6 Questions to Ask in the Job Interview to Figure Out If the Job and Company Are the Right Fit for You

Whether you’re a freshly emerged graduate seeking your first job, or a seasoned worker looking for something new, job searches can be stressful. They can be especially grueling if you feel like you have to take the first job that comes your way, even though it doesn’t feel right. The reality is that you shouldn’t have to take a job you don’t like, with a company that you don’t vibe with.

But how do you know if the company you’re interviewing with is a good fit for you? Here are 6 questions you need to ask in your interview to figure out if it’s the right choice.

1. What are the company values and culture like?
The people you work with and the environment in which you work is a crucial element to how you will perform on a daily basis. If you feel in the interview that your values don’t align with the organization’s, you may want to reconsider moving forward with the process. It’s always great to ask the interviewer about the corporate culture and its values.

2. What are the traits of the people who succeed at this company?
An interview is not just where the company decides if you are the right fit for the company, but whether or not the company is the right fit for you. To figure this out, you need to know what kind of traits they are looking for in an employee and exactly what their idea of a good employee is.

3. Are there opportunities for professional growth within the organization?
While any opportunity is great, it’s nice to know that you will be able to work towards something greater. In the interview, ask about professional development opportunities and if there are growth opportunities.

4. What is the performance review process like?
Not everyone responds well to performance reviews, let alone the different types of reviews. It’s helpful if you believe the review process is reasonable for the type of work you’ll be doing. Don’t be afraid to ask about this process.

5. What benefits support work-life balance?
Nobody can thrive in a worker-bee environment. Your personal time is just as important as the time you give your employer, so always ask about the benefits offered and the typical work-life balance trends for current employees.

6. Does the company plan to grow or change in the next 5 years?
Just like your own career, businesses need to grow and change. But you want to make sure that you are stepping into a company that is headed somewhere you want to go too. Ask the interviewer if they have a general idea about company plans to expand, update or change in any way. This will not only give you a better idea of where the company is headed, but also an idea of how you want to progress.

You never want to be in a position where you are stuck at an organization, where you’re unhappy. Asking detailed questions about the company and the position you are applying for is crucial to your career, your health, and happiness.

This article was written by Carlee Nilphai.

Carlee Nilphai is a freelance writer based in Lancaster, PA. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Print Journalism from Millersville University in 2019.