Questions to ask a prospective employer

A job advert can tell you the role’s responsibilities, but it rarely explains what working in the team feels like. A few specific questions can help you find out.

Ask about ordinary working days

• How are tasks assigned, and who decides what takes priority?
• How often does planned work get interrupted?
• Is there an on-call rota? What support is available during an incident?
• How are decisions and changes documented?
• What does feedback look like during the first few months?

Ask about the process you need

You can ask how interview or workplace adjustments are arranged, who handles a request and whether information is shared with the team. If an interview format creates a barrier, ask about it in advance.

Look for examples

“We’re flexible” can mean different things. A recent example of how the team changed a process is more useful than a general statement. You could also ask to speak with someone doing similar work.

Leave room for uncertainty

A clear answer is helpful, but no interview can guarantee how a workplace will turn out. Compare what different people tell you with the written role description, and follow up on anything that matters to your decision.