TIME TO POSE THE QUESTIONS

ADVANCING through a job application process can be thrilling, but many jobseekers become swept up in the moment and accept an offer before knowing exactly what it is.

It is important to clarify details such as salary, flexibility, expectations, culture fit and opportunities for professional growth.

The first step towards insight is gaining feedback from other employees, such as through social and professional networks or SEEK’s Company Reviews.

Jobseekers can also use their job interview to pose questions. Relaunch Me career consultant Leah Lambart recommends asking the following questions:

• Can you describe the culture of the organisation?

“If the interviewer described the culture as ‘flexible’ or ‘innovative’, I would ask for some concrete examples to see if they practice what they preach,” Lambart says.

• Why has the position become available? This will tell you whether the employer is happy to create new roles, and whether or not the business has high turnover.

• What do you like most about working here? “If the interviewer struggles to find something nice to say about the place I would run a mile,” Lambart says.

• How would you describe your management style?

Lambart recommends jobseekers ask this question if meeting with a potential new manager.

Digital advertising specialist Sigrid Lundborg ( pictured) accepted her job with Australian Outdoor Living six months ago after having thoroughly researched the company.

Lundborg, who has a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing), also used her job interview to suss out the role, asking about opportunities for development and promotion.

“No one wants to get up in the morning to go to a job they don’t enjoy,” she says.