Landing a job offer is a rewarding feeling. After multiple rounds of resume refinements, interviews, and applications, it’s tempting to accept right away—it’s a huge accomplishment, after all.  

However, a job offer is not the finish line. Before you accept, take a beat and consider this: They believe you’re right for the role, but is the role right for you?

Let’s discuss why it’s important to ask questions, then review some questions to ask before accepting a job offer or during your initial interviews.

Why Is It Important to Ask Questions?

It’s always better to determine if the role is the right fit for you early on to avoid potential negative consequences later.

Imagine you hastily accept a job offer because the salary exceeds your expectations, only to find that it disrupts your work-life balance, leaving you with less time for hobbies, side projects, or family activities.

Alternatively, you may consider accepting an offer because the role aligns with your career aspirations, but the pay falls short of what you expected, and you need to make some financial sacrifices.
 
It’s important to understand the implications of accepting the role early on. Ask specific questions that paint a complete picture for you. The more information you have, the more informed your decision will be!

Strategic Questions to Ask Your Potential New employer

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 25 essential questions to ask before accepting a job offer.

Questions About Timeline

Take your time making your decision, but also respect your potential employer’s time. Ask the following questions to clarify their hiring timeline.

1.    When do you need my final decision?
2.    When would you expect me to start?
3.    How long is the probation period?
4.    What are the next steps in your hiring process?

Questions About Pay

A competitive pay rate should reflect your experience, education, and the current market average for that role. To find out if the pay aligns with your expectations, consider asking:

1.    What is my starting pay?
2.    What is the structure for promotions, pay raises, and bonuses?
3.    What is the company’s policy on overtime?
4.    Is there room for negotiation?

You also might want to ask about other benefits, like healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and vacation time, to get a complete understanding of the compensation package.

Questions about Employee Benefits

Benefits can greatly impact whether employees are satisfied in their role.  

A Glassdoor study even found that 79% of employees would prefer new or additional benefits to a pay increase.

Set yourself up for success and learn as much as you can about the potential benefits and perks.

1.    Do you offer a retirement plan? What is the company’s match percentage for retirement plan contributions?
2.    Can you explain the different health insurance plans offered?  
3.    Do you offer other insurance plans, like pet and dental insurance?  
4.    How many paid-time-off (PTO) days do you offer?
5.    How many sick days do employees get?
6.    How does unused PTO get handled at the end of the year? Is it paid out, rolled over, or forfeited?
7.    Will you cover relocation expenses?
8.    How flexible is the schedule? Can I work remotely?
9.    What is your family leave package?

Questions about Professional Development

Professional development opportunities can determine whether you stay at a company for three years or a decade or longer. In fact, a lack of career advancement opportunities is cited as one of the top reasons employees resign from their jobs.
 
You want an employer that challenges you and invests in your potential. Here are some professional development questions you can ask before you accept a job offer.  

1.    How often will I receive a performance review?
2.    What professional development opportunities do you provide?
3.    Does the company promote from within?
4.    What are my potential advancement opportunities within this role?
5.    How will I receive training or mentorship during my first 90 days?

Questions to Ask Yourself

In addition to prompts for your potential employer, you need to ask yourself a few questions too.  

1.    Does the company share your values?
2.    What are my long-term career goals, and how does this position help me get there?
3.    Is the company culture a positive one?

Start Your New Job with Confidence  

Asking these questions upfront will boost your chances of landing a role that fosters your growth, or it could help you avoid a situation that won’t serve you later on. If the hiring manager doesn’t have the answers you need, try researching the company on your own.