How to Ask About Career Growth and Mobility During Job Interviews
How are your interviews going? I've been talking to clients a lot about qualifying companies in interviews.
Interviews are two-way streets. This means you should be interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you.
The easiest way to do this is to ask direct questions and gather information to help you decide if it's a fit for you.
The bonus of asking strong questions is it makes you a stronger candidate.
In fact, the questions you ask can add or detract from your candidacy, so make them good!
Below are a few tips on how to do this well.
The first step in formulating strong questions is to get clear about what is most important to in your new job.
For example, if you care about work life balance ask how much people work on the weekend or after work hours.
There are a few topics always worth asking about, they include:
-- candidate characteristics they are seeking
-- management and leadership style
-- work culture
-- KPIs
-- Hesitations
-- career mobility and progression
If you hit on these questions you'll learn a good amount about the company, and you'll signal that you're thinking about success in the role.
Let's dig further into example questions focused on career mobility and progression.
Many candidates don't ask explicit or specific enough questions about career growth and mobility because it doesn't occur to them or they don't know what to ask.
Here are some career growth questions to add to your interview repertoire:
1. Can you provide an example of how the company has supported an employee's career progression or enabled internal movement?
Understanding a company's track record in fostering employee career progression is crucial. Ask for real-life examples of employees who have advanced within the company. Look for specific stories or programs that highlight the company's dedication to employee development and internal movement.
2. What learning opportunities or resources are available for employees to keep up with business trends and skills?
Staying current with industry trends and continually developing skills are vital for long-term career success. Inquire about the company's offerings such as training programs, workshops, conferences, or access to learning stipends. A company that invests in learning opportunities demonstrates its commitment to the professional development of its employees.
3. How does the leadership promote and support ongoing learning?
Understanding the role of leadership support in promoting continuous learning can give you insight into the company culture. Leaders who prioritize learning often create a more dynamic and innovative work environment. Ask about mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and how leaders encourage knowledge sharing among teams.
4. How frequently is an employee's performance evaluated?
Regular performance evaluation is essential for professional growth as it provides feedback, identifies areas for improvement, and sets goals. As a follow up you can ask if evaluations are strength-based and led by managers or employees. This question can help indicate how transparent and structured their feedback processes are.
5. Are bonuses given outside of the yearly schedule?
While salary is important, employee bonuses can be a significant aspect of compensation and motivation. Asking about the bonus structure, including the possibility of off-cycle bonuses, can reveal how the company recognizes and rewards exceptional performance. It also indicates flexibility and responsiveness to employee contributions.
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Pro Tip: Get access to 46 sample questions to ask in interviews.
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Asking the questions above shows that you are proactive about your career development.
It signals to the employer that you are interested in a mutually beneficial relationship where you can grow and succeed in your role for the long term.
Companies that invest in their employees’ growth are more likely to provide a fulfilling and sustainable career path.
Don't be shy to ask these questions.