What questions to ask at interview for in-house position? Forum

[paperrev]

Hello. I was invited to interview for an in-house position at a tech company on Monday. Given that it is my first time interviewing for in-house positions, I'm not quite sure what questions I should be asking the interviewer. One thing I would definitely like to ask is pay-scale and how salary would increase over the years, but I'm not even sure if that's appropriate for the first round of interviews. Would that be something I can ask at this stage? Also, other than that, are there any questions that I SHOULD probably ask for in-house or issues that I might want to consider?

[TigerIsBack]

Hello. I was invited to interview for an in-house position at a tech company on Monday. Given that it is my first time interviewing for in-house positions, I'm not quite sure what questions I should be asking the interviewer. One thing I would definitely like to ask is pay-scale and how salary would increase over the years, but I'm not even sure if that's appropriate for the first round of interviews. Would that be something I can ask at this stage? Also, other than that, are there any questions that I SHOULD probably ask for in-house or issues that I might want to consider?

Definitely do not ask about the pay in the first stage. That's probably a better question down the road for their internal recruiter, assuming they have one, or my advice would be to wait until you have an offer in hand to discuss/negotiate comp.

If it's FAANG, people on here can probably give you a general sense of expected comp, but anywhere else be ready for a substantial pay cut, especially on the cash front.

[paperrev]

It's not FAANG, which is why I'm more curious to know what the payscale is and find out more how salary raises over the years. I can certainly ask that later on. Are there any other questions that I should consider asking? I am more curious about minute, practical, day-to-day details to be honest, such as whether I'll be getting my own office, etc., but I'm not sure whether that's an appropriate question to ask.

[kaiser]

Hello. I was invited to interview for an in-house position at a tech company on Monday. Given that it is my first time interviewing for in-house positions, I'm not quite sure what questions I should be asking the interviewer. One thing I would definitely like to ask is pay-scale and how salary would increase over the years, but I'm not even sure if that's appropriate for the first round of interviews. Would that be something I can ask at this stage? Also, other than that, are there any questions that I SHOULD probably ask for in-house or issues that I might want to consider?

Make sure to take some time to really think over why you want to go in-house. Because all of your questions should be tailored in a way that illustrates that you have thoughtfully considered that key question. Remember that, when you are asked at an interview whether you have any questions, its not solely to inform yourself. Yes, learning more is a key part, but an important piece is for the employer to gauge what kind of research you have done and whether you have thoughtfully considered why in-house is the best route for you. If salary or offices are your primary questions, then you wouldn't be accomplishing that goal. Not to say those aren't important, genuine questions that should be discussed at some point. But I certainly wouldn't lead with those during a 1st interview.

A good question to ask is what kind of relationship the legal department has with other departments and how they interact (allows you to discuss your desire to work collaboratively toward business goals). Another good question is asking what kinds of issues and concerns the legal department is currently facing (allows you to express enthusiasm for the work they actually do, and possibly even tie it directly to your prior work experience). And questions about company culture, and why the interviewer continues to work there is always a good question to ask.

[Elston Gunn]

The post above has some good advice. If your interviewer worked at a law firm previously, you can also ask them about what they had to learn to do differently when they moved in house (shows you understand you’ll have to change your mindset and grow in a different role). What’s your typical day is always a fine filler question if you’re stumped.

As others have said, the basic QoL questions you’re highlighting are really ones either the in-house recruiter should tell you or you can ask post-offer. Do not ask them during your substantive interviews with potential future team members. This goes for asking about hours too imo, though others disagree. I personally don’t have any illusions that people moving in house want to work less, but I’ve seen others take it as a red flag.

Obviously people care about that QoL stuff a lot, with good reason, but it just doesn’t come off well in an interview.