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