Inquiring about a work life balance during your job interview can give you an idea of how close the company comes to embracing your life and career demands. But if you’re going to ask, it has to be done in a way that shows interest in the company without seeming like you’re trying to find out who they are. Here’s how to do it effectively:
1. Research the Company First
Learn about the company’s culture, in case you haven’t been there before.
Google reviews but also check out on glassdoor or linkedin. Check out what employee or consumers have to say about your company over the website or social networking sites. Learn what are the norms in your industry regarding the hours people work and the need for flexibility. It ensures that your questions are relevant, and they are informed.
2. Choose the Right Timing
At the end of the interview, when you’ve already covered the conversation around your qualifications and interest in the role, is the best time to ask about work life balance. It’s better not to ask too early, for it could give the impression you’re putting your personal needs ahead of professional contributions. Then wait for the interviewer to ask if you have any questions about the role or company.
3. Sources should be used with Professional and Positive Framing.
Rather than just asking, ‘What’s the work life balance like here?’ Instead, try phrasing your question to focus on generally productivity, company culture, teamwork etc because it will be clear for these guys that you are genuinely interested.
4. Example Questions to Ask
Here are some examples of how to inquire tactfully:
General Work-Life Balance
“Could you walk me through how the company ensures employees get to keep a healthy work life balance?”
“What is a typical work week for someone in this role?”
“When employees approach this in a hyper responsible manner, how does the company ensure they have space to recharge and avoid burnout?”
Flexibility
“Is there flexibility for the scheduling or being able to work remotely in this job?”
“We wondered, how does the team feel about working with someone who has very intense personal commitments that sometimes conflict with work commitments?”
Culture and Expectations
“Let’s say for a minute that deadlines are a thing for the company — what’s the company culture around keeping the deadlines balanced with my life?”
“Is there something the company does to guarantee work life balance?”
Realistic Expectations
“Would this role expect any availability for work after business hours?”
“How do you manage peak busy periods and support your employees through those?”.
5. Observe Non-Verbal Cues
Respond as you would to any question of this type, while also paying attention to the tone and body language of the interviewer, such as whether or not they’re nodding or smiling, and adjust your response accordingly. If people hesitate or speak vaguely [about] work life, that might be indicative of a less supportive work life culture.
6. Follow Up if Necessary
If the interviewer provides a general or vague answer, you can ask a follow-up question for clarification:
“Could you please give an instance where the company supported an employee move the burden of work responsibilities in between his or her personal commitments?”
7. Gauge from Other Indicators
Work-life balance can also be inferred indirectly:
Ask About Team Dynamics: “What methods does the team use to collaboratively control workloads?”
Inquire About Employee Longevity: “Employees typically say they enjoy most about working here.”
As such, if you ask these questions in passing, you will be able to find out if working at this company is aligned with your values in terms of company culture without bringing up work-life balance in the first place.
8. Avoid Red Flags
Be cautious of answers that:
They focus very much on long hours as a badge of honor. It suggests the company does not seem to have clear policy regarding the use of personal time. Offer vague or overly optimistic assurances without examples.
Final Thoughts
When talking about work life balance in an interview, you want to be curious, but you also want to be professional. By asking these questions in a thoughtful way, you will learn a lot about the company’s culture and as you hold them, you will demonstrate that you have real interest in bringing something to the table and yet will be able to maintain your personal well-being.
If you want me to write a detailed article on a specific topic, or need to have further information, please reach out to me through Contact form. Thank you!
