Blog Viewer

Interviews make most of us very nervous, because we know we're being evaluated.  We have to be take steps to ensure we're putting our best foot forward in every aspect of the job search.  Be sure you start by writing a great cover letter, then perfect your resume or curriculum vitae.  Next,  select the perfect suit to wear, ensure your hair and make-up are on the conservative side, arrive early, and have some great examples ready for the typical interview questions.  Then comes what is for some, the hardest question of all, when the interviewer asks if you have any questions for them.  Most know not to ask what the salary range is for the position, or how many weeks vacation does this position include, but what should you ask?

You'll want to make sure you have at least 4-5 questions ready.  Ask three questions, but be sure not to ask something that was already covered in the interview.  Your questions should demonstrate you are interested in the company, and whether they're a good fit for you, as well as allow you the opportunity to ensure there are no reservations about you.

1.  Consider asking the hiring manager What do you like most about working for the company.  This will help you get a feel for the interviewer's personality, and some great insight on the company.
2. Ask about the management style: How would my new manager's current employees describe his or her management style?  If you know you don't work well in an environment where you're micromanaged, this may help you decide whether you will succeed in the new position.  
3. What are the next steps in the hiring process?  or Can you tell me about the steps involved before an offer can be made for this position. This can help you to determine the timeframe for their hiring process. 
4. Tell me about the challenges associated with this position, or with working for Company X.  Know what you're heading into, there's noting quite like getting a new position just to have to start the process all over because you're miserable, it also helps you overcome those challenges.  
5. How will my success be measured? This will let you know what the expectations are, and lets them know you are interested in being successful.  
6. Can you describe some recent or anticipated opportunities to improve business processes, such as you did in a previous position. (give an example of a project you worked on before, try to make it specific to the role being interviewed for).  Depending on the type of position you are seeking, develop a question that lets the employer know you're the person to help transform the organization. 
7. When your staff comes to you with issues or conflicts, how do you handle the issue? Knowing how a manager or the company deals with tension gives you a better awareness of the overall guidance of management.  When you ask about conflict resolution it clearly demonstrates that you know dealing with disagreements in a professional manner is essential to the company's growth and success.
8. How do you ensure your employees professional growth?  Show them you'll work hard to develop and grow right along with the company and you're thinking long-term success.
9. Can you tell me how the company demonstrates its core values, and give me an example of an area you're working to improve.  This is a great way to learn about the level of honesty they're willing to demonstrate, their shortcomings, and gives you the advantage of being able to demonstrate you want to understand more about the company before you join it.