Interview questions

fuzzball172

Dont ask about training directly, but do ask about in house professional development. Find out if they are part of the 'investors in people' scheme, this will indicate that they take training seriously.
When I was in the position to do interviews, I was always impressed by people who could be bothered to find out a little bit about our company. I don't mean the whole history, but to at least know what we did, where we sold our product, major customers... that kind of info. I think it shows initative. Ask about the team maybe, who will you be working with. Ask if it might be possible for a look round, get a look at the working environment.

Best tip I can offer is think before you answer, lots of erms can be off putting.

DCFC79

jackomdj wrote: »

Write your questions down in a nice notebook & refer to them if you need to. A prospective employer would not be put off by you refering to some things you have thought about asking before the interview.

As it is IT depending on what you will be doing it may be worth asking if there are any bespoke systems that you will need to be responsible for/have input with. If they do not cover it ask what systems/programmes they use & it they have anything new coming onboard in the future.

would using a notebook show you dont have a good memory, the 1 job i really want more than the other is for an IT support worker and the other interview is for a field engineer,

just to add yes is im doing the research now in terms of what they do and what type of businesses they have supplied

Anihilator

jadziad wrote: »

Think of how previous jobs have handled things badly. Use them as examples [without naming companies] and ask whether they would have the same problems, while at the same time suggesting how you would do them.

Or ask in-depth questions related to comments you've heard about them on their site or comments in peoples' blogs etc.

Yes good idea. Out yourself as someone who has lots of problems and trouble.

That wont be off putting.

pineapple

Well I've got an interview coming up

APPLICATION PROCESS
Timescale for notification
Have they taken references yet?
Start date if successful (they have to do a health/CRB check)

JOB
This is a new joint health/council project so...
Line management
Work base
How it ties in with various other services
Referral sources
Monitoring/evaluation of the project and targets
Possibility of extension to fixed term.

Sometimes I ask about training - though after reading the above advice, I'll be changing that to 'professional development'!
Parking even - if it's a problem in the area
Sometimes I do a little digging to find out what happened with the previous post holder if applicable. You can't ask direct but there are ways and means...

My experience is they don't mind you referring to notes. I think it shows you have given it some thought.
Just not a huge list, as you can see them inwardly groan!

ollyshaw

Anihilator wrote: »

Yes good idea. Out yourself as someone who has lots of problems and trouble.

That wont be off putting.

Agreed; bringing up problems you have had at work will make you sound like trouble at worst, negative at best.

There are lots of good ideas on this thread. Personally I would see questions as offering two opportunities:

*Finding out what you can to ensure you'll be happy there
*Showing the employer that you are keen and have thought about this job in particular and are not just chasing any job going.

Olly

jackomdj

DCFC79 wrote: »

would using a notebook show you dont have a good memory, the 1 job i really want more than the other is for an IT support worker and the other interview is for a field engineer,

just to add yes is im doing the research now in terms of what they do and what type of businesses they have supplied

No, it would show you don't want to forget anything whilst in the interview situation! Try to remember some of your questions but be confident to refer if necessary.

Try to be relaxed in the interview, think about body posture etc.

Also if you have RELEVANT skills that they haven't spoken about during the interview bring these up at the questions point. ie "We have not spoken about xyz & I thought it would be worth you knowing that ......"

Good luck & keep us updated