Don’t Really Want the Job? Here’s What Could Happen If You Take It Anyway

 

At some point, you’ll likely be faced with a tough decision: do you take a job you don’t really want or do you try to hold out for something better? Depending on your exact circumstances, you may feel that you don’t have much of a choice but to say yes, and that can be a scary thought. However, accepting the offer isn’t necessarily going to be all bad, though there will likely be some challenges on the horizon. To help you see the bigger picture, here’s what could happen if you take a job you don’t really want.

It Can Be Discouraging

Normally, you aren’t going to be thrilled about taking a job that won’t help you further your career, or that doesn’t offer interesting opportunities to learn and grow. If you were stuck having to accept such a job, it could be very discouraging. Feeling stagnant can be incredibly frustrating in itself, and if you don’t feel a position can help you reach bigger and better things in the future, it can even leave you feeling a bit trapped. However, there are some other important points to consider.

This Job Isn’t Forever

If you have to take a job you don’t really want, it’s important to understand that this doesn’t have to be the end of the road. People change jobs fairly regularly, with one study showing an average of four positions before age 32, so this may simply be a speed bump in an otherwise smooth career.

Additionally, by sticking with it, at least for the short-term, you could be exposed to opportunities that weren’t necessarily apparent when you accepted the job. Just as it can be hard to show everything you have to give to a company in a resume and interview, not everything an employer can provide is easy to assess during that portion of the process. Try to look beyond the first impression and view the position with fresh eyes when you begin. It’s possible something better is actually in store than you originally pictured.

Look Below the Surface for Something Worthwhile

Even if the job turns out to be what you imagined, this company has something to offer that is worth exploring. Dig into training options, network with other professionals, and look for opportunities to learn new skills or hone current ones. You can also see if positions in other departments might be more appealing, and see what it would take to transition into one.

Often, if you put effort into finding some positive, you’re likely to discover something worthwhile. This can make a job you didn’t really want turn into something that can help your career.

Be Prepared to Keep Looking

Worst case, keep your resume ready. While seeking a new position quickly after accepting a new job isn’t always ideal, there isn’t anything that says you can’t do it once during your career. Just make sure any future interviewers understand you are looking to leave so quickly because the opportunity turned out to be not the right fit, and you are hoping to move forward so you and your current employer can both find better matches.

If you are looking for a new job, the recruiters at The Advance Group can help you find an ideal match. Contact us today and see how our services can assist you in your search for a job offer that really makes you want to say “yes.”

 

 

Too Busy for a Job Search?

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When you think of a job hunt, do you imagine sitting in front of a computer screen for hours on end? Are you slogging through job listings or analyzing every word on your resume? And are you trying to do all of this while working a full-time job, going to school, or caring for a family?

While it’s true that a job search does take some of your time, it is a common misconception that it has to be cumbersome. Often, when we picture a job search, we see the task as a whole instead of a sum of various parts. And separating out the pieces can be the key to job search success no matter how busy your average day tends to be.

Here are some common mini-tasks involved in the large job hunting process, and information about how to fit them into your day.

Manage Your Resume

The first step of every job hunt is to get your resume in order. That way, if you find a great opportunity, you aren’t stuck scrambling to manage the paperwork. Now, you don’t have to see resume revisions as a single task. Instead, dedicate just 10 minutes a day to the project, and use each 10-minute block to handle a single resume section.

For example, your first 10 minutes could involve updating the information on your current position. The next 10 minutes? Update your skills information. Just proceed in 10-minute intervals, one section at a time, until you have a solid base resume.

Create Alerts and Searches

Many job boards give you the option to receive emails regarding new positions that may be of interest. Consider visiting some of the major players and creating alerts based on your target positions. That way, if you are somewhat crunched for time, you can review positions that are more likely to suit your needs. Additionally, save search criteria on some of these sites as well to help streamline your efforts when the time is right.

Now, you don’t actually have to begin your searching yet. This step is about making your future efforts more efficient, so don’t feel like you need to review everything that comes up now. Instead, use 10-minute intervals just as you did with your resume review and get these setup for future use.

After all of the setups are complete, you can use your available time to review positions that fit the parameters you set without having to wade through the rest.

Work with Skilled Employment Professionals

Sometimes, the best way to get a job search going when you are strapped for time is to work with professional recruiters. Staffing firms can review your information and get to know your preferences in a single meeting. Then, they can forward you opportunities that meet your needs. They’ll do all of the searching and sorting for you, and you get to reap all of the benefits of their expertise.

