Asking Questions
Be prepared to ask questions of the hiring manager during the interview that are based on your research of the company and industry. Insightful and pertinent questions will demonstrate that you've done your homework and that you're serious about the position. And your questions will help both of you determine if you are the right match for the job.
Know what questions NOT to ask. Don't inquire about vacation time, benefits or your office space at the first interview. These questions are appropriate only after the hiring manager has expressed serious interest in offering you the position.
Consider asking the following questions at your next interview:
- How do you think I fit the position?
- How do you think these could best be handled?
- In what ways has this organization been most successful in terms of products and services over the years?
- What accounts for success within the company?
- What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this position, and within what time frame?
- What are some of the long-term objectives you would like to see completed?
- What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
- What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
- What are the greatest challenges in this position?
- What are the most pressing tasks in this position?
- What freedom would I have in determining my own work objectives, deadlines, and methods of measurement?
- What is the next step in the hiring process? Should I call to follow up, or will you contact me?
- What significant changes do you foresee in the near future? How is one evaluated in this position?
- What skills and qualifications are essential for success in the position of ______?
- What type of support does this position receive in terms of people, finances. etc?
- What would I be expected to accomplish in this position?
- What would you like to have done in the next 3 months?
- When do you expect the final decision to be made?
- Why is this position open?
- How often has it been filled in the past five years?
- What were the main reasons?