How can I find out more about a job before the interview?

Question

I have a job interview next week. I want to find out more about the job first because the last few interviews I have been on have been a TOTAL waste of time and gas.I really should have asked more questions.I want to know what the physical demands of the job are, standing, sitting at a desk, etc., and what amount of time is spent working indoors and outdoors. There is also a minimum level of pay I will accept.But, I do not want to sound difficult. At the same time, I do not want to waste my time or someone else's. Is there a way of phrasing the question, such as, "can you tell me a little more about the job? Will I be at a desk or standing or walking?What percentage of the work day is spent indoors and outdoors?" I looked on the companys website and there is no job description. I looked on job board websites, put in the job title and got different descriptions for the same job from each company.

Answer 1

One of the criteria of a good recruiter/employer is to provide realistic job purview. So, a prospective employee attending an interview should be given the chance to gain a realistic description of the job. The HR dept should be prepared to respond to enquiries about the job so as to facilitate the applicant's in making decisions whether the requirements of the job is suitable or not. Providing realistic job purview helps organizations in the selection of suitable candidates.

Answer 2

You've answered your own question.. Make a list of all the questions you need to ask. Do a search of the company on the net and see what that throws up. It has to be suitable otherwise you'll find yourself looking for another position within a very short space of time.

Hope this helps and that you find your ideal job in the vey near future. Let us know what happens - we're all rooting for ya! ;) x

Answer 3

There's nothing wrong with asking "Can you tell me a little more about the job. It sounds like an opportunity that I would be very interested in but would appreciate a little more information" No interviewer wants to waste their time (and you dont either) if the job is not something that you would want to pursue.

Answer 4

You should absolutely ask questions about the job. The ones you mentioned are valid inquiries. You can ask about the pay range -- sometimes they won't say but will ask what you expect. Of course, you don't want ot exactly say either.

I am surprised that they didn't give you some idea of the job duties when they set up the interview. I always screened applicants during that phone call to save my time. Sometimes job titles aren't what they seemed.

Answer 5

Employers like it when you ask questions about the position you are applying for. Do not ask about salary though until you interview. All the other questions could have been asked at the time the interview was set up. Be careful though how you ask your questions - you don't want to come across as lazy.