interview questions

Interview Questions To Ask And Avoid

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If you want job interview success it’s best to prepare a well thought out list of intelligent interview questions, regardless of the level of seniority you have achieved during your career. You will impress your prospective new employer during the interview process if you ask appropriate questions that reflect an understanding of their business.

successful-interview-questions

Multiple interviews

If you know that there will be consecutive interviews in their hiring process, I suggest asking only a few questions during round one and leave the more complex and in-depth questions for the second session, typically held for ‘short-listed’ candidates.

Use your own discretion in this situation and deliver your questions accordingly.  However it is imperative that you have a list of valid and applicable questions to put forward.

If you present yourself well with a calm, quiet professional confidence it is likely you will be asked to attend a second interview. If you feel you need work in this area, practice with a mentor or other interested party, and/or videotape yourself until you feel comfortable and confident.

In a corporate setting, this second interview is a ‘panel’ interview. Following this session usually the final hiring decisions are determined, followed by the preparation of an Offer Letter to be sent out to the selected candidate.

Interview Questions to Ask & Avoid

Appropriate Interview Questions
  • Is this a new position or are you replacing an employee?
  • What are your key priorities for the candidate chosen for this role?
  • What competencies and requirements are crucial to achieving success in this role?
  • Are there any additional skills that are now expected for this role?
  • In what ways was my predecessor successful in this role? (if applicable)
  • What would you like to see handled differently by the next person in this role? (if applicable)
  • What would be your expectations of me within the first 6-12 months with your firm?
  • Are there particular challenges or possible obstacles that you expect I may have to overcome?
  • What are some of your long-term objectives for the XXX division, and the company overall?
  • Do you have specific objectives for me to meet within the XXX division?
  • Who are the key people I will interface with, and how can I assist them?
  • How would you describe the culture of the company?
  • Does the XXX department have a training plan in place for new employees?
Inappropriate Interview Questions
  • What is the salary for this role?
  • How often are raises given? Bonus Structure?
  • What does your firm offer in the way of a benefits package, what is included?
  • Is overtime a requirement for this role, and if so, how often and how much?
  • What can I do to be promoted within the XXX division or company?
  • Are there any expansion plans for the XXX division?
  • Do you offer free educational training?
  • Will I have to share my office or work station?
  • What is the personality of the boss in the XXX division?
  • How long have you been with the company?
  • What do you like about this company? Dislike?
  • What is the company turnover ratio?
  • What are the company plans for improving your financial position?

Don’t forget the basics

Take extra copies of your resume and portfolio (if appropriate for the work you do) in case you are asked for them. 

Take a notepad and pen and ask if you may take notes. If you are declined, be sure to jot down some notes as soon as you are out of the interview, when everything is still fresh in your mind.

Read our blog post Job Interview Success Tips and Strategies.

[Updated July 13, 2020]

 

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Preparing for Your Job Interview Questions and Answers

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6 Step Guide to a Successful Job Interview Questions and Answers

A 6 Step Guide to a Successful Job Interview

Tips for a Successful Job Interview Questions and Answers

[Republished from previous post – Jenni Proctor]

It’s time for your job interview!  Stomach churning, sweaty palms, nerves affect most people at an interview. All of your time spent completing applications, submitting resumes, tailoring cover letters and responding to job advertisements have led you to this. You need to perform at your best so you are in the optimal position for a job offer. You don’t want to mess up any of your job search, but most particularly now you have reached this point of being invited for a job interview.

Job Interview Preparation

[Read more…] about Preparing for Your Job Interview Questions and Answers

15 Interview Questions to Ask Employers

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15 Interview Questions to Ask Employers - Learn About Your Employer in 10 Minutes

Learn About Your Employer in 10 Minutes

A job interview is probably the most nerve-wracking experience you have to go through on your job hunting. During job interviews, it is best to act naturally smart, but without getting too over confident. Also, always expect that your interviewer may give you a chance to ask questions. If this happens and you are not prepared, this goes to show that you are truly uninterested in your job application. So it is best that before applying to a certain company, try to research as much as you can about the background of the company. This will help you more or less on what questions you are going to ask to the employer. But if you find it hard to formulate questions, here are some examples of interview questions to ask employers:

15 Interview Questions to Ask Employers

– Can you explain your organizational structure?
– What is the core value that puts together up the organization’s culture?
– How important does the upper management considers the function of this department/position?
– What are the most important skills and attributes you are looking for in filling this position?
– What is the official number of hours worked per week?
– Do you allow or expect mandatory overtime?
– What specific skills from the person you hire would make your life easier?
– What do you see as the most important opportunities for improvement in the area I hope to join?
– What are the most important traits you look for in a subordinate?
– What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
– What is the company’s policy on providing seminars, workshops, and training so employees can keep up their skills or acquire new ones?
– Do you provide a competitive salary? What is your definition of competitive?
– How do you compensate for overtime?
– What medical benefits do you provide? Do you cover dental work or eyeglasses? Do you cover health preventative measures such as exercise programs, vitamins, or preventative medical exams
– What other benefits or perks do you provide?

Of course, you are not expected to ask all of the above questions and expect your interviewer to answer everything. Just choose the appropriate ones at the right time.

Having asked some of these questions to the employer may give you higher chances of getting hired or at least set up for another interview. Always remember, when asking questions, do it with caution because there might be some topics that are sensitive to the employer. Thus, you will be giving a bad or negative impression to the employer. Try interview questions to ask employers that will challenge and make them think about how good you are and that you can be a great addition in their organization.

Landon Long is the founder of InterviewMastermind.com. You can download his FREE Video Course to learn about how to write a resume and stand out in a slow economy.

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