What questions should I ask in an interview?

heretolearn_2 · 2 September 2010 at 2:18PM

'Ask them if, after meeting you and seeing your qualifications, they have any concerns that you could do a very good job for them.'

I second that one! It gives you a chance to go over anything they might be thinking is a problem.

bendix · 2 September 2010 at 3:18PM

LondonDiva wrote: »

Ask what in six months time you could use as a benchmark to know if you were on the right track.

yeap, I always use that. I phrase it something like this:

"Ok, so let's assume you offer me the role and I accept, what - for you - does success look like from this appointment in one and two years time?"

Another goodie:

"So you've had a good look at me while I've been here and I think I've explained why I think you should appoint me. Let's turn it around. Why do you think I should join your organisation?"

bendix · 2 September 2010 at 3:33PM

Chuzzle wrote: »

I emailed them this morning to say that they had covered all the questions i could think of except what the working hours would be. I also explained that although I had mentioned i didn't have a car I would be using the train to commute as I had already looked into that.

Bendix - I shall remember your question for future interviews...although I hope there won't be any as I'd like this job!

I think you've got to be careful not to be too defensive. Your questions are all about potential problems for them. ALWAYS think about how they will perceive a question, and rememember they don't know you from Adam.

For example:

"What are the hours" could easily be seen as a sign that you are a clock-watcher, keen to work just the hours and down tools when five oclock comes, leaving projects unfinished.

Commenting on your transport issues could be perceived as none of their concern. Worse, it could signal to them - even before you start - that you might have problems getting to work, signally lots of time off.

Not saying that's the case - just saying that such things are a minefield.

heretolearn_2 · 2 September 2010 at 3:58PM

"So you've had a good look at me while I've been here and I think I've explained why I think you should appoint me. Let's turn it around. Why do you think I should join your organisation?"

This just sounds dead cocky to me, I wouldn't like it if someone said that.

bendix · 2 September 2010 at 5:03PM

heretolearn wrote: »

"So you've had a good look at me while I've been here and I think I've explained why I think you should appoint me. Let's turn it around. Why do you think I should join your organisation?"

This just sounds dead cocky to me, I wouldn't like it if someone said that.

Why? An interview is a two way process, and the firm doing the hiring is also selling the business to prospective employees.

I interview dozens of people a year. I am always acutely aware that it's my job to make the company and role seem as attractive as possible to very smart people who have numerous choices of where to work.

If you go into an interview like a cowering dog, you're going to get whipped.

Slinky · 2 September 2010 at 5:44PM

You could ask about opportunties for training and progression if it's appropriate.

heretolearn_2 · 2 September 2010 at 6:06PM

'Why do you think I should join your organisation?" '

There's nothing wrong in wanting to know what the company has to offer, but I really wouldn't phrase it that way as it sounds very arrogant due to the 'why do you think', which is a turn of phrase often used in an aggressive way. Often it's not what you ask, but how you ask it.

I wouldn't mind something like 'What can your company offer to me regarding training/advancement/CPD/pension/healthcare/free breakfasts/whatever floats your boat?'

ecsb · 2 September 2010 at 9:36PM

at my last interview no one asked me did i have any ques, so i asked cud i ask one ques....................did i answer badly any q's and if so could i have it repeated. i was told no q's so all have same chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mmmmmobile · 3 September 2010 at 8:22AM

May be by questioning these question, some employer wanted to know, whats going on in a candidate mind, even though if you answer all the question perfectly, they wanted to know whether you have the ability of a perfect answerer. They may ask you off topic questions too. be prepared.

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heretolearn_2 · 3 September 2010 at 9:00AM

I think it makes a good impression to ask something. There's always some little thing you can ask about, or for clarification of something they said earlier, or just a stock question. Some good questions I've been asked have been along the lines of 'what is the aim of the company's 1/3/5 year plan and how does this role fit into that?' or 'Does the company do any charity/volunteer activity?'. Makes you sound keen :-)

Just don't shoot yourself in the foot by asking about something that they will see as a negative. I was once asked 'Is there a limit on the amount of sick leave people can take?' which of course made me think this person is going to be off sick a lot!

What questions should I ask in an interview?

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