4 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR BOSS WHEN YOU’RE HIRED

In our previous blog post, we identified “6 Ways to Stand Out During Your First 30 Days on the Job.”  While that post should help you “get off on the right foot,” so to speak, a good start is only the beginning of successful employment at a company.

Ideally, you want to sustain any success you enjoy at the beginning of your employment throughout the duration of that employment—no matter how long you’re with the company.  After all, there might be greener pastures on the horizon.

Millions of people change jobs every year, and with a New Year just around the corner, this is a great opportunity to prepare for such a move.  (Especially if you’re already in the process of making that move.)

With that in mind, below are four questions you should ask your boss or immediate supervisor when you’re hired:
#1—“What things do you absolutely need me to do right away?”
When a company hires a new employee, that’s because they have an immediate need to do so.  That need, in turn, brings with it duties that need to be carried out immediately.  Sure, you should take time to become acclimated to your new job, but the company would like you to do so quickly, so that you can carry out those duties and begin paying dividends.
#2—“What are your top goals for me during the next three months?”
Once immediate concerns have been addressed, more long-term goals and objectives can then be tackled.  By asking this question, you’re showing that you’re already looking ahead and that you want to “hit the ground running” in your quest for continued success as an employee.
#3—“Can you describe what I have to do to be considered a superstar employee?”
This is the next logical progression once you’ve moved beyond immediate concerns and more long-range goals.  This question helps you get a better grasp on what your boss considers to be exemplary performance, thereby giving you a prime opportunity to reach that level of performance in a shorter amount of time.
#4—“Do you have a mentoring program?”
You might have asked this question during the interview process, and kudos to you if you did.  However, if you didn’t, this is information that you absolutely need to know as soon as possible.  It will not only impress your boss, but it will also help you become the type of employee you want to become . . . and enjoy the type of success you want to enjoy.

The questions don’t stop when the interview is over.  In fact, if you get the job, they’re just beginning.  Make sure you’re asking the right ones.