Joining a new job ? Make sure to ask these.

Consider a scenario where an interviewer asks you if you have any questions about the company or the role for which you’re interviewing. Do you have a number of questions to ask, or are you left wondering? If you’re not sure about what questions to ask, you’ll have a fair indication of which way to go once you’re done watching this video.

Why do you need to ask questions during an interview, you wonder? Well, doing so can give you a clear picture of what to expect in your new job, and it can also help you make a well-informed decision.

While questions might vary depending on the type of role you’re applying for, here are some that remain common no matter which technology-based role you seek.

Will I have ownership of products?

It helps to find out if you’ll have to work along a predetermined path or if you’ll have enough influence to affect changes. For instance, you might get complete ownership of a product as soon as you join one organization, whereas you might have to wait indefinitely in another. Find out who decides product roadmaps and who is responsible for providing inputs. Ask if you’ll get to interact will all important stakeholders. This will better indicate your role in the organization.

Can I work on side projects?

Bear in mind that not all companies encourage or even allow their employees to take on side projects. Ask if working on side projects is allowed, be it contributing to open source platforms or developing software. If it’s allowed, your next question should cover the process you need to follow. Then, find out if you will need to get permission from the legal department. In some cases, companies take ownership of their employees’ side projects, especially if they’re related to the same market segment.

What will my work hours look like?

Sure, you get an indication of your work hours before you join. However, make sure you ask how realistic the timings are, ideally from an existing team member. This is because hiring and process managers might not give you the real picture.

How good is the company with following customer timelines?

Try to determine the approach your probable employer follows when adhering to timelines set by its customers. For instance, if a customer requires a product in two months, will the company ensure that it delivers within the given time frame? While an answer in the affirmative might speak well about the company’s outlook toward its customers, it can also indicate signs of burnouts for its employees — because you might need to burn the midnight oil, over and over again.

Who are your biggest clients and what pain points do you address?

Answers to these questions will vary significantly. However, what you need to look for in the answers is if they’re aligned. If you feel they’re largely misaligned, you get two options from which to choose. You may either view this as a red flag or consider taking it on as a challenge.

How many employees work from home?

Given the change in working styles and environments that have come about because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this question begs to be asked. While some companies are going all out in getting their employees to work from home, some others are not as forthcoming.

Questions You Need to Ask Before Joining a Startup

If you plan to join a startup, you might benefit by asking these questions as well.

• What problem is the company trying to solve, and what is its USP?
• What’s your long-term vision for my role, my team, and the organization?
• What is your growth strategy?
• Is the company looking at being acquired soon or does it plan to move ahead on its own?
• Do you have an exit strategy in place?
• Who are the existing shareholders?
• How many months of operations can you sustain before the next round of funding?
• What is the biggest risk that the company faces?

Remember that an interview gives you the opportunity to clear any doubt you might have about your new job. Asking the right questions at this stage is crucial if you wish to sail smoothly down the line. After all, what good is landing up in a role or an organization that does little for your career’s growth?