This important step in the interview process is relatively easy and can be done in advance of the actual interview. Use the research you’ve already conducted to formulate five to seven questions you’d like to ask at the end of the interview. Table 8.1 "Topics and Potential Questions" includes some topics and potential questions.
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Topic |
Question |
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Goals of the company, division, department |
I understand that your main goal is to complete X. |
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Are you pleased with your progress so far? |
|
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Goals for the position |
I understand that should everything work out and I receive the offer, I would be responsible for Y. |
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Would you expect that I will be able to do that in one month, three months, or six months? |
|
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Training program |
Is there any training I would receive prior to my first day? |
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Would I receive ongoing training, or is it basically on-the-job training? |
|
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Critical skills needed |
What two or three skills do you think are absolutely necessary to succeed in this role? |
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Culture of the company |
I’ve researched your website and learned that the culture is x, y, and z. |
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Would you agree? Can you add anything to this? |
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Questions about the interviewer |
How did you get your start in this business? |
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What are you most proud of in your time at this company? |
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What is the one thing about this company that you are most focused on improving? |
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To what do you attribute your success at this company? |
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Additional questions |
I read the speech the chairman gave at the X conference last month. In that speech, she mentioned the importance of leadership and that this company is building a strong bench strength of leaders. How is that being done? |
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I recently read a few articles about this company in The Wall Street Journal and on BusinessWeek’s website. The articles seemed to say X. Do you agree? |
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I see that the stock has held steady lately. Can you tell me what you think caused this increase (or decrease)? |
Remember to do two things when preparing your questions for the interview:
- If you are interviewing with a managing director, ask about the goals of the company, the division, or the department. Ask about the stock of the company and ask what keeps them up at night.
- If you are interviewing with someone in human resources, ask about what is covered during the training program. You can also ask what skills are necessary for success, about past alums from your school, and so forth.
- Research the company’s, the division’s, and the department’s goals. Study the website, speak to alumni (if possible), and attend marketing events prior to the interview.
- Research your interviewer using Google and LinkedIn.
- Gather information from your network. Are your interviewers alumni from your school? If you knew someone else at the company, before the interview takes place, it’s fine to mention who you know and where you met.
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