5 Questions You Can Ask on an Interview
Every interview has three parts to it. The initial phase often begins with an open ended question like, “Tell me about yourself and what you’ve been doing professionally.” The second part is when you are asked questions or tested to evaluate relevant skills, competency.
The third part, the one which receives the least amount of attention, is one where you are asked if you have any questions for them, On a recent interview I arranged, a job hunter made the mistake of not having any questions, believing that his questions were covered in sufficient detail . . . and it cost him the job.
Here are five good basic questions you can ask to set you apart from your competition.
1. Tell me about the (job, project, position, you have in mind for me and what my role and responsibilities will be when I come on board. This question accomplishes several things. It allows you to hear the specifics of the job directly from your potential employer. It speaks to your job responsibilities. It alsop gives them the idea that you are interested in the job by using the phrase, “when I come on board,” as opposed to “if I come on board.”
2. Would you please give me an idea of your priorities and my deliverables after I start? You need to know if they will crush you with a tough schedule or if it is reasonable?
3. Was there someone else in this job before me? If so, how long were they here and why did they leave?
4. What is your management style? What kind of people tend to thrive under your leadership?
5. How long have you been with the firm? Why do you continue to remain with it?
Asking solid questions will go a long way toward clearing up misconception you might have and creating a positive impression in your employer’s mind.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Concepts in Staffing
jeffaltman@cisny.com
© 2006 all rights reserved
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm. He has successfully assisted many corporations identify leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines as employees or consultants since 1971. He is a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.
For additional job hunting or hiring tips, go to http://www.jeffaltman.com While you’re there, sign up to receive a daily digest of jobs emailed to you as we learn of them and my free job searchzine, Head Hunt Your Next Job.
If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com.
