Copyright © 2006 Carole Martin
The Interview Coach
http://www.interviewcoach.com/
At some point, usually at the conclusion of the
interview, you
may be asked, "Do you have any questions?" A common
answer to
this question is, "No, I think you've covered everything
very
well." This is the wrong answer! You have passed up your
opportunity to ask some critical questions that may make a
difference as to whether you want to work for this company.
Here are some rules and basic questions to consider
asking when
asked if you have questions:
Rule #1 - Ask questions. This is a critical time
for you to find
out insider information about the company or position.
Rule #2 - Formulate your questions based on information
you hear
during the interview. Paying attention to clues and listening
are
the keys to asking intelligent questions.
Rule #3 – Bring a list of potential questions
to ask, at least
four or five, as a back up.
Q#1 - You've been discussing your system, could
you tell me what
has been tried in the past to deal with the problem? (Listen
carefully to the answer given as this may be your chance to
inform the interviewer of our past experience with the same type
of problem.)
Q#2 - There are a lot of companies laying off
right now. How has
this company been able to maintain the workforce and continue
to
hire new employees? (You've done your research and know some of
the reasons, but are interested in the insider point of view.)
Q#3 - Could you tell me about the way the job
has been performed
in the past? And, what improvements you'd like to see happen?
(This is an opportunity to convince the interviewer that you have
what he/she is looking for by giving a specific, similar past
experience story.)
Q#4 – How would you describe the culture
or spirit in this
company? (One of the interviewer's concerns is whether you will
fit into the company culture. You need more information to see
if
this would be a good environment and fit for you.)
Q#5 – What are the challenges I would face
in this position over
the next three months? (Your first 90 days on the job is a
critical time for any new hire. You need to know what will be
expected of you as you start your learning curve.)
Q#6 – When I responded to your question
regarding my past
experience handling stress, you commented that you have your
share of that here. Could you tell me more about the stress level
here? (Clues are given and problems alluded to during the
interview – listen carefully and turn up your intuitive.
Ask
questions if you need clarification.
Q#7 – May I ask what your background with
the company is?
(There's a big difference between showing an interest in someone
and grilling them. Interviewers don't like being cross-examined.
Ask friendly questions and be alert to clues regarding this
person's satisfaction with the company.)
Q#8 – How would you describe your management
style and
interaction with your staff? (You may need to read between the
lines here. Make sure this manager's communication and style fit
with your ideas and values.)
Q#9 – Ideally, what qualities will it take
to get this job done?
(This is a chance for you to sell yourself, and tell once more
why you are such an excellent fit for the position – the
added-value you would bring to the company.)
Q#10 – I am very interested in pursuing
this job further. What is
the next step in the hiring process? (It is best to find out what
the hiring plan is so that you will know the sense of urgency
and
how to follow up.)
The types of questions you ask will be determined
by the
conversation and types of questions asked of you during the
interview. Pay attention to the interviewer's body language to
determine how many questions to ask – relaxed and willing
to
talk, or in a hurry and running late? Lastly, make sure your
questions are succinct and to the point, demonstrating your
knowledge and interest.
