Questions to ask in your interview

You’ve passed the initial applicant screening process and made it through the toughest bits of a job interview: details about your work history, maybe even uncomfortable discussions around salary and compensation.

But when the exchange is turned over to you, do you have good questions to ask the interviewer about the job? Asking the right questions can not only leave a hiring manager with a stronger impression, but also help you identify whether the role you are chasing and the team is a good fit. Be ready with insightful questions.

See sample questions and topics here.

Waiting Long for an Interview Response?

In a competitive job market it may take longer than usual to get a reply from an interview. In an employer's market waiting for the perfect candidate can extend the response time.

Additionally there are more applicants for open positions, requiring time for reviewing. There is a surplus of talent available, companies can wait and pick and choose.

See a more detailed explanation of delays here.

What's in a Job Title?

Organizations rely on specialization and hierarchy to organize people and teams in order to achieve collective goals. The two most common elements of a job title relate to function and seniority.

A title shows a person's function or seniority in a company, but it doesn't  picture a worker's value. Organizations depend on clear demarcations between who is responsible for tasks and responsibilities and who is accountable for them. 

For insight into 'Titles' components, find a discussion here.

What to do When You Loose Your Job

It’s emotional and traumatic to be laid off, and even worse to be fired. You’re out of work, you’re out of a paycheck, and you will lose the bond you have with your co-workers. Give yourself some time to mourn a bit, especially if you loved your job. It’s a loss, give yourself some time and space to grieve.

Then you need to get practical and get over it. The quicker you get a job search up and running, the faster you’ll be thinking about your new job.

See a comprehensive list of activities to get you going here.

Jobs for a Midlife Career Change

Changing jobs is expected but, people are changing careers in their 30s or 40s. Changing a career is a significant change. It takes careful research, consideration, and strategy.

While there may be external factors that necessitate a change, the more important factors need to be personal. The personal issues can not be knee jerk reactions, they must be calculated.

See five questions to ask yourself here.

Important Company Culture Considerations

Pay is important. But pay only goes so far. Higher wages don’t cause employees to automatically perform at a higher level. Commitment, work ethic, and motivation are not based on pay. They are based on the culture offered by the employer.

When changing companies or in hiring on, pay attention to the softer characteristics of the business operations. Conversations with potential fellow employees or more subtitle inquiries during an interview might enlighten characteristics such as: Freedom, Targets, Mission, Expectations, Input, Connection, Consistency and Future.
 
See more details on these characteristics here.

Find and Utilize a Mentor Effectively

Regardless of where you are in your career everyone can use a mentor to help guide them. People with mentors get promoted faster, earn a higher salary, and are more satisfied with their careers. While most agree that having a mentor is beneficial, few people - especially early in their careers - know how to find a mentor and make sure it’s a productive and meaningful relationship.

Here are ways to help you figure out what you’re looking for, identify the right mentor for you, and set yourself up for a successful mentorship.

See 10 tips to find the right Mentor here.