What to Ask After the Offer

What to Ask After the Offer

All job hunters are waiting for that call -- the one that says they've landed the job. But as eager as you may be to escape either your current job or the unemployment ranks, don't abdicate your power position once the offer comes in. Now it's your turn to sit in the interviewer's seat and ask the company and yourself some tough questions -- the answers to which could mean the difference between career bliss and disaster.

Will the actual work and job responsibilities provide gratification, fulfillment and challenge?
This question is often overlooked, because applicants get hung up on job titles, salary and benefits. Try to get a clear sense of what an actual day would be like. What will you spend the majority of your time doing? Is the work in line with your values? Will you likely learn this job quickly and become bored and unchallenged?

What are the boss's strengths and weaknesses?
This question can be tough to answer, and it's best saved for after the job offer has been extended. You'll want to get a good idea for your potential boss's management style. Speak to your potential boss as much as possible to get a feel for his personality and what you can live with. Does he micromanage? Will you get consistent feedback and reviews? Does he make small talk, or is every conversation strictly business?

How much change is in the works at your prospective company, and what kind?
Constant change at work can mean constant stress. Find out if there are any big changes coming, such as new processing systems or management, impending retirements or adoption of new procedures that still need to be ironed out. At the same time, remember that some of these transitions will have less effect on your position than others.

How many of my skills and experiences will I be able to use and learn?
Make sure your unique skills and talents will be used and that training and promotion are open in the future. When you decide to move on, you'll want to have a new crop of experiences to sell to your next employer. Your goal is to perform well at work while constantly growing and learning.

How many people have held the position in the past several years?
Knowing how many people have been in your job and why they left can offer you great insights. You'll want to know if they were promoted or quit altogether. A steady stream of resignations may be a sign you could be reentering the job market soon.

While many of the reasons positions eventually become unfulfilling are unavoidable, such as hitting a plateau after repeatedly performing the same duties, job seekers should consider the ways a new position will advance them

Questions To Ask The HR

1. What kinds of assignments might I expect the first six months on the job?
2. How often are performance reviews given?
3. Please describe the duties of the job for me.
4. What products (or services) are in the development stage now?
5. Do you have plans for expansion?
6. What are your growth projections for next year?
7. Have you cut your staff in the last three years?
8. Are salary adjustments geared to the cost of living or job performance?
9. Does your company encourage further education?
10. How do you feel about creativity and individuality?
11. Do you offer flextime?
12. What is the usual promotional time frame?
13. Does your company offer either single or dual career-track programs?
14. What do you like best about your job/company?
15. Once the probation period is completed, how much authority will I have over decisions?
16. Has there been much turnover in this job area?
17. Do you fill positions from the outside or promote from within first?
18. Is your company environmentally conscious? In what ways?
19. In what ways is a career with your company better than one with your competitors?
20. Is this a new position or am I replacing someone?
21. What is the largest single problem facing your staff (department) now?
22. May I talk with the last person who held this position?
23. What qualities are you looking for in the candidate who fills this position?
24. What skills are especially important for someone in this position?
25. What characteristics do the achievers in this company seem to share?
26. Who was the last person that filled this position, what made them successful at it, where are they today, and how may I contact them?
27. Is there a lot of team/project work?
28. Will I have the opportunity to work on special projects?
29. Where does this position fit into the organizational structure?
30. How much travel, if any, is involved in this position?
31. What is the next course of action? When should I expect to hear from you or should I contact you?