| On a job interview, you know how to answer | | | | you prefer a more relaxed and supportive |
| the interviewer's questions, but what | | | | environment? Look for clues in the answers |
| questions should you be asking your | | | | here. |
| prospective employer to appear interested and | | | | |
| knowledgeable? | | | | What do you like best about working here? |
| | | | |
| You've worked hard to get an interview, and | | | | Use the responses as a great tool to compare |
| now it feels like everything is on the line. | | | | contrast their answers and your experience to |
| What's the best approach to ensure a great | | | | determine what rings true for you. Don't buy |
| interview? Based on my experience working | | | | the hype - ask follow-up questions too. |
| with professionals with varied backgrounds | | | | |
| and experience, I'd have to stay that | | | | What changes do you anticipate in the next |
| figuring out what to ask on the interview is | | | | year or so? |
| where many people get stuck. They know they | | | | |
| should ask something, but what? During most | | | | Is there a merger in the future, or changes |
| (if not all) interviews, you will be asked | | | | in the industry? Are there other significant |
| "Do you have any questions?" and I say | | | | management shifts in store? Be on the lookout |
| respond with a confident "Absolutely!" | | | | for opportunities and red flags. "Know |
| | | | thyself" too -- if you're not one who enjoys |
| Smart candidates know that they are also | | | | change, you might not to work for a company |
| interviewing the company to figure out | | | | that's undergoing significant reorganization. |
| whether it's going to be a good move for them | | | | |
| too. I hate hearing from clients "If I had | | | | What would you like to be able to say about |
| known "X," I would never have taken the job." | | | | this position one year from now? |
| Do your homework up front and you'll lessen | | | | |
| the risk of making a poor decision. | | | | This might reveal their true expectations, |
| | | | good and bad. What are the top five |
| I'm assuming you've done your | | | | challenges/opportunities that you see this |
| pre-interviewing homework: researching the | | | | position facing during the first year? How |
| company's strategic direction, vision | | | | does their answer fit with what else they've |
| mission, latest press/public relations | | | | shared? Do you get the sense that there |
| articles, and preparing killer, highly | | | | might be unrealistic expectations? Or, if |
| illustrative answers to the common interview | | | | it's a new position, is it being created to |
| questions. Now you're ready to ask some | | | | solve a particular problem? Ask follow-up |
| compelling questions of your own. | | | | questions here. |
| | | | |
| Here are some of my favorite questions that | | | | What is the typical career path of this |
| have come out of my years of coaching | | | | position? |
| professionals through the interview process: | | | | |
| | | | In other words, where do people go when they |
| In your experience, what do you feel makes | | | | move on or leave? Look for clues as to |
| someone successful in this position? | | | | opportunities for advancement, or if this |
| | | | would be an opportunity to gain experience to |
| Especially if you've found out that the last | | | | meet a long-term career goal. |
| person in the position only lasted a short | | | | |
| time or was promoted -- this will tell you a | | | | How will the hiring decision be made? |
| lot about management styles and the | | | | |
| organization's culture. | | | | Don't be afraid to ask! This should help you |
| | | | gauge the timeline as well as get a glimpse |
| Can you describe your management style? | | | | into the process they use to make decisions |
| | | | -- e.g. by consensus or by committee. |
| Ask your potential colleagues to describe the | | | | |
| management style of your new boss too. What | | | | Above all, listen carefully to the answers. |
| kinds of people seem to succeed at this | | | | Jot down key words or phrases. Ask follow-up |
| company or in this department? Do you like | | | | questions that flow and make sense. |
| working with driven, ambitious people, or do | | | | |