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