News & Events

YWCA Saskatoon’s Employment and Learning Centre remains closed for in-person programs in light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.  We will continue to provide remote services via email, telephone, and social media (Facebook).

We believe it is important to maintain your job search momentum. As such the Employment and Learning Centre will offer you daily job search advice and support that you can complete from home.

Today’s post is another post in the series….

Typically, a job interview is nearly over when the interviewer says, “Do you have any questions for us?”.  As tempting as it is, please do not tell the employer that you have no questions and rush out.  Rather use this as an opportunity close the interview and reinforce your skills and abilities.  By this I mean, do not simply ask on of the impressive questions below, but rather preface it with something you want to say about your self, for example you may wish to say, “I am a life long learner, so can you please tell me about the company’s initiatives regarding learning and development?”.  This way you are selling yourself and finding out information you may wish to know.

Here are ten impressive questions to ask an interviewer:

1. Can you describe a typical day in this type of role?
2. How long have you been at the company and what makes you stay?
3. How would you describe the work environment and corporate culture?
4. What are some of the goals for the company in the short and longer term?
5. How would my performance be measured?
6. What types of career opportunities may open up down the road for a person starting out in this type of position, assuming they perform well?
7. Where will this position be in 5 years?
8. What about my previous skills and experience interest you?
9. What qualities do the most successful employees in your company have?
10. What are some of the company’s initiatives regarding learning and development?

The questions below are perfectly reasonable, but they are not selling you.  I would not count them as impressive questions.

1. What can I expect as far as next steps?
2. Can I have your business card?
3. Can I follow up if I have any questions?

And on the topic of follow up, please do so.  Make sure you send a thank you note, supply additional information in writing or over the phone.  Hand written notes are best.

 And finally, I would recommend that you never ask these three questions in a job interview.

1. How much do I get paid?
2. Are there benefits?
3. How much holiday and/or sick time do I get?

These questions are perfectly reasonable, but please save them for the job offer.

Your Employment and Learning staff are working remotely through email or over the telephone.  Should you have any questions about resumes, job interviews, job interview questions, how to prepare, or how to answer those difficult questions, feel free to contact any of your Employment and Learning staff for support.  You can reach us at:

• (306) 986-2873 [Telephone]
• empserv@ywcasaskatoon.com [Email].

Stay motivated; stay healthy as you achieve your employment goals.