10 Major Questions To Ask Yourself Before Accepting A Job

Looking for a job can sometimes be challenging. It is important that you take note of the tips that could help you to emerge successful during an interview. If you manage to secure the job, there are also questions to ask before accepting a job. This is so that you will gain a clearer picture on the opportunity offered.

The following are some tips that could be helpful when looking for a job and during interviews:

1. Be Yourself

During the interview, you should never try to be someone else. Be very honest with the answers that you give. Do not try to give the answers that you think the interviewers expect.

It will be better for you to be open about your capabilities as well as your inabilities. If there is a skill that you do not have, tell the truth and emphasise that you are willing to learn.

2. Apply For Jobs That You Qualify For

Do not apply for all vacancies that you come across without checking whether you qualify. This will be a waste of your time because companies usually shortlist only those who meet the criteria given. Make sure that you qualify for the job being offered before you submit your application. This will increase your chances of getting  hired.

3. Be Properly Dressed And Groomed

First impressions matter very much. Therefore, when you are going for an interview, make sure that you are smartly dressed and well groomed. It is advisable that you dress formally, preferably a suit and tie for men and a women’s suit or presentable dress for ladies. The fact that you have taken time to groom yourself shows the seriousness with which you view the job opportunity.

4. Give Extra Details

With each question that is asked, feel free to add in details that may not have been asked by the interviewer.

For example, when asked about your work experience, instead of just mentioning the number of years, you could also include specific tasks or projects that you have done to completion successfully.

Potential employers appreciate such information because it gives them a better picture about your abilities.

5. Don’t Badmouth Previous Employers

Never badmouth your previous employer or place of work during the interview. This will show that you are actually negatively inclined, and your potential employer might assume that you will have a similar attitude if they were to hire you. Instead, try to give positive feedback about your previous place of employment.

6. Send A Note Of Thanks

People rarely say thank you for being invited for an interview. Therefore, those who actually send a note to show gratitude tend to stand out. As part of giving thanks for the interview, you could also reiterate your interest in the job and the zeal that you have to be part of the team.

This note of appreciation will encourage the interviewer to take special note of you, especially in cases where the interviewees were many.

Apart from the above tips, it is advisable that you also ask the interviewer some questions so that you are able to get a clearer picture about the company. Below are 10 important questions to ask before accepting a job:

1. Is The Salary Fixed Or Negotiable?

This is an important question to ask during the interview. Your potential employer may choose not to disclose this information to you. This may be in the hopes that you will agree to the lowest offer possible.

If they confirm that the salary amount is not fixed, you can go ahead and negotiate for a better pay. Of course, asking for a better pay should be backed up by your skills. You can show them any extra expertise that you are bringing into the company.

2. Are There Any Other Benefits Offered?

It is important that you ask about any other benefits. One important benefit that you should inquire about is medical insurance. Find out if the company offers medical insurance, and whether it is paid fully by the company or if it is partly your cost.

It is also important find out what the insurance covers. Find out whether it includes optical and dental care because these are medical procedures that tend to be rather expensive.

3. Ask About Any Other Incentives

Companies provide different types of incentives to motivate their employees. Some of these include giving off days, having flexible working hours, awarding promotions and even giving extended paid leave.

Some employers also offer their employees the opportunity to further their education by paying part of the tuition fee and giving them study leave.  Find out if the company offers any of these benefits.

4. Will They Give You An Employment Contract?

It is vital that you inquire if the company issues formal contracts to their employees. If they do not issue any agreements in writing, then this is not a good sign.

In the absence of a contract, the company can easily go back on any verbal agreement made about your salary, benefits or even working hours. It will not be wise for you to take on a job where there is no written contract given.

5. Ask About The Turnover Rate Of Employees

Good employers do not have a high turnover rate of employees. Find out the rate at which they hire new staff. This could be an indicator of the work environment in the company.

If you discover that most of the employees are long serving, then it obviously means that the terms and working conditions are favourable. On the other hand, a high turnover rate of staff means that there is a lot of dissatisfaction among employees, probably because of poor working conditions.

6. How Is Conflict Resolved In The Company?

This is another question that you should ask during the interview. It is important to find out the procedure of solving conflict. Is there a system that is all inclusive when conflict arises, or are decisions made primarily by one person?

Conflict resolution could also be influenced by the culture within the company. It’s best to have a conflict resolution system which is all inclusive for everyone.

7. Ask If You Are A Suitable Candidate For The Job

Ask the interviewer if you are a suitable candidate for the position. He could inform you of strengths that they have noted as well as areas where you have some gaps. If you are hired, you could strive to focus on the areas where you need to improve your skills.

8. Are Opinions Of Employees Considered In Company Decisions?

The input of employees is crucial in any company. Find out if the management welcomes the recommendations and opinions of employees when making important decisions.

9. How Long Do Employees In My Role Usually Stay For?

This is another one of the important questions to ask before accepting a job offer. It’s great if the person before you left to pursue his or her dream job. However, if the people in your role usually stay for less than a year to about a year, this might be an indication that something is wrong. 

It could be anything from an over demanding boss, lack of growth opportunities, a slow learning curve or unreasonable working hours.

10. Which Company Policies Are Favourable And Which Ones Are Not So Favourable?

It is important for you to find out which company policies are favourable and which ones are not so favorable for employees so that you are not caught by surprise.

As you search through the job market, the above tips and questions will guide you in making an informed decision when you are offered an opportunity for work.

Do not be afraid to ask questions, or voice out any concerns that you might have. Ultimately, do not accept any job that comes your way simply because the job market looks bleak. It’s more worthwhile to accept a job that has good remuneration while providing you with better learning opportunities. Compared to accepting a job that’s not fit for you and you’ll find yourself having to switch jobs a few months down the road again. 

With this list of questions to ask before accepting a job, you’ll be good to go!