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Interview questions?
Mrs_P_Pincher
Posts: 538 Forumite
I have a job interview next week, for a job I don't want as it goes, but I'm going to go along for the practice as I have performed very badly in the last two interviews I have had, and I now find it difficult to get interviews anyway, either because of my age or because of my recent (last 6 years) employment history.
The bit I hate is at the end when they ask if I have any questions. I can never think of anything, so this time I want to go prepared. If it hasn't come up earlier in the interview I can ask about the structure of the department, but I don't want to bang on about hours and holidays in case they think that's all I'm interested in.
Anyone got any bright ideas?
Mrs P P
The bit I hate is at the end when they ask if I have any questions. I can never think of anything, so this time I want to go prepared. If it hasn't come up earlier in the interview I can ask about the structure of the department, but I don't want to bang on about hours and holidays in case they think that's all I'm interested in.
Anyone got any bright ideas?
Mrs P P
"Keep your dreams as clean as silver..." John Stewart (1939-2008)
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Comments
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Ask them what the opportunities of progression in this career are, and also ask about what the training programme is like.0
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What sort of job is it for as there may be job specific questions?0
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University admin job...
Mrs P P"Keep your dreams as clean as silver..." John Stewart (1939-2008)0 -
Ok, so would there be opportunities to further advance your career in this position i.e. promotion? Would you have the opportunity to do courses in further computer applications for example Access (or another if you already have this).0
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I wouldnt mention holidays or hours to be honest but then dont you want to know what the benefirts are eg holidays hours, but as you said its for a job you don't want0
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The one question I always ask at the end is why the interviewer joined the organisation :
"Can you tell me what first attracted you to this company?"0 -
The one question I always ask at the end is why the interviewer joined the organisation :
"Can you tell me what first attracted you to this company?"
This is a great question, but if you don't want to be quite so forward, a more standard version would be something like "how would you describe the culture of this organisation?". It cuts to the same issue but removes the personal touch
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DM0 -
You could - if you don't already know the answer - ask if this is a newly created position...
(Then the reason for the previous post-holder leaving usually comes out.)
Sometimes I ask if there is a dress code....
But if you really don't want the job, you could ask about holidays, flexitime and smoking breaks :rolleyes:Blonde: Unemployed: Bankrupt.
What do I know?
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What about asking about line management - reporting structure - appraisal system - specifically who you would be working for - why the previous post holder left - how many people are in the department and working relationships with in that. As the job is university admin - if there are any aspects of the role you would like in more detail ask then - these kinda questions show you are interested in the position and how your role which might mean bonus marks for you. In smaller companies I've also asked if there are any possibilities to look around so I can get a feel of the place I would be working in. In a university this probably isn't an option as it so large you could be interviewed miles from where you are working but I've thrown it in here just in case you get an interview for somewhere smaller too!Made it to mortgage free but what a muddle that became
In the event the proverbial hits the fan then co-habitees are better stashing their cash than being mortgage free !!0 -
dangermouse1981 wrote: »"how would you describe the culture of this organisation?".
Yeah, this is always a good question to ask at the end of an interview...Not much use at a uni, I guess, as it's quite obvious, but generally I find it very useful to ask about the culture in and out of the office - if there are clubs, if people go out for lunch together, that kinda thing. I think it leaves employers with the impression you're a "rounded" human being, especially when you're applying for techie roles (as I tend to)0
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