Congratulations, you’ve just received a job offer. But…there are still little butterflies of doubt in your stomach. How can you be sure that this offer is “the one” you’ve been waiting for? There are many factors to consider when considering a new position, so we’ve put together a list of questions to ask before accepting a new job.
Confirm The Basics
1. When do you need my answer?
Find out how much time you have to make a decision. A day? A week? Once you have a timeline, tell the hiring manager that you are considering their offer and that you will have an answer by a certain day or time. Don’t take too much time, though. The position isn’t going to be open forever, and if they have to wait on you they might decide to go with someone else.
2. What is my salary?
Depending on the position, the salary could be listed in the job description. Still, it’s good practice to confirm how much the job pays. It could be an important factor in your decision if the salary isn’t competitive.
3. What is my job title?
Again, this is something that should be listed in the job description. It’s always good to confirm. The last thing you want is to be hired for a position you didn’t know you applied for.
4. Who is my supervisor?
It’s good to know right off the bat who you’re accountable to and who can answer questions during your first few days on the job. Your relationship with your supervisor can make or break any job. Do your best to get off on the right foot.
5. How do personal days and sick days work?
What if a family emergency comes up and you have to miss work? You don’t want to find out later that you aren’t allotted any personal days. Some organizations require a doctor’s note before you can take a sick day. Of course, you can’t plan for family emergencies or getting sick, but knowing these details ahead of time means you don’t have to worry about figuring it out last minute.
6. When would I start and what is my schedule?
Don’t leave any detail to figure out later. Confirm your start day and what time your shift starts. Missing your first day is a bad first impression on your co-workers.
Questions For Job Success
7. What is the training timeline?
You need to know about how much time training will take and what’s involved. This way, you can keep yourself on track and evaluate your own progress. Shortening the time to overall competency will make a great impression on your supervisors and managers.
9. What do my everyday responsibilities look like?
Before you accept the job, you should know what your responsibilities will be. Benjamin Franklin had something simple, yet profound to say about preparation: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing for failure.” Read the job description and ask questions during the interview. Make sure you know what you’re getting into. This will help you prepare more fully for your new position and give you a head start on making this opportunity a success.
8. How is my success evaluated?
Avoid further confusion by asking what a “successful” day looks like for someone in your position. Is it packing a certain number of orders? Helping customers find what they’re looking for? Find out how success is measured and do your best to exceed those expectations.
10. What are the biggest challenges for people starting out in my role?
If you’ve already got your eye on a promotion, this is a great strategic question. This will give you a preview of the common pitfalls and help you avoid them.
11. What’s the company culture like?
Your new job should be a place where you can fit in and support the company’s values. Does the company make an effort to be responsible with their resources and give back to the community? At the very least, you want to work for a company that’s stable and will be able to keep you employed.
12. What opportunities are available for growth?
The question on every temp worker’s mind… can I turn this position into a long term career? Many times, the answer is yes! Asking this question before you accept the job lets your employer know that you’re on the lookout for a long term position. And hopefully, they’ll be able to tell from all the other questions you asked that you are ready and willing to work hard to succeed.
Find Your Next Job With Workbox Staffing!
Here at Workbox Staffing, we know that finding a new job can be stressful. We’re here to make your job search as simple and stress-free as possible. We’re not your typical employment agency. Our professional recruiters take time to understand your skills, your goals, and your personality. We make sure the job is the right fit before it’s offered. Apply today, and find your next job!