Questions to Ask Potential Employers

Here are a series of general questions that may help you learn more about a potential client or employer. Most of these are targeted for a employer; however, others may assist you to evaluate a client/subcontractor opportunity. Some of these will be answered during your interview. When asked if you have any questions, demonstrate a sincere interest in their operations. The interview process is bilateral. We are expected to ask informed questions of potential employers and clients to better understand their unique needs.

Let's take a look at the questions.

Position and Company Background

1) Why is the position available?

a) How long was the last person in the job, and why did they leave?

b) Do you attempt to fill slots internally?

c) Are you the hiring authority?

d) What is the job's main challenge?

2) How much turnover has there been in the last year, and what is the average tenure here?

a) What has the sales trend been for the last three to five years? (Ask if the company is not publicly traded). Are there any long-term liabilities that might impact growth?

b) Are there any plans for future acquisitions and/or mergers?

c) How many new positions have been created during the last few years?

d) Have there been any layoffs in the last year due to the economic climate? (A potentially sensitive topic, but one that could illuminate how they treat employees during hard times).

e) Does your firm have a mission statement?

The Interviewer Is Not Your Adversary

Show respect and display a genuine interest about their career path and current challenges. They have a problem or opportunity (the unfilled job), and need someone to provide a profitable solution. Always target their bottom line.

3) How long have you been here, and what is your background? What inspired you to become a ____?

a) What other types of work have you done in your career?

b) What is the most challenging aspect about your current project/responsibilities? Are there any problems? How could it be made more profitable to the company?

c) What has been your proudest achievement during your tenure here?

Organizational Fit

4) What type of person does well at your firm, and what are the qualities that you look for in a subordinate?

a) How would you define your company culture, and do you hire talent or specific skill sets?

5) Management and Leadership Style:

Please define your approach to motivating and leading your subordinates. Are you more hands-on in your style, or do you expect your employees to function more independently?

a) Do you criticize or praise in public or private?

b) Do you hire those who have talents that might intimidate you? (Optional. Please ask tactfully.)

c) Who had the most influence on your leadership style?

d) Who is your favorite leader from either the past or present?

A Glimpse of Daily Life at a Particular Firm

6) Software Tools:

a) What operating systems or platforms are used?

b) What types of software packages are used here?

c) What is the policy on training or learning new applications? Is there formal training, or do you expect people to learn on their own?

7) What would be my initial duties or projects?

a) Would I receive formal training in the product line or services, or would I learn them on my own?

b) Could you describe a typical day?

c) What immediate problem needs to be solved?

Team members

As you evaluate a job, you also need to analyze others who will impact your daily activities.

8) Could I meet some of your team or others who I would interact with on a daily basis? Do employees here work more independently or in teams?

Interview Preparation

A very good site for interview preparation is the Palladian Career Resources Blog.