Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Expert reveals the best questions to ask during a job interview

Recruitment firm suggests avoiding queries on potential salary or employee benefits

Mollie Goodfellow
Tuesday 29 September 2015 17:59 BST
Comments
A total of 400 employed workers were surveyed
A total of 400 employed workers were surveyed (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Asking why the previous person who held the job left is among the best questions candidates can ask during an interview with potential employers, an expert has said.

Bill Driscoll, from temp agency Accountemps, outlined a series of recommended queries after the firm carried out a survey looking into job interview culture.

The research found the most common topics of enquiry were potential salary, the work environment, employee benefits and how much potential there is for growth within the company.

As a result of the survey, which saw more than 400 employed workers over-18 in the US questioned, Mr Driscoll suggested five questions to ask a prospective employer.

What’s a typical day like for someone in this position?
This will let you know what it’s actually like to work for that company, and that the employer has a clear vision of what they expect from you.

Why did the person who previously held the job leave?
While you may not be told directly if the person left for acrimonious reasons, any answer may give you a clue as to how well staff members are supported within the company.

What qualities do you need to be successful in this position?
This question will help you figure out how well suited you are to the job, and whether your previous experience will be a match for the role.

What are the greatest opportunities for the company in the next several years?
This will give you a clue as to where senior staff in the business see the company heading, and you can work out if this fits into your life plans.

What do you like most about working here?
By asking this, you will be able to find out more about the office culture, and what, if any, perks there are to working with that company.

Company hires fat cat boss

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in