Top 5 questions you should consider asking during your next Job Interview

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking. One good thing COVID brought was the wide use of virtual meetings and course virtual job interviews. I know some people still prefer physical interviews but for introverts like me, virtual interviews are life savers. I like virtual interviews over traditional interviews because being behind the computer screen provides me with a safe space. I do not have to worry about keeping eye contact or nervously shaking in my chair. Also, please tell me what I should do with my hands during the interviews.

Here are some top questions you should consider asking during your interviews.

1. What are some common challenges for someone in this role? Every job will have its challenges, but asking about them will help you learn and prepares you against the struggles you may face if you accept the role. Plus it also helps you determine the highs and lows of the role and company expectations.
2. How will my success be measured? Everyone wants to be acknowledged for the work they do. Measuring success is good for both the employer and the employees. This question can provide insight into career progression within the organization.
3. What advancement opportunities are available? The workplace is an amazing source of knowledge. You get to meet with all kinds of people ranging from someone with a Ph.D. to someone with a wide range of work experiences. And being able to get an opportunity to collaborate with them or teams whose focus is completely different from you and your department will allow you to broaden your horizon with an unthinkable amount of information and knowledge which will ultimately help you in the long must be you are learning something from your workplace instead of just following the monotonous schedule over and over again.
4. How do you ensure the well-being of your employee? / I value physical and mental well-being as well as work-life balance, so could you please elaborate on the Company's culture regarding these things? Work-life sure is mentally and physically stressful. It's no news that working 40 hours a week is not easy. Plus not to forget the extra work during the peak or the end of each quarter. Employers need to understand how challenging work-life is and they should be encouraging a healthy work-life balance. You do not want to slave to corporates every day just to make end meets. Most companies these days understand that happy employees directly correlate to better performance. They even organize events to teach employees the importance of mental health and offer additional perks such as free therapy sessions, free gym memberships, and so on.
5. What are the long-term goals for the team or the company? Interviewees are always asking you "Where do you see yourself in five years?" They are asking this to understand the long-term vision you have for yourself. How about you ask them about their long-term vision. It shows your interest in the company while also allowing you to know if the place you are interviewing for is worth your time and effort. Just like how interviewees are hesitant about hiring people with no concrete goals, you should be hesitant about working in a place with no future goals or plans.

One thing to remember during the interviews is that you are not powerless. You aren't the only one being interviewed. On contrary, you are also interviewing them to decide whether or not the company is the best fit for you. You want to be in a place that might help you get closer to your goal, and help you learn something valuable. After all, you are giving them your time and labor. It only makes sense if you are getting something out of it other than just money.