6 Questions You Should Ask During A Job Interview

Unemployment is starting to run out, and now you're forced to get back into the workforce. The majority of the unemployed population has anxiety about going back into the workforce. Not because of laziness, it's because of an unspoken truth about employers and how they treat employees. The microaggressions, stress, unhappiness, politics, and mental health needs more attention. Employers save money when they don't hire certain committees to tackle those situations that leave employees unseen, unheard, and angst towards coworkers and higher-ups within the company. Working-class citizens need to keep these companies accountable in creating a healthier workspace.

Some of us face the same issue new company, same problem. These companies have the power to hire and fire, but these companies will be nothing without their employees. It's time for you to start knowing your value and doing what you can to keep these companies accountable. The mistreatment I've witnessed towards myself and others is unacceptable. As you squeeze into your interview attire, research the company, and show up on time, don't waste the opportunity when you get asked, "do you have any questions?" Now you have the power to ask questions in making sure if it's a good fit. The worst thing you can say is, "No, I don't have any questions." You've just lost your power. It's time to take that back, so here are the six questions you should be asking your future employer during your interview.

What is your managerial style?

I would suggest that you are familiar with your working style first before asking this question. Will, the higher-ups fully trust your knowledge of your job, or will you be micromanaged your whole shift? Managers and supervisors should trust you enough to complete that job. Others may enjoy the "what are you working on?" every half hour to stay on task. The answer to this question is a perfect time to compare and contrast your working style and your future employers. Work anxiety is the worst thing; any human should deal with constant emails to point out what you do wrong instead of having a healthy balance of what you do . Will you be able to adjust to that system?

How do you celebrate when a department/company reaches quarterly goals?

Long nights at the office and mandatory overtime have helped your department reach goals that the company's CEO would be happy about; your hard work and dedication have made your manager look like royalty. You did what you could to keep their job safe. Do you get a thank you? Many may say, "your paycheck is the reward," I think it's deeper than that, just the money. Sacrificing time away from your family and other responsibilities is something that needs acknowledgment. Some go "above and beyond." No matter how old you are, everyone wants to feel appreciated and seen. If your manager can't celebrate you, the employee, you will forever feel invisible; if the company offers a rewarding system to its employees, it's essential to know if your manager uses that to keep employees motivated.

What is the camaraderie of the department/company?

Will you be working with season vets, young college students, over-achievers, or gossip queens. Of course, you probably wouldn't know these things unless you were in the office, but this is a test to see if the manager is doing his or her part to keep things together. Cliché answers are unacceptable one-word answers are unacceptable. Don't be afraid to ask why and in what ways they have resolved specific issues. Being a manager is tough; it requires patience, organization, empathy, leadership, and problem-solving. Those same skills should be applied when rifts occur within the department.

Does the department have a high turnover rate? Why do you think that is?

The reason why you were able to have an interview is that someone left. If you've researched the company as you should, it is your right to ask why if you ever encounter a high turnover rate. Will this job be temporary, or will you have some longevity.

Will there be opportunities to move up within the company? What will I have to do as an employee, and what will your role as the manager help me get there?

I might be old school, but if you've proven yourself to your manager and coworkers that you are valuable, I think it's only suitable that the manager offers you a position. Not only does that make you as the employee feel appreciated it also lets you know that your manager wants to see you grow and move up within the company. It wasn't until recently I noticed that employees now have to apply for positions to move up within the company. Some companies are comfortable with keeping employees complacent. Make sure you don't allow anyone to make you feel stuck. It's your right as an employee to see where you fit.

Quick Story: One company I was working for knew I wanted to move up in the company. I've sent emails explaining my interest, and I also made it known during my annual review. My manager and I agreed on a plan that catapults me into the best position. Suddenly, my manager got a new job opportunity and left. We recently got a new manager, and I explained what the previous manager and I spoke about regarding promotion. Since that point, I noticed that they never planned on giving me the opportunity. I would "apply" go through the "interview" process to hear them say, "You don't have enough experience, and we currently don't have the training to teach you." I felt like I was going in circles, and I just gave up and started to look elsewhere.

Since the pandemic, is there an "emergency plan" in place that will secure employees? What is the protocol?

The year 2020 has been challenging, and many employers didn't know how to handle this situation. A year has come and gone, and employers should have something in place that protects their employees. Is there a policy that provides emotional and mental support for employees and their families? Let's hope this will be the first and last time something like this happens. It is a question that needs some answers. Your job security is essential.

I hope these questions help guide you in finding the best suitable employer who would be honored to have you. Not only is this an opportunity to be interviewed, but it's also a time to become the interviewer. Good luck and happy job hunting.