Interview considerations and questions new graduates should ask

Graduation is done, boards are complete, the resume has been written, reviewed, and submitted ... all that’s left to do is interview and start the career of your dreams! When determining what you are looking for within your career, the interviewing process may feel a little overwhelming. You want to make sure that you are getting a financially rewarding offer that aligns with you and supports you as a new graduate. How can this be achieved? Here are some important considerations to make and three interview questions that you should consider asking your potential employer before you accept the offer.  

What do you want to do?

As you are job searching, it’s important to first consider your future working environment and how it aligns with you as a provider. Consider what your interests and area of focus are. Do you want to be in an environment that focuses on prevention or cosmetics? Do you have a strong interest in periodontics or pediatrics? 

We all have different areas of expertise, and fortunately there are many options to learn and explore what you like as a provider. After determining your interests and focus,  consider your core values—aka the personal ethics that help guide your decision-making process. They can be different for everyone but commonly include integrity, accountability, and innovation.¹

Determining your values and how they align with your future employers is crucial because misalignment can lead to stress and burnout. When stress is experienced long-term, it becomes chronic and keeps us in a constant state of fight or flight, which can lead to health issues and other concerns.² 

Chronic stress on the job may also trigger burnout—or misaligned burnout, which results from working in an environment that repeatedly contradicts our core values and personal ethics.³ So be sure you are setting yourself and your future career up for success by making these considerations.  

Asking the right questions 

When you start the interviewing you will want to ask questions that help you determine if the position is the correct fit for you. This often means interviewing your potential employer by asking questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” answer. Here are some of my personal go-to questions. 

Question 1: What does success look like in this position? 

This question will help you determine if you and your potential employer are aligned with your values and philosophies. It will help you get an idea of where the office places value or treatment focus. For example, does a successful hygienist have healthy patients that value education, time, and quality care? Or does a successful hygienist meet production goals?  

Question 2: How does the office support new graduates like myself? 

This question can help you gauge how you will feel during your transition into your professional career. Will there be a point of contact for you, someone you can go to with questions, guidance, and mentorship? Will your schedule times be adjusted to give you the time you need to hone your skills? 

Question 3: Are there opportunities for advancement within this role? 

If you are someone who wants to pursue leadership, or broaden your education and skills through continuing education or networking at conferences, then asking this question will help you determine if individual growth is supported and encouraged.  

You’ve done the work and you’ve earned your spot. It’s time to make sure that you set yourself up for success and protect the career that you worked hard for. Your future self will thank you for it.  

References: 

1. Understanding core work values. Walden Univerisity. https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/resource/understanding-core-work-values  

2. Stress. Cleveland Clinic. Medically reviewed May 15, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11874-stress   

3. What is misalignment burnout? The hidden exhaustion that rest can’t fix. CultiVitae. July 31, 2025. https://www.cultivitae.com/signs-of-job-burnout/what-is-misalignment-burnout/