When best to ask questions

[naiku]

I have an interview coming up on Thursday, and am wondering when is the best time to ask questions about telecommute options, benefits, career path etc. I already had a brief phone interview (it was very brief, explained job to me, asked when I could come in for an interview). This will be the 1st in person interview.

I am worried that it may look bad to be asking those type of questions during the interview, but, I don't know when to ask them instead. I want to make sure that I ask them because I feel like the last 2 jobs I took (my current and previous) I did not ask, and only found out after taking the job that there were things I did not like. For example in my current job, I can't see any progression, I don't want to do what the guys I work with do, and don't want to be stuck doing what I am doing forever. So, I want to make sure that in this position I am interviewing for, that there will be options available to me in the future.

Sorry for waffling, I hope this makes sense.

Thanks.

[kptaylor]

First, asking about telecommuting or pay & benefits should come at the very end, really after an offer is made. You don't want the focus to be on what benefits you will be receiving, you need to focus on why they should hire you and what you offer to them.

If you have a concern about progression, it's perfectly acceptable to ask about career opportunities during the interview. I'd focus on opportunities within the group rather than outside the group. Put yourself in their shoes. Why would they hire you if you stress you want to move into another area or do things outside of the core focus of the job?

An interview is all about what you can offer them and why you are the best candidate, not about what you will get out of the deal. Focusing on benefits, pay and perks like telecommuting are best done once you have an offer in hand.

[naiku]

First, asking about telecommuting or pay & benefits should come at the very end, really after an offer is made. You don't want the focus to be on what benefits you will be receiving, you need to focus on why they should hire you and what you offer to them.

If you have a concern about progression, it's perfectly acceptable to ask about career opportunities during the interview.

Thanks, you pretty much confirmed what I was already thinking. I would definitely only be looking to ask about career opportunities within the department that I am interviewing for, my main concern is being stuck in a department where I don't see anywhere to go.

[naiku]

The interview went well, they then wanted me for a phone interview the following day, which also went well. During the phone interview they brought up some of the questions I had, so now I am hopefully waiting on an offer and starting negotiations.

[naiku]

Got the job, pay is a little lower than I had wanted, but more than I am on now. Very excited to start in a couple weeks.

[Egilbe]

Congratulations!