Photo by Karolina Grabowska
The job offer landed in your inbox, but not too fast! Ensure you've asked all the pertinent questions before accepting any job offer!
It's exciting to get a job offer, especially after an arduous job search process.
But before you scream, "Yes!" into your potential employer's ear (or inbox), ensure that you have asked all the questions you wanted to ask. This includes questions about benefits packages, vacation time, hybrid or flexible work options, potential for career growth, and more!
This might also be the time in the interview process to bring any negotiations to the table. Don't be afraid to suss out your new job before accepting it. Any hiring manager should respect your attention to detail and inquisitiveness. Actually, if your questions deter them, it might even be an interview red flag!
So, here are some questions to ask throughout your job interview and before accepting your new job. Use them to ensure that the company's values are in place and that this new organization and team is the right fit for you. Congratulations!
Questions to Ask About the Job Role
Sure, the job title and job posting should explain most of what your new job entails, but sometimes it doesn't quite cover the day-to-day role. These questions help to build clarity around what your job really looks like—including expectations, goals, KPIs, and career growth.
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What are the specific day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
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How do these responsibilities contribute to the overall goals of the team and company?
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What are the short-term and long-term goals for this position?
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How will my performance be measured and evaluated? Are there KPIs that I should be mindful of?
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Can you describe the team dynamics and company culture?
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What is the leadership style of my potential manager?
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Are there opportunities for advancement within the company?
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How does the company support professional development and learning?
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What are the expectations for working hours and remote work options?
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How often is overtime or weekend work required?
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What is the compensation package, including salary, bonuses, and stock options (if applicable)?
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What benefits are offered, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks?
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How often are performance reviews conducted, and what is the process?
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Is there a standard schedule for salary increases or bonuses?
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Can you explain the company's mission and values?
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How does this role align with the company's mission?
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How has the company performed in recent years, and what is the outlook for future growth?
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Are there any recent or upcoming changes, like mergers or acquisitions, that may affect job security?
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How does this role fit into the broader organizational structure?
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What are the current challenges or projects the team is facing?
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What do you expect from the person in this role in the first 30, 60, 90 days?
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Is there a structured onboarding process in place for new employees?
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Will I have access to the necessary training and resources to excel in this role?
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Does this role involve travel, and if so, how often and to which locations?
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How does the company compare to its competitors in the industry?
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What are the unique selling points or advantages the company has?
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Are there any specific conditions under which employment may be terminated?
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Are there any legal or ethical obligations associated with the job that I should be aware of?
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What is the company's stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion?
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What is the history of my role?
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What is the average employee tenure in my role?
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What is the timeline for the hiring process, and when can I expect to receive a formal job offer?
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Are there any additional steps or assessments I should be aware of?
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Can I speak with current or former employees in similar roles to get their perspective on the company and job?
Questions to Ask About The Team Before Accepting a Job Offer
Even the most independent employees rely on their team for support.
If you're not looking for a workplace spouse or a work BFF, that doesn't mean that your coworkers won't affect your performance and success. These questions are all about the composition of your team, how collaboration works at the organization, and how things get done.
Pro Tip: Research the organization, its history, its leadership, and your prospective team before heading into an interview. With a working knowledge, you can clarify your questions to get personalized answers.
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How is the team structured, and who will I report to directly?
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Can you provide an overview of the team's size and composition?
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What is the preferred mode of communication within the team (e.g., email, chat, meetings)?
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How often does the team typically meet or collaborate on projects?
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How would you describe the team's work style and culture?
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Are team members encouraged to take initiative and be innovative?
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What are the current and upcoming projects the team is working on?
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How does this role contribute to the team's overall goals?
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Can you describe the roles and responsibilities of my potential teammates?
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How do these roles complement each other within the team?
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What is the background and experience of the team members I'll work with?
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How diverse is the team in terms of skills and expertise?
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How would you describe the working relationships and dynamics within the team?
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Are there any unique strengths or challenges within the team?
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How are decisions typically made within the team?
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Is there room for input and influence on team decisions?
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What tools and technologies does the team use for collaboration and project management?
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Will I receive training on these tools if I'm unfamiliar with them?
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How does the team handle conflicts or disagreements among team members?
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Are there mechanisms in place for resolving issues within the team?
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How does the team define success, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the team's projects?
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How does the team celebrate achievements and milestones?
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What is the team's attitude toward work-life balance?
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Are there any expectations for working outside of regular hours or weekends?
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Can you share recent achievements or challenges the team has faced?
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How does the team respond to setbacks and learn from them?
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How does the team communicate with upper management or leadership?
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Are there opportunities for team members to provide feedback to leadership?
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Does the team engage in social or team-building activities outside of work?
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What are some recent examples of team activities or events?
Questions to Ask About The Job Offer Before Accepting
The following questions can be asked throughout the interview process, or once an initial offer is made. These questions pertain to the offer itself, including any benefits, PTO, and perks like tuition reimbursements or relocation expenses when necessary.
Remember that benefits typically account for about 30 percent of your entire salary. Make sure that you gain clarity on items like health insurance and PTO.
Pro Tip: If anything seems off in your benefits package, do not be afraid to negotiate.
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What is the offered salary, and is it negotiable?
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Are there performance-based bonuses or incentives?
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When and how often will I be paid?
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What is the company's compensation structure (e.g., hourly, salaried, commission)?
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What benefits are included, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and stock options?
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Is there a wellness program or fitness benefits?
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Do you offer paid time off, and how does it accrue?
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Are there additional perks like transportation or childcare benefits?
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What are the typical working hours and days?
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Is remote work or flexible scheduling an option?
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Where will I be working, and is relocation required?
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Are there multiple office locations or travel expectations?
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How will my performance be assessed, and how often?
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Are there opportunities for performance-related raises or promotions?
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Does the company have a bonus structure?
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Can you describe the company's culture and core values?
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How does the company promote diversity, equity, and inclusion?
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How does the company support professional development and learning?
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Does the company offer learning stipends or tuition reimbursement?
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Are there any non-compete or confidentiality agreements?
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What is the company's policy on termination and severance pay?
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Does the company offer any benefits that we haven't covered?
