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