Interviewing the employer

Recruitment experts say that a job interview is your chance to see if you want to work for a potential employer, as much as it's the employer's chance to see if you are a suitable person for the job.

So how can you ask about pay and conditions in the company? You don't want to sound too "direct" or as if money is the only thing that interests you. For this reason, when the employer asks you if you have any questions, don't make the salary your first question. Instead, ask about training or development opportunities, then lead into pay and conditions.

Here are some ways of asking questions. You can use phrases like "Can you tell me" or I'd like to know" to introduce the question.

Ways of introducing questions

Can you tell me about…
Could you explain in more detail about…
I'd like to know something about…
Could you give me some more information about…

… training opportunities
… promotion prospects
… the salary range
… your vision for the future
… how you see this post developing over the next year or so

Tip: make it clear that you are listening as the employer speaks. Maintain eye contact, nod your head occasionally, and say things like "I see" or "I understand".

See also our article on interview techniques for more advice.