10 questions from potential employees every HR pro should anticipate

November 24, 2021 11:42 AM

The tables have turned when it comes to recruiting, and it’s now the employees asking the questions.

Workers want to be a part of organizations that help them handle their physical, economic and emotional challenges, and they’re no longer afraid to ask what that looks like from a potential employer.

To help HR leaders prepare, Flexjobs identified the hardest questions candidates are asking of their prospective employer. The questions cover day-to-day responsibilities, how feedback and criticism are handled, and why the role is available to begin with.

“Knowing that a potential employee is comfortable asking some of these questions to learn more about the company shows that they have taken initiative and interest in knowing about more than just the position they are interviewing for,” says Toni Frana, career coach and team leader at FlexJobs. “But just like a potential employee is trying to decide if the role and company would be a good fit for them, the employer also wants to find a good fit for the team and the organization.”

Striking this balance can ensure that both parties establish a partnership that sets them up for success. FlexJobs came up with a list of 10 questions potential hires should ask during an interview. Check out the list and learn why interviewees are coming in armed with these queries.

Why is this position available?

Potential employees will ask this question in order to determine if this is a new position, which may mean there will be a unique set of challenges for that employee to face should they accept the job, FlexJobs says. If it isn’t a new role, knowing why the previous employee left could influence a potential employee’s willingness to accept the position. How an interviewer answers this question will offer the prospective employee some insight into your team and how the company operates.

What makes it a great day and what makes it a challenging day at work?

It may seem like a simple question, but potential employees could ask this in an attempt to ascertain a more clear view of the peaks and valleys of their new role, according to FlexJobs.

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When was the last time you promoted someone within your team, and why?

Candidates want to know what hiring managers consider to be an employee’s most important skills and achievements in order to advance within the company, according to FlexJobs. This question can also offer intel on career progression within the organization and how often employees advance.

What are some of the challenges you expect the person in this position to face?

New hires know that every job comes with challenges, and being prepared ahead of time for what might come up will help new employees tackle those issues without being blindsided, according to FlexJobs.

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How is criticism and feedback handled within the team?

Interviewees may ask this question to determine if the company’s work environment is one they will feel comfortable in, according to FlexJobs.

What is the main reason employees stay at or leave this company?

This will help potential employees understand the company culture, according to FlexJobs, and gives insight as to whether or not employee feedback is taken to heart.

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Could you tell me if you have any employee resource groups and how they might support your diversity, equity and inclusivity work?

Being direct about ERGs and DEI initiatives gives potential employees insight into the company’s values, FlexJobs says. If a company’s values don’t align with a potential employee’s, they may want to look elsewhere.

What is the company's approach to supporting the work-life balance of employees, and what are some recent initiatives you've put in place related to the pandemic?

Employees want to work smarter, not harder, and this question will reveal if they’ll have that valuable downtime. It can also shed light into whether or not the company is willing to adapt to the changing needs of its workforce, according to FlexJobs.

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How does the company determine salary levels or ranges for remote workers, and is it at all different for in-office workers or hybrid workers?

Employees want to be as prepared as possible when it comes to negotiating salary, according to FlexJobs.

Do you have any hesitancy in hiring me?

This will help employees address any concerns an interviewer may have right off the bat and will also help them do better in future interviews, according to FlexJobs.

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