ALT-4 Questions Job Seekers should ask during a Job Interview
Before you hop into that interview, consult your best friend...in this case, I mean the Internet.
If you are applying for a job that is listed with Monster, Salary.com, etc, very often a job description is available. However, when you are contacted about an interview, ask if you can be emailed a job description, as it might be different or more flushed out if it comes directly from the person hiring you.
Then, research the company on-line and learn as much about the department into which you are applying as possible. Take notes, and find out who is the CEO, how long is their tenure, what is the structure of the company and how does your position fit into the organization chart? You might not be able to find this information out on-line, but if you can come in with some knowledge and show that you care enough about the job to have done some homework, you have a leg up over much of the competition.
Here's where to find company info:
• Company website• Google them and see what comes up• Blogs can be gold, check for ones on the company, competition, and rumors of reorganization
Don't wait until the end to ask your questions, however, don't start with a bombardment either. After brief niceties, I usually ask them to describe the culture of their company. I believe a proper mix of culture and skill set is needed on both ends to make a good job marriage. Most interviewers like to discuss this and will jump into describing why it's a different and good place to work. They will probably ask you to describe yourself then, and this is a good time to integrate your listening skills into your answer, if this is the kind of culture you are seeking.
If the job description is unclear, ask early on what the duties and responsibilities are for the position. This will help you to focus your answers when they ask you about your work history. I often ask them what type of qualities their ideal candidate would bring to this position, if it were clear that they have read my resume. I always email one first ahead of time and then bring a hard copy in a folder for their reference. Believe me, you will know if they have looked at it or not.
I ask how long they have been with the company, and where in the organization chart the department lies, if this is not intuitive. I also want to know how long the CEO or President has been with the company. Have there been any cut backs in staff lately? Are there any merger and acquisitions on the horizon? All of these questions relate to job security once you land the job.
I also ask what challenges they think the company faces currently? Their answer allows me to pull out an anecdote from my work past and how I've handled or helped a company handle change or a challenge. This can also lead to asking about advancement or promotional opportunities within the firm.
Never discuss money during the first interview. At least, don't be the one to initiate it. If you are asked, I often ask them what kind of range they were thinking. They tell me and I pause, and tell them that the higher end was more what I was looking for, but everything is negotiable. What I do expect is for them to make a fair offer relative to my experience and skill set and the marketplace.
Following are some less conventional questions, but ones that can have quite a good impact:
• What do you think my strengths are for the position?• What would you constitute outstanding performance in my first six months?• How would my performance be measured?• How do I compare with other candidates?• Ask if they have any reservations in hiring you? (Then you can refute them)• Ask where they are in the hiring process.
If they like you, they will let you know that you can expect to hear from them within a certain time period. Follow up immediately with a thank you email or better still a handwritten note.
Good luck and may many offers come your way!
