21 Questions You Should Ask During Your Next Job Interview
Have you ever dated someone that rarely communicated or talked when you all were together?
When this person is around their friends, they don't appear to be shy, yet when they are with you, it's always deadly quiet. When you show interest in someone, you want them to show an equal amount of interest in you. When they don't, you are left feeling unwanted and like they are not taking you as serious as you are taking them.
The same occurs between a job applicant and a company. Before you partner with a company, you have to go through the “dating" phase before you make it official (and change your whole Facebook status). In the job world, the dating phase is the interview. During the interview, the employer will give you more information on them and they will ask you questions. It is only proper and right that you return the favor and show interest in them by having questions.
Too often, I have interviewed people that may have done really well in answering my questions, but they failed in having prepared questions at the end. If an applicant doesn't have any questions for me, it is a total red flag. In my mind, it appears they either don't care enough to do research, or they're simply too lazy to do so. Either way, it can be a complete turnoff. Even more so, it is a red flag when someone asks questions that can easily be found in the job description or on the company website.
I know that sometimes it can be a struggle in finding educated questions to ask your desired employer. Trust me, I know. However, when the interviewer asks, “So, do you have any questions for me?" this is the time when the interview is in your hands. You are now given the opportunity to discuss whatever you want so that you can make the best decision in choosing your next employer (remember, you should be interviewing them as well).
So what kind of questions should you ask to stand out an interview?
I'm so happy you want to know. See below & #thankmelater.
- What does a typical day look like?
- What are the most immediate projects that someone in this position would be focused on?
- What are the biggest challenges that someone in this position would face?
- What attributes does someone need to be successful in this position?
- Do you expect the main responsibilities for this job to change in the near future?
- What are the most important things you'd like to see someone accomplish in the first 90 days on the job?
- Can you tell me about my direct reports? What are their strengths and their biggest challenges?
- What made you choose to join this company?
- What do you think is the best thing about working here?
- How long have you been with the company?
- Has your role changed since you started working at this company?
- How would you describe your managerial style?
- As a manager, what frustrates you most in regards to your employees and handling projects?
- How would you describe the company culture in 3 words?
- How would you describe the work environment here—is it more team-oriented or would it be more independent work?
- Has anyone on your staff been promoted recently? If so, what was the reason why this person was promoted?
- Where have successful employees previously in this position progressed to?
- Is this a new position?
- What are some things that the office does to promote team building and bonding?
- When can I expect a call back from you? & If I haven't heard from you by then, may I give you a call?
- Is there anything else I can provide you with that would be helpful?
BONUS TIPS:Always do extensive research before the interview. Prepare questions ahead of time and make sure you are not asking questions that can easily be found online. Also, always remember to follow-up after the interview.
If you are interviewing with someone who you hadn't be in contact with before, ask for their business card so you can send them a thank you note.
Featured image by Shutterstock
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Brittani Hunter is a proud PVAMU alumni and the founder of The Mogul Millennial, a business and career platform for Black Millennials. Meet Brittani on Twitter and on the Gram at @BrittaniLHunter and @mogulmillennial.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Kendrick Lamar And Whitney Alford: A Timeline Of Their Decades-Long Relationship
Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford are one of those couples who like to live their lives outside of the public eye. Unlike many celebrity couples, we don’t really hear a lot of details about their relationship in blogs and social media except for when Kendrick raps about it. Whitney has even been featured on many of her fiancé’s songs, but it was his last album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, where he was the most vulnerable.
Outside of supporting her Pulitzer Prize-winning man, Whitney is also a licensed esthetician and makeup artist. The couple share two beautiful children together and seem to enjoy their privacy. From high school sweethearts to starting a family, here is a timeline of Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford’s relationship.
2001-2005?: Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford Meet
Whitney Alford and Kendrick Lamar at 2016 Key to the City Ceremony
Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images
Kendrick and Whitney met in high school. However, there’s not a lot of details about what year. The two attended Centennial High School, which is located in Compton, CA, and began dating shortly after becoming friends.
2009: Kendrick Lamar Raps About Whitney
In his 2009 self-titled EP, Kendrick rapped about Whitney in the songs “She Needs Me” and “Determined.” He highlighted how he can’t live without her in “She Needs Me” and shared how she’s been his rock in “Determined.”
2014: Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford’s First Public Appearance as a Couple
56th Grammy Awards with Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford
Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS
Whitney stepped out with Kendrick for the first time at the 56th Grammy Awards. Kendrick was nominated for seven awards, including Best Rap Album for Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.
2015: Kendrick Calls Whitney His Best Friend
Talking to Billboard in January, the Compton rapper opened up about his love for Whitney. “I wouldn’t even call her my girl,” he said. “That’s my best friend. I don’t even like the term that society has put in the world as far as being a companion — she’s somebody I can tell my fears to.”
Whitney Appears on Kendrick’s "To Pimp a Butterfly" Album
In March 2015, Kendrick dropped his highly anticipated third album, To Pimp a Butterfly, andWhitney provided backup vocals for songs “King Kunta” and “Wesley’s Theory.”
Kendrick Confirms Engagement to Whitney Alford
Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford at 2015 BET Awards
Photo by Johnny Nunez/BET/Getty Images for BET
During a The Breakfast Club interview, the Grammy award-winning artist confirmed that he and his high school sweetheart were engaged. “Yeah, definitely,” he said. “I’m loyal to the soul.”
2019: Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford Welcome Their First Child
It was reported that the couple had their first child in July 2019. While her name wasn’t revealed at the time, fans later suggested that he mentioned her name in his song “Mr. Morale,” which is off of his fifth album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. He rapped, “Uzi, your father's in deep meditation.”
2022: Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford Welcomes Their Second Child
The couple quietly welcomed a second child, a baby boy named Enoch and they made the big reveal on the cover of the Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers album. The cover features Kendrick holding Uzi while Whitney holds Enoch. Kendrick also mentioned Enoch’s name in his song “Mr. Morale” when he rapped, “Enoch, your father's just detoxed.”
Whitney Reflects on Working With Kendrick on "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers"
In May, the makeup artist reflected on working with Kendrick on the album, which she helped narrate, and thanked him in an Instagram post. “Sometimes the mirror is a harsh critic. Shit can get real ugly. Im proud of the work we’ve done individually and as a family. Honored to be a part of this album @kendricklamar. Thank you for your transparency. Healing can begin…,” she wrote.
Whitney Appears in Kendrick's "Count Me Out" Music Video
Whitney also appeared in her beau’s “Count Me Out” music video and shared a snippet on her Instagram page in December.
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Feature image by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for NARAS