9 Questions to Ask HR Before an Interview

By Matt Krumrie

Job seekers spend a lot of time preparing for job interviews, especially when it comes to asking questions to the HR manager. And they should. The interview is the best chance to prove you are the right person for the job.

But, before the company interviews you, you should take some time to interview the company. Asking questions before the job interview is a great way for you to prepare for your big moment. The more information you have will give you an extra boost of confidence before and during the interview.

9 Questions to Ask Before an Interview

 

1. Who Will I Meet With?

An essential part of an interview is the preparation you do before the interview. This means doing your homework and learning about the people you’re going to meet with. 

Knowing who you’re meeting with can help you figure out what questions the interviewer(s) might ask you, and it can help you figure out which questions you want to ask which people.

For example, the HR director probably can’t describe what a typical day is like. Likewise, team members may not be able to tell you much about the benefits package. Knowing who you’re meeting with will help you prep the right questions for the right people.

It also gives you a bit of insight into the company’s culture. For example, if you meet with the team, that tells you that teamwork is a significant part of this company (or team’s) culture. And, if you meet with other teams that you might work with, that tells you that interdepartmental communication is important, too.

Lastly, knowing who you’re interviewing with gives you a chance to check them out. Research them on the company website, social media, and, of course, LinkedIn. You never know—you may find that you have something in common with one of these people, which could be a great icebreaker in the interview!

8. What Should I Be Prepared to Speak to in the Interview?

It’s unlikely that the scheduler will have an answer for this, so don’t be surprised if the answer is vague and non-committal. However, on the off chance that you do get an answer, listen closely to what the scheduler says.

The answer will likely give you insight into the company’s most pressing issues. What are the problems the company is trying to solve? More importantly, how will you solve those problems? The answer can help you understand what the employer most wants from potential candidates, and having this information can help you structure your answers accordingly.

9. What’s Your Dress Code? 

Whether it’s an on-site interview or video interview, find out what employees typically wear, then use that as a guide to choosing your interview outfit. Wear something that’s a notch up from the dress code, so you don’t overdress or underdress, but still look professional. You don’t want to show up in your best suit, only to discover that jeans and concert T-shirts are the standard company attire.

See all 9 questions and the complete FlexJobs article