This is your opportunity to INTERVIEW the INTERVIEWER.
Very often at the conclusion of the interview the interviewer will ask “do you have any questions?” The majority of candidates answer this question with a “no.” Wrong answer! Don’t you want to know something about this company – the interviewer – the opportunity?
Prepare 4 or 5 questions to ask. The best questions come, however, as a result of the questions “they” asked you. Be sure to listen carefully during the interview and pick up clues about the position from the interviewer.
As an example, if you have been asked about working in a “fast paced environment” during the interview, you may want to question: “what makes this environment hectic? – Quantity or quality?” Find out what the issues are? Is this place inefficient or in demand?
- What are this organization’s challenges, problems, opportunities?
- Is there a five-year plan in place?
- What do you see as the future challenges in this industry?
- What changes do you predict for this company in the future?
- Does this position have a job description? May I have a copy?
- What is morale like on a scale of 1 to 10?
- Why is this position open – new or someone left? If they left – why?
- What are the key skills/qualities necessary to succeed in this job? (opportunity for you to let them know you have those skills/qualities)
- What is your management style? (If being interviewed by future supervisor)
- How would you describe the company culture?
- If I asked an employee “what is the best thing about working for this company what would he or she say?”
- How could the new person make your life easier?
- What would be a typical career path for a person in this position?
- How do you evaluate excellence? How often?
- What type of training programs do you offer new employees/employees?
- What is the next step in the hiring decision?
- How soon would you want the person to start?
- What types of information/communications systems are in place?
Think about what is important to you in a job? Advancement, challenge, fun, life balance? Remember that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. The key is FIT!
