5 Questions to Ask Your Future Boss Before Accepting a Job
September 20, 2023
Congratulations! After countless job applications and interviews, you’ve made it to the end of the road with a job offer in hand. Your hard work has finally paid off.
While it may be tempting to say “yes” right away, it’s time to do some deep thinking before you make your decision. Here are the critical questions you need to ask your future boss before signing your name on the dotted line to judge whether a job opportunity is right for you.
Getting a sense of the company’s culture is paramount when determining whether you’ll enjoy working at a company. Asking these questions helps job seekers understand a company’s vision, values, practices, people, work environment and management style.
Understanding these factors at a company will help you effectively decide if a workplace aligns with your working style, professional needs and unique personality.
Here is a list of additional questions you can ask about a company’s culture:
What is the company’s vision or mission?
What is the most significant adjustment when starting work here?
How is conflict handled at this company?
Are decisions made by committee, leadership or employees?
Is constructive feedback prioritized?
What values are shared by the company?
Work is a big part of our life. Interacting daily with other people for consecutive hours can either be pleasant or miserable, depending on a company’s team dynamic and your preferences.
Asking specific questions about the team you will potentially work with and how they operate can help you determine how well you will mesh with the team. Doing so will give you a greater understanding of how comfortable you’ll feel with peers.
Here is a list of additional questions you can ask about team culture:
How are meetings conducted here?
What is the main form of communication within the team?
How is collaboration facilitated?
When team issues occur, how are they handled?
Do you prefer if employees work independently or together?
How is team morale maintained?
While this may appear like a banal question, you should ask about role details anytime before accepting an offer.
Even though you may have read the job description before applying, it’s critical that you get the inside scoop on the role to ensure you understand expectations and gauge whether you’ll be comfortable executing duties. Asking questions about the role will help you prepare for short-term and long-term success on the job.
Here is a list of additional questions you ask about a potential role after receiving an offer:
What does success in this role look like?
How is performance measured?
What are the expectations for this role?
How does this position contribute to the company's goals and objectives?
What are my work hours and schedule?
Often, a salary may not be set in stone when an offer is solicited. It’s never in an employer’s best interest to start a conversation about salary negotiations because their priority is to pay employees the minimum they can.
Due to this fact, it’s essential that job seekers explicitly ask whether salary is negotiable. Although salary discussion can feel awkward, you should always feel empowered to ask your potential boss. Knowing what’s on or off the table only gives you more power in deciding if a job is a right fit for you.
After all, you might be pleasantly surprised. There might also be a potential opportunity to negotiate other benefits or perks to get the complete offer you want. That’s why it’s always in your interest to ask.
Here are additional questions you can ask about salary and compensation:
Is the salary provided base pay?
Does this role offer bonuses or commissions?
What benefits does the benefits package include?
Are raises or promotions on the table?
Is the salary hourly or annually?
How is salary determined?
Asking questions about professional development opportunities can help you decide if working at a company is the right career move for you.
Many companies offer tuition reimbursement, certification programs and career advancement programs. Understanding what incentives you have as an employee can be a game-changer for your career goals. That’s why you must get a thorough grasp of a company’s approach to training and career growth.
Here are additional questions you can ask about career advancement:
Is there a career advancement program at the company?
How does one get promoted or move up within a company?
Does the company help pay for continued education?
Is tuition reimbursement available?
Are there training programs available to employees?
Accepting a job offer is a big decision to make, and you need clarity to make the right decision for your needs. Never be afraid to ask the questions most important to you. And most of all, remember it’s always okay to decline a job offer if it isn't the right fit. At the end of the day, your long-term success and happiness depend on it.
