Not only can you ask about special perks the company may offer, but you also want to ask specific questions about the opportunity you are considering. You’re not in the interview to beg for a job, but to see if this is the kind of place you want to connected to.
And in today’s marketplace, it’s not enough to competently answer the interviewer’s questions. You would be well advised to have prepared 4 to 5 questions to ask when given the opportunity. People who ask questions appear brighter, more interested, and more knowledgeable.
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
1. What would a typical day’s assignments look like?
2. What is the typical career path in this position? What is a realistic timeframe for advancement?
3. Where are the opportunities for greatest growth within the company?
4. What criteria are used to evaluate and promote employees here?
5. What kind of ongoing professional development programs are available to help me continue to grow?
6. Whom would I report to in this position? What can you tell me about that person’s management style?
7. How would you describe the company’s culture (personality, environment)?
8. What is the company’s mission statement? What are the company’s goals?
9. What are the skills and attributes most needed to advance in this company?
10. What has been the growth pattern of this company over the last 5 years?
11. What do you see as upcoming changes in this industry?
12. Is this a new position, or would I be replacing someone?
13. What qualities are you looking for in the right person for this position?
14. Is there a written job description? May I see it?
15. How many people are in this department?
16. How do you see me complementing the existing group?
17. What do you enjoy about working for this company?
Candidates who are prepared with these questions are indeed seen as brighter and more desirable. Asking questions may be one little thing that tips the balance in your favor – the one thing that makes you memorable in a long list of applicants for the position.
What additional question do you wish you had asked where you are now?
Great post. Have a happy birthday, Dan!
Dereck – thanks so much!
wanted to wish you a belated Happy Happy Birthday Dan May you celebrate many many more
Happy Birthday Dan!
Thanks Kimanzi! I’m in Atlanta with our buddy Kent Julian tonight.
I guess I am saying LATE Happy Birthday Dan!
Great list of questions! These questions are perhaps more important than the what they ask you. After all, you are looking to invest a significant amount of time and mental energy working with someone else. It is not just a job, it becomes your life.
Dale,
Thanks – I got more than my share of birthday wishes as someone let the cat out of the bag at an event where I was speaking.
Happy belated birthday Dan!
Someone once said to me, “remember you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you.” That has helped me to formulate thoughtful questions and manage the stress of interviewing. I find the more I’m able to do that the better perspective I can have during what is usually a stressful process all the way around. Additionally, I have learned to ask, “How does the company keep morale up so employees are energized to do their best work and enjoy the process?” and, “How would you describe the climate here?” (I.e. Team mentality, cohesive, supportive vs. critical, infighting, dramatic, etc.) I’ve discovered culture and climate play a huge part in job satisfaction for me.
Erin Robison 🙂
Erin,
Those are great questions to add to the list. When you’re interviewing you’ve certainly earned the right to “interview” the company and ask those insightful questions.
This is a great point. When I was in charge of hiring teachers at my former job, I was always more impressed with candidates who asked questions rather than the ones who simply shrugged their shoulders when I asked, “Do you have any questions for me?” Asking questions lets me know that someone actually cares about the outcome.
Jevonnah,
Seems like such an obvious point. But so many people miss those little “obvious” details that tip the scale in their favor.
I agree completely on asking questions. Remember not to ask those with obvious answers. Do your research first and ask directed open ended questions as much as you can, as you get the specific information you want with direct questions. Assuming that you are looking for a fit for you, a place to grow and be abundantly fruitful; focus on culture. The perks a company offers, the means they evaluate (judge) you and your performance, order of the work place, guarded people or open relaxed people are all excellent clues to the over all culture of any organization.
Although interviews are often conducted away from the actual work environment and those you will work with, try to see, hear and meet others as much as possible. Ask to meet, speak, Skype with your imeadiate supervisor (maybe at a more convenient, arranged time). Do you like this person, how do they treat you. Don’t fall for lip service, read the people.
Once at the end of an interview, I was asked “Do you anything to add to our discussion”. I laid it on the table, the thing that had bugged me the most in past positions. I started with my actions in a given situation (positive, responsible, decisive, assertive, focus on the companies interest without violating my principles) and finished with describing the response I expected (yes, I used that word “expected) from the company. As soon as a finished, the interviewer (who would be my direct boss) picked up the phone and arranged lunch for us with the CFO and President of this smallish technical sales office for a sizable, global,automotive supplier.
The lunch was to see who I was and if I would fit with them. They also offered candid information on the unwritten rules. I received an offer the next morning, which I countered and they accepted by end of business that day.
As I performed fro them with integrity and honesty, they rewarded me with personalized perks. The big office, as the newest member of the team. They paid for my personal weekends add to business trips abroad.
Focus on their culture and your positive offerings to it. Don’t be afraid of the “weakness” question, know yourself, be honest and show how it could benefit them or how you can strengthen it within their organization.