- Jesi Bolandrina
- October 21, 2021
There are a lot of strategies and pieces of advice out there for a job seeker preparing for a job interview. You can practice your answers for a variety of questions a hiring manager might ask you. But, have you spent enough time looking into the company you’re applying to? At the end of the interview, many interviewers ask the applicants if they have any questions.
Don’t be caught off guard and miss the opportunity to learn more about the position you’re interested in taking. A job interview is a chance for both parties to learn more about each other. This is your chance to ask three key questions that may not be explained in detail in a job description.
1. What are examples of day-to-day tasks in this role?
This may seem like a question you should already know the answer to. But, asking again gives you an opportunity to better understand what you could be signing up for. Don’t assume that a job title comes with a standardized set of tasks.
For example, job titles like “Customer Service Associate” or “Order Picker” or “Brand Ambassador” can have vastly different day-to-day tasks at different companies. It’s not a good idea to assume what your responsibilities will be.
This is also a good chance for you to better understand things in the job description that may be unclear. For example, many gig job descriptions ask for workers to be “comfortable standing for periods of time” – this is a great chance to ask what that actually means.
If you show real interest in understanding what they’re looking for, it can show that you’re a serious applicant that wants to meet expectations.
2. What other positions or teams would this role interact with regularly?
Asking this question in a job interview can imply that you’re a team player. Having a good understanding of how your role impacts others shows that you understand that you’re a part of a larger team and organization. More often than not, your work and efforts impact people around you. Showing that you acknowledge that and are prepared for it can leave a lasting impression on a hiring manager.
Learning more about the other people you would interact with can also help you adjust your expectations. Some workers prefer individual work, while others prefer team work, while many fall somewhere in the middle. Your tasks could look or feel different depending on how you interact with others. If collaborating is something you excel at, mentioning that working with others excites you can help you stand out.
3. Is there potential for growth or advancement with this position or department?
Sometimes, the answer to this question might be no.
And that’s okay. Some jobs are meant to just be jobs. Sometimes, there aren’t clear paths for advancement and not every worker wants that.
But, if you do, asking this question can save you from feeling stuck or burning out in a role that doesn’t change or challenge you.
Before you ask this question in a job interview, take time to reflect about what you want the answer to be. If you want to see yourself growing or advancing, great. If not, that’s great too! Not every job has to be your dream job or your forever job. But make sure you’re aware of your options so you aren’t caught off guard.
About the Author: Jesi Bolandrina is the Content Marketing Manager at Jobble. As a former gig worker, she knows how hard it can be to feel like you know what you’re doing in an ever-changing workforce. She’s your go-to for news and information from career development, to health and wellness, to finances and more. She curates Jobble’s blog, articles and is the editor of The Everyday Hustle newsletter. If you have any ideas for topics Jobble should cover, let her know.
