Interview Questions

Most people prepare for an interview by rehearsing all of the wonderful things they plan on saying about themselves and their accomplishments.  But this is only one-third of the equation.

The candidate also needs to prepare for whatever questions that are asked in the interview.  This takes some introspect.  Know what your glaring weaknesses are.  Anticipate what the interviewer will ask.  Do you have a lot of job movement?  Anticipate handling this question.  Look at yourself through the other persons eyes.  Ask a trusted friend or business colleague to look at your resume and “mock” interview you.

The other point of preparation is the question you will be asking on the interview.  Not only do good questions inform you of important detail that is needed to make a decision, but, you can often tell the interviewer more about yourself by what you “ask” than by what you “say”.  Always look at the company website before each interview.  Look at the Executive profiles, job descriptions, product information, and mission/values statement.  Search for new releases and press information.  From this plethora of information, you are in a position to craft insightful and compelling questions.

Also, prepare questions that are germane to the title of the interviewer.  You want to speak their language.  If you spend your time asking the CFO about corporate IT issues, you’ll likely lose the job in the first few minutes of the interview.  Ask them questions that are aligned with their function (which is also likely their area of passion) and you’ll also find a faster path to solidifying personal chemistry.

Sample questions you should anticipate when interviewing for a position:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What do you know about our organization?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• What are you looking for in your next position?
• How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
• What is the most difficult thing about being a ________?
• Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (past) job?
• How would you define an ideal working environment?
• Describe in detail what you have accomplished for your last organization.
• In past positions, what did you like most/least about your job? Your Company?
• Define Success.

Sample questions you should consider asking a potential employer

• What are the jobs responsibilities?
• What are short and long term expectations in this position?
• Where does the position fit within the organizational plan?
• Where might this position lead?
• Why is this position open?
• What is the ideal experience and background for this position?
• What kind of person are you looking for?
• What is the company’s position in the market?
• What is the company’s annual growth rate? (This year, next year, five years).
• What is your management style?