ALT-5 Questions Job Seekers should ask during a Job Interview
Being prepared for a job interview requires more than showing up early and dressing nicely. If you want to ace your next interview, you need to know your ABCs- Assignments, Background, and Culture.
ASSIGNMENTS
Read the job description very carefully before you go. Highlight any areas of confusion, vague statements, and items that play on your strengths. On an index card, write down two or three questions you have about the job specifically. For example, "I notice the job description says this job will involve creating connections at other companies. Is the expectation that I would be cold-calling? Taking contacts to lunch? Making presentations to their management team?" By asking detailed and expansive questions you are showing that you have given a lot of thought to the job at hand, and take the interview seriously.
BACKGROUND
Try and understand the background of the position. Why is the position open right now? Are you replacing someone or is the team in a growth cycle? Where is the company going, and how does your position fit in with the company's mission? How has the company changed and grown over time? It is really imperative that you read up on the company, and check out their Web site, so you can understand the background and ask detailed and knowledge-based questions. Knowing the background of the company shows you are thorough, invested, and come prepared.
CULTURE
Even the best job for the brightest person will bomb if the fit between culture and individual is wrong. Know who you are and what environment works for you. Are you a 9-5, working just to make money to pursue other projects kind of person? Or do you consider your colleagues an extension of your social circle? Do you thrive in boisterous and open environments, or are you best in a lower-stimulation cubicle environment? Asking questions about the corporate culture and team dynamics help you evaluate the company beyond the salary. These questions also show you are a team player and interested in fitting in. Managers like this because it shows dedication, and promotes team harmony.
There is no set of "right" questions to ask, formulaic questions sound rehearsed and don't help either side really learn about one another. There are wrong questions though- never ask about salary, benefits, or vacation days until at least the second interview. To do otherwise is tacky.
If you know your position, understand the company's background, and are savvy about office dynamics, you will undoubtedly be able to have several great questions in mind for your interview. Good luck! Now go get that job!
