have inside knowledge of an organisation and might be able to provide some feedback.

Ask questions during the interview (just remember to not ask questions that can be easily ascertainable from the companies website or job application documentation.)

Sample questions to ask a potential employer

1. Why is the position open?
2. How often has it been filled in the past five years and what were the main reasons for prior employees leaving?
3. What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position?
4. What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in the functional area and by the person that fills the position?
5. What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
6. What type of support does the position receive in terms of people, resources?
7. What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?
8. Is there any pending legislation that will affect the role?
9. Are there any mentoring programs or formal training programs?
10. What is the work area’s management style?
11. If you are hired, what are the three most pressing issues that would need to be resolved?
12. What are the most important skills and attributes they are looking for in filling this position?
13. How would you describe the agency’s/organisations culture?
14. What major challenges are currently facing the management team?
15. Do the majority of employees achieve the bonus?
16. What advancement opportunities are available if I’m successful in this position?
17. How would my performance be measured and reviewed?
18. There is a requirement of travel, how long would I be required to be away from home?
19. Why do people leave the organisation?