If you are too busy to commit to your job search, the professionals at The Advance Group are here to help. Contact us today and let our experience work for you!

 

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3 Cool Tech Tools to Improve Your Job Search

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Searching for a new job can be both exciting and overwhelming.  Whether it is working your way through applicant tracking systems, keeping multiple online profiles up-to-date, and networking through social media, technology has never been as prevalent in the process as it is today.  If you are looking for ways to stay ahead of the competition in your job search, having technology working for you instead of simply being with you, here are three innovative tech tools that can give you an edge.

Jobscan Your Way to a Better Resume

If it seems like you are never getting called in for an interview, it is possible your resume is to blame.  Many companies use automated screening processes designed to eliminate certain resumes based on the presence or lack of certain key information.  If your resume doesn’t fit the parameters, it may not even be seen by a person before being removed from contention.

In cases like these, Jobscan is the perfect tool to whip your resume into shape.  Jobscan takes your resume and compares it directly to the job posting to which you are applying, and provides guidance based what is, or is not, present in your resume.  This allows you to tweak your information to put you in the best position possible to have your resume seen by an actual person.

Purple Squirrel is Your Inside Connection

Purple Squirrel provides you with direct access to people who are currently working for your target company.  The current employees, referred to as Ambassadors, provide knowledge to those looking to become an employee themselves.  Interested parties can review the Ambassadors information, schedule a consultation, and receive feedback regarding potential next steps, all from one place.

While contact with an Ambassador does not guarantee employment, it can be used to learn about unadvertised positions, as well as obtain referrals from those who are currently connected with the company.

At this time, Purple Squirrel is still in beta, but you can apply for an invite from the site.  Additionally, Ambassadors can charge fees for their services, but all employment is verified prior to their account activation, so if you pay for a chance to talk to someone at your dream company, you can rest assured that they truly do work there.

The Premium Side of LinkedIn

LinkedIn offers various levels of premium membership, each with additional offerings that may be useful to a job hunter.  For example, the lowest tier plan, receive additional InMail message benefits and can retrieve more details about the people who view your profile.  The next tier provides advanced search filters and adds unlimited search options in your extended network.

There are more advanced tiers as well, allowing you to take as much control over your LinkedIn profile’s destiny as you wish, but even the lower tiers provide insight that can be used to craft a more effective profile.

Help From the Experts

Staffing firm professionals also have the ability to market you to companies and locate unadvertised listings.  If you would like help with your job search, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!  Let our 25 years of staffing experience work for you.

 

 

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Don’t Want to Lose Your Job? Then Don’t Make These Social Media Mistakes

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Nearly everyone and their grandmother has a social media account today. It’s been estimated that people spend up to four hours per day checking in on their social networks. Job seekers are especially mindful of their social networks because they are continuously connecting with recruiters and hiring companies. However, they may accidentally do some things that will hurt their chances of getting hired.

Here are some mistakes that you’ll want to watch out for when using social media.

  • Potentially offensive posts.
    Statuses or updates on your social media profile about a co-worker, vulgar lyrics or quotes, or your political views could potentially offend someone. Take these types of posts off of your social media profiles while you search for work.
  • Unprofessional photos.
    If you’re using your personal social media profile , you’ll want to remove any unprofessional photos of yourself and your friends.
  • The appearance of stalking.
    It can be tempting to start checking out the social media profiles of human resource representatives of the companies you want to work for, however, this can make people uncomfortable if they consistently see you viewing their profile or “liking” their status, without a professional connection.
  • Any negative posts about your employer.
    Just as you shouldn’t badmouth an employer during an interview, you certainly don’t want to put those negative thoughts on your social media profiles. Writing something nasty about a co-worker or your boss can feel like a temporary relief of a grievance, it will not look well to a recruiter.
  • Any content that dates you.
    While they don’t mean to, recruiters can sometimes have unconscious biases when it comes to job seekers. They may review a social profile and guess a person’s age from the content that is presented, and if you seem out-of-date because of your content, you will lessen your likelihood of getting hired.
  • A profile that is new or has few connections.
    If you are brand new to social networking, that’s one thing, but if you create a profile specifically to be found online, you can throw off a recruiter who is wise to this tactic.
  • An account that does not allow messaging.
    Want recruiters to contact you? Your profile settings need to be enabled so that the recruiter can send you a message about a job lead or contact you for further inquiries.

