QUESTIONS TO ASK

There’s a whole HEAP of questions you should get answers to…

Before you decide to accept or reject a particular job, there are many questions you can ask which will provide enough information to make a proper decision.

This page offers some suggestions of questions you could ask when finding out information about a job.

Some of these could even be asked in a job interview.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

• Briefly describe the main tasks that are involved in the job.
  
• What would I be expected to do?- handle money, tools, people, sit, stand, lift, walk, be indoors/outdoors, with others/by myself, doing hard/easy tasks, enough variety in job, what would I like/dislike about this?
  
• Who would I be working with and how closely?
  
• Are other workers my age or younger/older?
  
• Would I deal with customers, suppliers or visitors? Who? When? Where? Why?
  
• Who can help me if I need it?

PERSONAL QUALITIES/SKILLS NEEDED

• What general abilities and special skills are needed?
  
• Can these be developed later if I don’t have them now?
  
• Does the job suit those school subjects I did well in?
  
• Are any special qualities, manner, behaviour or character needed? Is a strong physique necessary?
  
• Have I any physical DISabilities (include health problems) which could prevent me doing this job?

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• What level of education is required?
  
• Am I doing the right subjects at school to do this job?
  
• Am I doing well enough in these subjects?
  
• What alternative levels of entry are available?

TRAINING

• What special job training is needed?
  
• Do I need to do any special courses?
  
• Where are they done?
  
• How long will it take?
  
• Are they full-time or part-time?
  
• How much will it cost?
  
• Who pays for it?
  
• Do I get paid during my training?
  
• Can I get any scholarships or allowances to help me meet any costs?

PROMOTION PROSPECTS

• What higher levels will this job lead to?
  
• What must I do to get further in the job?
  
• Will there be jobs in the future?
  
• Is the industry growing, stable or declining?
  
• What are the chances of promotion within a particular firm, or with other firms?
  
• Does the firm provide courses or time off for study?
  
• Will training and experience in this field allow me to get a different job later on in life?

METHOD OF ENTRY

• Is there a standard method of entering the job such as an apprenticeship, traineeship, etc.?
  
• If so, what are the special conditions for it?
  
• Are there any age, height, weight, etc. limits?
  
• Do I need any special checks done? Police Check? Working with Children? etc
  
• Is it hard to get a position in this type of work?
  
• When, where and how often are vacancies advertised?
  
• Is it a popular job with others?

EFFECTS ON MY LIFESTYLE

• How much will my work interfere with, or improve, my life outside of work?
  
• How will my free time be affected-overtime, taking work home, travelling time?
  
• What would my family and friends think of this job?
  
• How would it affect my dress, appearance, manner, health, social life?
  
• What unpleasant strains will this job place on me?
  
• Will I get the satisfactions I want from this job?
  
• What hours are usually worked?
  
• When are the breaks during the day?
  
• What is the pay?
  
• How often will I get paid?
  
• Are there any extra financial rewards – overtime, bonuses, etc.?
  
• Are any earnings on a commission basis?
  
• What are the retirement provisions?
  
• How much sick leave and holiday leave have I got?

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Job Study Sheet

Our job study sheet will help you record the answers you need 🙂

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