What’s the Pay?

It sounds like a basic question, but not all positions are upfront about the salary you’ll earn or the requirements you must meet to earn the highest level of pay. There are a few key questions to ask here.

• What is the starting point that they would start you at?
• What about pay increases? Is there a review at 90 days that could impact your earnings?
• Are there opportunities for pay increases over time? What factors help you qualify for higher earnings?
• Is there the ability to earn overtime? If so, when is that, and what helps you qualify for it? Is it required?

It’s always a good idea to ask these questions upfront, before you get to the training and orientation, and realize the job doesn’t pay you enough. If you’re unsure, ask. Then, clarify before you accept the position.

What’s the Schedule?

Knowing what your time commitment will be is also important. New employees may expect a standard schedule, but that may not be what they plan to offer. There are a few questions to focus on here:

• What is the typical shift you’ll be working?
• Do you start out at full-time or work your way up over a few weeks?
• Are there times when you’ll need to work outside of the expected hours? When is that, and why does it happen?

Understanding your work schedule is more than just knowing when you need to set up support for your family. It’s also important to understand what they expect from you. If you’re working from 7 am to 3 pm each day, but they expect you to be at the job site by 7 am instead of at the office, it could change your work expectations and time commitment. Get into the details related to all aspects of work timelines.

Is There a Probationary Period?

Another core component of this decision-making is balancing expectations with your long-term goals. During probation, or the first 30, 60, or 90 days, you need to be confident you know what your employer is looking for so you can deliver it. Ask the following:

• How long are probationary periods?
• What is expected of you during that time? What should you be able to accomplish by the time that period is over?
• What factors could cause you to lose your position during that period?

If you don’t know what the company wants and expects heading into Day 1, it’s hard to impress them enough to keep you on long term. Asking this question allows you to ensure you’re ready for anything that is thrown at you.

What’s Training Like?

Some hands-on jobs expect you to jump in right away and aggressively apply your already-acquired skills to the job. Other jobs expect to train you to operate effectively in their team. Training is a hot topic in most businesses, and there are several things you need to know about training:

• Who will train you? What type of experience does that person have on the job?
• What are you expected to know, and what will you learn?
• What type of training will you have? This could be working alongside others, completing virtual education, or doing the job and learning as you go.

Training differs based on the job you’re in, but it is nearly always a critical component to your success on the job. Even if you think you have years of experience and don’t need training, you still need to learn how the company operates.

Are You Required to Travel?

Discuss the travel requirements for your job. Even if you are working for a company that seems to be at a single location, there could be some travel requirements you should be aware of.

• Will you do any type of travel for the job? This could include education and training, seminars, workshops, or job sites.
• If you travel to work sites, how does that happen? Are you responsible for transportation to and from the job site?
• What type of accommodations are provided if you do have to travel? Are you responsible for making arrangements?

Travel isn’t common for many jobs in terms of distance, but if you’re moving from one field position to the next, that can create wear and tear on your vehicle that should be addressed.

What About PPE?

Whether you’re in construction or manufacturing, you may need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). However, there are a few questions you should ask about this before you take the job.

• Who provides the necessary PPE for the job? If you have to provide it for yourself, are you reimbursed?
• What type of PPE are you required to maintain on a constant basis? This could differ from one work environment to the next.
• What is the step to take when you need to upgrade or change your PPE?

It’s a good idea to talk to your potential employer about uniforms and equipment, as well as traditional PPE. The more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be.

As you get ready to accept that job, review the job description one more time. Do you know what’s expected of you, and do you feel comfortable following through with those goals? If not, ask a few more questions to be really sure you have the knowledge and insight you need to do your best.