As I come to end of my third semester at George Brown College and my internship wraps up, I will definitely be engaging in this process once again.  The biggest difference this time around may well be the questions I ask of my potential employer.

In the past, I was very passive in interviews.  Answering what was asked of me and saying something akin to “no, it all seems pretty straight forward” when offered the chance to ask something in return.  But I think there is more value in asking a question or three and letting that potential employer know what is important to you and how you will approach the job.

So… what three questions am I most likely to ask, moving forward?

1. What do employees say are the best and worst things about working here?

I want to know about the company’s culture, both good and bad.  I like an employer who is proud enough to extoll the virtues of their team and workplace but self-aware enough to admit the occasional failing and let me make a more informed decision about taking the job. 

2. What will be expected of me in terms of skills and responsibilities on day one?  On day 90?  On day 365?

Again, informed decision making.  I want to know, as much as they do, that I will legitimately be able to do the job expected of me.  I also want to know what I am expected to learn along the way and what my job will eventually entail.

3. What am I not asking you that you think is important to know up front?

The person you are interviewing with knows the ins and outs of the company.  They likely know who they’ve hired and why they have or haven’t been successful with the company.  They likely know why people have stayed and why (for either good or bad reasons) they have left.  Heck, they probably know the spot on the vending machine that you can give the Fonzie Elbow to if you want a free soda!  It couldn’t hurt to ask.

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