Take the time to review your social network profiles and clean them up for a successful job search. And if you need job search advice or assistance, contact the experts at Advance Staffing Solutions!

 

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3 Tips for Un-Complicating Your Job Search

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Is your job search starting to get you very stressed out? Are you overwhelmed by all the different things that you need to keep track of and do in order to get a job? You are not alone. Many people feel frustrated over the job search process – particularly if it takes months to land even one interview.

However, there are some things you can do to streamline and simplify things so that you are staying on track and making the best use of your time. Here are some ways to un-complicate your job search.

1. Decide what type of job you want.

Believe it or not this can be a very difficult thing for some people. This is especially true if you had put certain types of jobs in the past and you think that you can only do those types of jobs. But what you need to understand is that you have a broad gamut of skills that would be valuable to a potential employer. Take the time to participate in a few career personality tests which can be taken online and identify the top-three career choices for your particular talents.

2. Clean up your image.

Some people think you should start with your resume but we think that you should start with your public profiles. 95 percent of all recruiters are looking through candidate profiles on their social networks before they even pick up the phone to call them for an interview. Make sure that you clean up your profiles, remove any questionable content, and put your best foot forward with a professional headshot photo and information about your career.

3. Work with a career coach.

You don’t have to go it alone with a job search! There are skilled professionals out there ready and willing to help you along the way. Contact your local staffing agency and find out if you can get support there for your job search. Consider hiring a certified career coach in your area of expertise to guide you along the way. Get support by joining a job network where you can learn of new job opportunities and talk to others about your journey.

The above three steps will set you on the right path in very little time at all. Be sure to check out the new job openings available at Advance Staffing Solutions, and reach out to us any time you need help with your job search — from resumes to interviews, we’re here to help you!

 

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Don’t Assume You Got the Job!

Don't Assume You Got the Job

 

It’s one thing to look forward to hearing back from an employer following an interview; it’s another to expect a job offer right away. These things take time. Therefore, it’s important not to get too wrapped up in a particular company until you have an offer of employment solidified. This is known as having a “job crush” and it can be detrimental to your career. Even if you had a fantastic interview where everything went perfect, you don’t want to sit back and do nothing.

The hard-fast rule in any job search is to never assume you got the job. Instead, here are some ways to make your job search count, and to check on the status of things after an interview.

Keep applying for jobs you are qualified for

Just because you just experienced an outstanding job interview or applied for a job that you are perfect for means you got the job yet. Keep up the effort of applying for new jobs and companies that you are qualified for and interested in. Remember that every job gets hundreds of applicants so you must do your best to stand out with a great cover letter, resume, and work history that highlights achievements.

Keep learning while you are looking

It’s always a good idea to continue to enhance your marketable skills while you are waiting for a job offer. You can do this a variety of ways, from taking community education courses and night classes at local colleges to free and low cost online classes. Focus on courses that add to your current skills or cater to the software and processes that you are finding employers are looking for.

Keep networking in your career search

Just because you think you may have a job offer soon doesn’t mean you should stop networking activities. In fact, now is the time to step things up in this effort. Keep connecting with people at your target companies, recruitment firms, and industry leaders. Use social networking, business events, and industry associations to seek other like-minded professionals.

Keep following up on all job applications

It’s a good idea to check back in with the recruiters and hiring companies you have contacted recently. Once you have applied for a job its ok to send an email or drop a note in the mail once. If you have interviewed for the job, check back in by phone and drop a note in the mail once per week until you know the outcome.

Keep active in your career

You don’t have to sit around waiting for the phone to ring. Instead, keep working and earning by taking temporary assignments in the meantime. There are multiple part time, full time, and contract jobs out there that have good hourly wages and help get your foot in the door with great companies. At the very least, you will look good to recruiters as you stay employed and active in your career. You may even land a great job with your dream company this way.

 

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Unemployed? Job Seeking? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Finding a job when currently employed is one thing; finding a job when unemployed is an entirely different experience. Studies have shown that it can be harder to find a job when unemployed, because some hiring managers view this as a negative mark for a candidate. An employed candidate is somehow more favorable than someone between jobs? It doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense.

