December 3, 2024, by Leah Sharpe
Three key questions to ask an employer about their approach to your personal development
By Sarah-Jane McQueen, COO of CoursesOnline
Image by This_is_Engineering from Pixabay
Starting a new job or internship is exciting. But as a student or recent graduate, you want to know more than just what your daily tasks will be. You want to grow, learn, and build a career. Asking about personal development during interviews shows you’re serious about investing in yourself – and finding an employer who will do the same to ensure a mutually beneficial long-term partnership. So in order to highlight your commitment to growing your skillset, here’s three key questions you can ask during a job interview or later on as you’re being introduced into a role.
1. What opportunities will I have to learn new skills?
This question is straightforward and helps you understand how the company supports your learning. Employers know you don’t have years of experience, so they should be ready to help you build new skills. You can discuss whether they have mentoring schemes in place, formal development programmes, and so on.
Some follow-up ideas you can explore:
- Do they offer training programs?
- Will there be a mentor to guide you?
- Can you take part in external courses or certifications?
Why it matters:
Learning doesn’t stop when you leave university. A company that values development will have options for you to grow, even if it’s on-the-job learning. This shows they see you as a long-term investment, not just a temporary employee.
2. How do you support employees in setting and achieving career goals?
Everyone has different goals – whether it’s leading a team, learning technical skills, or growing within a specific industry. By asking this, you’ll get a sense of how much the company invests in its employees’ futures. Also by understanding the metrics used for success, you can track your growth and understand what you need to do in order to work towards promotions and pay rises.
Things to listen for in their answer:
- Do they offer regular check-ins or career discussions?
- Are there clear pathways for promotions or job transitions?
- Do managers actively help with goal-setting?
Why it matters:
You’re not just looking for a job; you’re looking for a career. A company that prioritises goal-setting shows they’re committed to your growth beyond your current role.
3. What kind of feedback and evaluation will I receive?
Feedback is one of the fastest ways to learn, not just about what you’re doing well but in regards to where you need to improve. This question helps you understand how the company communicates about your progress and performance.
Key points to look for:
- Is feedback regular (e.g., weekly or monthly)?
- Do they give constructive advice or just focus on mistakes?
- Will there be formal evaluations or casual check-ins?
Why it matters:
Constructive feedback helps you improve, stay motivated, and understand what’s expected of you. If a company doesn’t provide feedback, you might feel stuck or unsure about your performance.
Lastly, be confident when you ask these questions! Employers want to see that you care about growing your skills and career. These questions show you’re proactive, thoughtful, and interested in making the most of the opportunity.
When the interview wraps up, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of how they’ll support your development and whether they’re the right fit for your future. There’s nothing wrong with rejecting a role if you don’t think that their approach to personal development doesn’t align with your expectations, so always keep in mind what they can do to enhance your long-term prospects.
If you’re looking to undertake courses during your degree to enhance your CV, take a look at the Careers Online work experience webpage. If you’re considering undertaking a course beyond your degree, explore the Careers Further study webpages.
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