The No. 1 goal of your career training is getting a job. That’s why we work hard to continually update our trends and resources information to keep our scholarship recipients informed. But our concern for you goes beyond the classroom — we don’t just want you to get your degree, diploma or certificate. We want you to ace your first interview. Many students focus solely on how to answer questions, instead of spending ample time thinking of good questions to ask.

First, arming yourself with a few questions is always a good idea. This preparation will show the employer you’ve thought about the job and the company. On top of that, it will give you valuable insight about the job itself and what it’s like to work at that company. You should think of this as an interview of the employer by you as well. After all, you’ll spend a great deal of your day at any job you get!

1. Can you tell me more about the day-to-day culture at your company? This question will tell you if it’s a more formal or laid-back atmosphere. Every business is different, and you’ll want to know what to expect. Sure, you always need to act like a professional. But it’s important to know what the boundaries are.
2. What kind of future can I work toward from this position? This question will show employers you’re a committed worker who wants to find a place where you can thrive. Many workers jump from company to company — much more than in the past. So it might make an employer feel better about committing to the expenses of hiring you.
3. Where do you see the company going in the next five to 10 years? This can let you know what kinds of opportunities or areas you might be available as you chart your career path. This can also tell you if you think you’re a good fit in the long run. Either way, it’s always nice to understand if there are any big shifts or initiatives underway.
4. What kinds of challenges are you facing? You don’t want to come across as negative when you ask this, so watch your tone. Maybe say something like, “If I were to earn this position, how could I use my role to help the company overcome your current challenges?” This will let your prospective employer know you’re serious about taking initiative and accountability in your role.
5. When will I hear about next steps, if you’re still interested in learning more about my skills? This is a good question to wrap up with. It conveys that you still want to carry on the conversation, without coming across as too desperate.

Good luck as you prepare for your first interview after you complete your career college program. If you’re one of our scholarship recipients, make sure you check out our Road Map to Student Success and the other articles in our trends and resources section. If not, what are you waiting for? Take a moment to review our partner schools who offer our scholarship opportunities worth up to $1,000 toward student tuition and fees.