Fortunately, these attitudes are changing. Today, hiring managers understand that sometimes people face periods of unemployment through no fault of their own. If you are currently in this predicament, take heart – there are some ways to make the most of this time in your career.

1. Don’t sit around waiting for a job offer – get out there and grab one!

As an unemployed person, you are actually in a unique position to be the master of your job search. Instead of having to sneak around a job trying to look for work and go to interviews, you can dedicate all your time to finding a great new job. Get up early every day and treat it like a job, searching for work, going to job fairs, volunteering in the community, heading to your local temporary staffing agency, and connecting with recruiters on social media accounts.

2. Good news – you can start working immediately.

The positive side of being unemployed while looking for a new job is that you can start immediately if an employer calls you up. Make sure to emphasize this at all interviews and when talking with the recruiters at your temporary agency. Check in frequently, and be sure to accept part-time and even one-day assignments while you look for something better.

3. Take on a temporary assignment in the meantime to stay active.

The best thing you can do for your career and spirits is to stay active in your career by taking on temporary assignments. Be open to trying assignments that may be somewhat outside your normal types of work tasks. Stay in good terms with local companies by accepting assignments, being punctual and professional at all times.

4. Make sure to get the support and guidance for your career.

Being unemployed, even for short periods of time, can be hard on the psyche. This means you will want to stay connected to others by attending unemployment benefit meetings, support groups, and remaining a part of the world. If you have a circle of friends and family around you, rooting you on, you will be better able to face the daily aspects of finding a job with a good outlook.

5. Try learning some new marketable skills or head back to school.

The other advantage you have as an unemployed job seeker is that now have the time to learn new marketable skills or to finally head back to school to earn that degree you’ve always dreamed of. Take careful inventory of the skills you have now, what’s lacking, and if training can close the gap so you can become more valuable in the workforce. Many states have workforce development programs that can include financial support for earning a certificate or degree in a certain industry that’s in need of skilled labor.

Use the above steps to launch your new career in a positive way. Do not despair. A new job is just around the corner.

 

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Massive Mistakes to Avoid While Job Seeking

Massive Mistakes to Avoid While Job Seeking

 

No matter how much of a “veteran” you are of the job market, a job search can still be filled with worries. Not only are you fighting possibly hundreds of people for the same job, but you could also be fighting against yourself. Those who make mistakes while searching for a job will find it difficult to land an offer. Today, we will discuss massive mistakes you should avoid while job seeking so you can be successful.

Providing Too Much Information Too Soon

One of the biggest mistakes you can make during a job search is to provide too much information. No matter how long you have been in the professional world, you do not need to provide every single detail to potential employers. This goes for writing your resume, your cover letter and answering questions on job applications. Employers want to know what you can do to help their company, so focus on how you helped previous employers when providing information. You need to make sure each piece of information on your resume tells employers why you are the right person for the job.

Failing to Have a Digital Footprint

Even though it has been discussed in the past that a digital footprint can be detrimental to your job search, because of what is included in it, it is still important to have one. You need to have a digital footprint, which includes Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. You should also search for your name online to find out what is posted about you on the Internet. You might come across content posted by you that is unsavory or content posted by others that is unsavory. Failing to clean up your social media profiles is also a massive mistake that can hurt your job search.

Treating a Job Search as a Battle

Another major mistake you need to avoid during a job search is treating it like a battle. How do people do this? They turn a job search into a battle by trying to outsmart recruiters or hiring managers during interviews or other discussions. Even though it might be a fight to find a job, you do not want to battle with a recruiter. A recruiter is someone who is looking out for you and trying to get you placed in a job that matches your skills and experience. This means you need an open mind to accept part-time and temporary assignments, if needed to get your foot in the door with a great company.

Failing to Request Help from Networks

Professional networking is very important today, so why would you fail to request help from your network when searching for a job? This is a massive mistake that must be avoided at all costs. Your network is there for a reason; to expand your professional knowledge and help you with career moves. Remember, your network also includes the temporary staffing agency that you choose to work with. Select one that is geared for your industry and ask for a recruiter who knows about the companies you are targeting in your job search.

If you avoid making at least some of the massive mistakes outlined above, you should have fewer troubles with your next job search.

