5 Questions to Ask in Your Job Interview

 I've never met anyone who takes a job and thinks: "I'm going to quit this job in 90 days and start the job hunting process all over again."

So why do so many people find themselves quitting a job after less than a year? 

I think a big part of the problem is that job seekers don't ask enough questions during the interview process. They hear some general idea about what they'll be doing, their salary and company benefits and don't ask any questions. As long as there isn't a big red flag, they'll accept the job if it meets their needs.

Then, as time goes on, they start to see those red flags pop up. There's high turnover. No chance for promotion. No one is allowed to offer feedback.

That's the kind of workplace culture that can lead to disengagement and even burnout. It's the kind of culture that can lead you to regret taking a job and immediately begin thinking of how to leave.

To save yourself the hassle of job shopping too soon, here are some questions to ask during the interview process:

1. Why did the last person in this position leave? If he or she got a promotion, great! That means the job has potential. If it's a new position, then ask: "What kind of career path do you see for someone in this job?" You want to make sure it's a position with potential, not a dead end.

2. How is performance measured? Are there formal reviews? Who determines the performance targets? If targets are exceeded -- or fall short --  what happens?

3. How is feedback given? Feedback given only during the annual review process isn't helpful because it only reviews things that have already happened. To grow in your career, you need in-the-moment feedback so that you continue to learn. If a manager is only willing to provide yearly feedback, then the boss isn't invested in you succeeding.

4. Is there a mentorship program? Companies and employees benefit from mentorship programs, and help grow future leaders.

5. What does the company do to support work/life balance? There is no company that hasn't had to address this question since the pandemic began. There should be some structures in place to ensure workers have balance, whether it's a hybrid work arrangement, stable schedules or paid time off to handle personal needs.

With employers desperate to fill positions, now is the time to ask these questions (and more of your own) to ensure a new job will be a good fit. Don't waste your time on employers that are evasive or have policies that fall far short of what you need to ensure a satisfying job.