Josh TolanPicture it: you’re sitting in front of your computer. Your video interview is going well, but you’re still nervous. And then it happens. The dreaded put-you-on-the-spot final question:
“So, do you have any questions for us?”
Few things are as terrifying as when your mind goes blank. All the questions you’ve come prepared for have been asked and answered.
In reality, this is your chance to truly discover if this is the right role and company for you, so asking the right questions is crucial. Don’t worry, we have you covered.
Prepare for your next interview with these top three video interview questions to ask interviewers:
How do you conduct virtual onboarding?
Many job seekers don’t consider onboarding questions. They want to get right to the thick of it and ask questions regarding their role. However, onboarding is a critical part of the hiring process that could determine your success at the company. And during the virtual recruitment process, it is arguably even more important.
The first few days, weeks, and even months of your employment should be used to give you tools to succeed in your role, introduce you to colleagues, train you on company communication platforms, and review company expectations.
When executed poorly, virtual onboarding leaves new hires feeling confused about their role and isolated from their team. If your interviewer can’t immediately offer a clear, well-structured timeline and plan for the onboarding process, it’s a red flag.
Can you tell me more about your current company culture and how you maintain it remotely?
Company culture is the key to connectivity and a positive workplace environment. If a company’s culture doesn’t align with your values and goals, it’ll be a poor fit for the future.
This question reveals if leaders make company culture a top priority. Also, it tells you if they plan on making changes in the foreseeable future. As the remote workforce has evolved for many companies, their culture of happy hours, open-concept floor plans, and all-hands-in in-person meetings have been realigned.
Prepare for the interview by having your ideal company culture in mind. Do you prefer teamwork overworking individually? What makes you feel confident that you can succeed in the workplace? What leadership traits do you look for in managers?
Use the answers to these types of questions to assess if the interviewer’s description of the company culture aligns with your needs. A positive culture for one person may not be the best fit for you. And be sure to understand how the virtual culture may have shifted from what you can find scrolling through company photos on their careers page.
Ideal employers detail their strategic plan to maintain or expand their culture. They also discuss the importance of flexibility to improve diversity and inclusion measures. Those who are overly determined to maintain the same exact culture may not bend to your unique additions.
What type of technology will I need to work remotely?
Our list of video interview questions has to include technology, of course. Technology is your lifeline when working remotely. Many companies acknowledge this and offer essential supplies to their remote teams.
In fact, 52% of remote workers use a work-provided computer when out of the office, according to the Staples Workplace Survey Results 2019. It’s crucial to discover if you’re equipped — or will be equipped — to perform in a role before moving any deeper into the video interview process.
Write down everything the interviewer says you’ll need, what will be provided, and what they’ll reimburse. For example, you might need reliable high-speed internet and various downloaded platforms on your smartphone to remain accessible. However, they’ll provide the computer and services necessary for you to communicate and succeed in your role.