 

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3 Good Reasons to Turn Down a Job Offer

As a job seeker, it can be easy to jump at a job offer as soon as possible. After all, you’ve been applying and interviewing everywhere and it’s taking a long time to get one. However, not every job offer is lined in gold. Some may lead to disaster for your personal life and for your career.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of every job offer before you accept it. Why is this important? There are several reasons, and today we will talk about the three valid reasons you may want to turn down a job offer that you’ve received.

#1 – The company has a history of failing

A job offer may seem wonderful at first, until you dig a little deeper into the company itself. A huge red flag would be a company that has a history of failing in many ways. This could be a high turnover rate among employees due to no work life balance, or it could be a company that has a shoddy financial history of layoffs and being bought out by other companies. If the company has posted financial earnings and stock reports in the last quarter or two, you can review this to see how the company is performing. Take the time to review company ratings online and you may see a pattern of problems.

#2 – The money isn’t even close to being enough

If the job offer has come with a very disappointing salary attached to it, take the time to negotiate for a higher compensation now before you accept it. Failure to do so could lock you into a job that pays a lot less than you need to support yourself and your family. This will lead to resentment and financial stress. It’s possible to go online and research salaries before walking into an interview so that you can discuss this before the job offer comes. Follow your gut on this and do not accept a job offer that pays far below what you deserve. A better job that pays more is out there.

#3 – The job is another dead end road

When people get desperate for any job they often accept a job offer that does not offer much room for advancement. Don’t get caught in this trap. Find out from the recruiter what the career path looks like for this job. Get the job description in writing during an interview or when the offer is made. Let the recruiter know that you are looking for long-term career success and the opportunity to learn more in the industry. Find out how this job will enable you to grow in your career. If it looks like it will be a dead-end job, run in the other direction.

Perhaps one of the best ways to get a great job offer is to work through a staffing agency with caring representatives who will be focused on helping you land a job that is well matched to your skills and aspirations. Often times, a staffing agency can negotiate a much better job offer then if you tried to do this on your own. You can even work temporary assignments until a better job offer comes. So, never settle for a bad job offer – instead connect with Advance Staffing Solutions for career support.

Kick 2015 Off Right — With 6 Job Hunting Tips

Kick 2015 Off Right -- With 6 Job Hunting Tips

 

A New Year might mean a new job for some folks who are looking for upward mobility. Whether you are preparing to enter the workforce after winter graduation, looking to switch careers or trying to find employment after a long layoff; you will want to have a strong job search in place. In today’s post, we will discuss six important job hunting tips for those who want to kick 2015 off right.

#1 Expand Your Network

One of the most important things you can do in 2015 when looking for a job is to expand your network. A professional network is one of the best ways to find a new job, or a lead, which is why you need to expand it as much as possible. Connect with more people on LinkedIn, attend career fairs and attend conferences within your industry to meet new people.

#2 Have a Plan in Place

Another tip for searching for a new job in 2015 is to have a plan in place. You should never search for a job without a goal or a plan. Set aside time each day to send out resumes and have a weekly quota for how many you want to submit to potential employers. Edit your cover letter for each job so that it is addressed to the hiring manager for that job.

#3 Learn New Skills

It might be a good idea to learn a new skill or two in 2015 if you want to find a new job. Adding to your current pool of skills will only improve your chances of landing a job. The more skills you have, the more appealing you will be to employers. Whether you enroll in courses at a college campus or take an online training program, consider adding a new skill to your repertoire to improve your job search.

#4 Keep LinkedIn Profile Current

Even if you are unemployed, you need to keep your LinkedIn profile current. Post relevant content to your LinkedIn profile that asserts your knowledge within your industry. The content should be articles and videos and they need to include pertinent information. You should also use keywords within your LinkedIn profile that can get it noticed by potential employers.

#5 Work Temp Jobs

Another important job hunting tip for 2015 is to work temporary jobs while in-between full-time jobs. Temporary jobs are a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and expand your network. Temporary jobs could also turn into full-time work with the same company. You might also meet someone who might hire you at their new place of employment down the road.

#6 Make Applications Personal

When you are applying for a job, make sure it is personal. Find out the name of the hiring manager or department head and address the message to that person. Write the message as if you are speaking to them on the phone, not like you are form-filling hundreds of resumes for the sake of doing so.

To be successful in your job hunt in 2015, it will take a lot of work. Make sure you follow the tips outlined in this post so you are offered employment. And if you need more help in your hunt for a new job this year, contact Advance Staffing Solutions today!

