Job Interview Questions: Things to Ask the HR Representative

Job interviews can be a nerve wracking experience. Not only are you hoping to get hired, but you're also hoping that you and the company are a good fit. It is important for people going on interviews to realize that they are not the only ones being interviewed. It is important for you to also interview the person who is doing the hiring. Now, of course I am not suggesting going at the person with a barrage of questions. However it is important to present the HR representative with certain questions while being interviewed. It will make you seem interested, on top of things, and aware of what you want. Those are all important things when in an interview.

Is there potential for growth?

While that might seem like a bold question, it serves a very valuable purpose. For one, it gives the HR representative doing the interview the knowledge that you are a serious career professional. Maybe you are entering the work force at an entry level position, but you would like to move up the ladder. It shows ambition. Also, it is important to know what you are getting yourself into. Is it a dead end job with no room for advancement? Then maybe it is not a job you should take. Does it offer growth? That might be something worth taking.

What is important to your company?

It is amazing the different things that employers feel are important to their company. Some companies value customer relations over everything else, while others are only concerned with the bottom line. In order to know if you and the company are a match, it is important to question the HR representative about the priorities of the company.

What kind of benefits do you offer?

This is a very important one. Oftentimes, people assume that a job with a good company will offer stellar benefits. That is not always the case. Before you accept a job, make sure that the benefits are something that you can accept. Do not take a job and then realize that your health insurance is either horrible or non-existent. You might be forced to quit the job quickly, which looks terrible on a resume.

What additional expectations would you have for me?

A job cannot be summed up in a want ad. There is often a lot more to the job than what you realize. Maybe you'll have to get your boss's lunch every Friday, or take his dog for a walk when he's away. These are things you need to know. Have him outline your expectations, so you will know, right from the start, what to expect. Later, if he crosses the line with expectations, you'll be happy that you got your job description right up front.

How is the turn over?

Every HR representative has an idea of how the turn over is in their company. Don't be afraid to ask about it. Question the HR representative about the turn over in the company. If it is low, consider that a good sign. That must mean that people enjoy working there. If it is high, that should be a warning sign to you. People don't stick around jobs for reasons. Maybe they do not value their employees. Maybe the raises are terrible.

People tend to be shy during job interviews. They worry so much about making a good impression that they forget that there are things they need to know. Ask the HR representative questions during your interview. You will walk away with a better idea about the job and if you want it.