If you would like to subscribe to 1StopResume.com's newsletter, let us know and we'll send it to you, beginning with the next issue. Your address will be secure, we do not share our email lists. You may, of course, unscubscribe at any time.
If you have requests or suggestions for future Newsletter topics, please feel free to email us.
Job interviewing is a two-way street. For the candidate and the employer alike, the objective is the best hiring match possible. The questions you ask in an interview are as important as how you answer the interviewer’s questions.
Formulating a list of questions is a good practice in preparation for any job interview. Most often, candidates do not know whether they will have another chance to ask questions about a job for which they are applying, so it is a good idea to go into the interview prepared to come out with job related questions answered.
Too frequently, the job search puts candidates into a position of near desperation to take the first job that meets their most basic criteria — it pays enough to get by. Therefore, less emphasis is placed on whether it is a good long-term fit than on whether the job can be “the one.”
Besides the questions you have already formulated, below is a list of others you might want to ask at your next interview. Some of these may not be applicable to all situations, so you can begin by deciding which of these are important to you.
About the Position
Why is this position open?
How often has the position been filled in the past three years?
What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
What would you like to be done differently by the next person who fills this position?
If I were chosen for this position, what would be my top three priorities?
What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
How will you and the company evaluate / know if I am successful at this position?
About the Company
In your opinion, what products and services make this company the most successful?
Do you see any significant changes to the company in the near future?
What are the advancement opportunities for this position?
If it seems awkward to ask your question, you may consider beginning by asking, “May I ask you a few questions?” It is helpful to prioritize your questions, so that the most important ones get answered.
It is okay to have your questions written and in front of you as you ask them. Besides the questions above, you should ask specific inquiries about the company — this will show you have done your research.
Being on your toes with questions during the interview not only can help establish whether the position is the right one, it can also create a two-way dynamic that demonstrates your willingness to learn more about the company and position. Most importantly, it gives you a chance to evaluate whether you will be happy in the job.
Being well prepared and on time for the interview can go a long way in making the best impression. In addition to this month’s newsletter, you may also want to review 1StopResume.com’s previous articles on interviewing.
Preparation for the Interview
Toughest Interview QuestionsDress for Success
Dressing for Interview SuccessCasual Interview Discussions & Informal Questions
Stay Conscious and Interview FocusedKnow the Company.
Do Your HomeworkEmployment Testing & Assessments
How Do They Enhance the Interview Process?
1StopResume.com utilizes several sources to bring you revolutionary and fundamental job search wisdom. While we would like to acknowledge individually those websites, books and articles, authors, and masters, this list would be extensive. We thank these sources for their contributions.