 

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Effective vs. Ineffective Methods – How to Approach Your Job Search

At the beginning of the Great Recession, when the tides turned for the job market, suddenly there were more candidates for jobs than there were jobs available. The small business market got hit the worst. For the first time in a very long time, it became a buyer’s market.

Despite improvements and signs of recovery on the horizon this year, it seems the changes of yesterday have forever changed the way hiring is conducted. That is why it’s so important to avoid using outdated and ineffective methods and tools to assist in your job search.

As a job seeker, here are the most effective and ineffective ways to conduct a job search, to help you make the most of your efforts to land a great job.

Sending Resumes

  • Ineffective Method: Sending out a single, stock resume to all jobs you apply for. While it is the simplest solution when there are so many jobs available, it’s not the most effective use of your five-second resume “pitch” to get the attention of potential employers.
  • Effective Method: Instead of sending out a standard, one-size-fits-all resume to companies interested in hiring you, consider making a few changes that personalize and customize the resume before sending it each time. It doesn’t take a major investment of time and it can provide a great return on investment for your job search efforts.

Applying for Jobs

  • Ineffective Method: The simple way to apply for jobs, with most businesses, is through mass job boards or company websites. The bad news for job seekers is that this puts them competing with the other thousands of candidates in need of a job who have seen, and responded to, the same advertisements.
  • Effective Method: Invest a little time to find out who the hiring manager for the company happens to be and send a personalized resume complete with cover letter to that person. It shows ingenuity on your part and ensures the right eyes find your resume so that it isn’t lost in the shuffle of so many others. Contact local staffing agencies and get support with finding assignments in the organizations you want to work with. Connect with hiring companies using social networks.

If these methods are so ineffective, why is it that people are still using them by the thousands? The answer comes down to a few primary factors.

1) Not so blissful ignorance – Until recently, this is the way people were taught in business school, and beyond, to conduct job searches. The problem is that these methods were perfected in a different world when it comes to businesses hiring employees.

2)  The path of least resistance – Most people today will opt for the simple solution every time – even if they know it’s not the right one. In their minds, they are at least accomplishing something in an effort to find employment.

3)  They haven’t evolved to the new job search reality – some people are simply old school with their job search. They haven’t faced facts and really come to terms with the fact that the job search process has changed forever.

Keep these things in mind as you conduct your job search and you should have few problems securing the job you want.

For access to a wide range of temporary and contract employment opportunities in the Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan areas, be sure to visit Advance Staffing Solutions’ career portal today.

Interview the Company! The Most Important Questions to Ask Your Interviewer to Convey Your Interest

As you work through the interview process, chances are good you will be answering many questions from the potential employer. You should be asking questions, too. By doing so, you will not only get your career needs met, but you will also show the potential employer your true interest in the position. Those candidates that come in and do not say or interact in any way beyond just answer questions often appear to be uninterested. On the other hand, you do not want to come off as if you are only interested in money. The question is, then, what questions should you ask?

Top Questions You Should Ask of the Company

Look at the following questions. Employers and HR managers almost expect candidates to ask questions like these, as it is a key way of gauging their interest in the position. When it comes time to go on that final interview, ensure you are asking the right questions to land the position.

  • Why is the position vacant? It can help you to know what is going on with the company (is it growing or having staffing retention problems) and it can help the company to know you are interested in it.
  • Find out what those that came before you in this position did and what the past expectations were. In short, you will want to know what the company is looking for in a new candidate. This tells you the expectations of the position as well as any challenges you may encounter.
  • Be open and ask if you have the qualifications the company is looking for to fill this position. You want to know if they have any objections to hiring you (so you can counter those concerns) as well, as if the company is considering you.
  • Ask which contracts you may be responsible for being a part of if you are hired. This will give you an idea of the importance of your position and it shows the company you are knowledgeable about the company’s workings.
  • Determine the hierarchy within the company. Will you lead others and if so, who? Who will you report to? This tells you the structure of the organization as well as potentially what type of personality you could end up working with when on the job.

The interview process is typically one in which you expect to be asked questions so the company can determine if you are right for their company. However, you need to ask the same types of questions to ensure the company is right for you. It may not always be these questions that you need to ask, but do participate. Ask questions that help you to get better insight into the company and the position you plan to hold. By doing so, you will open the door for additional opportunities for the company to interact with you, too.