Questions You Should Ask During The Job Interview

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