Questions for the interviewer
You should see the interview as a two way
process with requirements needing to be fulfilled on both sides. It is
therefore legitimate that you have your own questions, some of which you
may gain answers to during the course of the main part of the interview,
whilst others you may have to wait until towards the end.
Good research and preparation will give
you some clues as to what questions ought to be asked and how to flesh
out and even verify information you have already obtained.
Here are some ideas for questions you
may wish to raise:
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Why does the vacancy exist? Why is a
new appointment being created – can you be sure it is long-term? Why
did the previous person leave? |
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Who will you be working for, can you
meet them, what are their most significant achievements? |
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Ask about the
Company’s culture. |
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Ask about the history and
development of the area that you will be working in. |
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As about members of your “team” and
their strengths (never weaknesses, as this implies criticism). |
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Seek details of the Company’s
targets and programme and overall mission. |
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What are their policies on training
and development? Do they have anything planned for you? |
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Ask for a copy of the job
description/specification if one has not already been supplied, if
nothing is available you might even care to suggest you prepare one,
thereby immediately fulfilling one of the Company’s needs! |
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Ask questions that lead to responses
which will highlight your own strengths, eg, “do you need someone who
is particularly good at marketing xyz?” Or, “do you think my
experience of the international development of abc would be useful?” |
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Also ask questions to show that you
have been doing research and picked up information, eg, “tell me about
your new……” or, “I understand you have recently….. What help do you
need?” Or “what requirements have you from me in this area?” |
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Will there be an opportunity for you
to meet your future colleagues and see the premises in due course
(perhaps after an offer has been made)? |
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What scope is there for promotion
once you are ready to progress? |
