Personal Advancement
Burning questionsQ: I am always stumped in an interview when the interviewer asks me if I have questions for them. What should I be asking? SHANNON JACKSON |
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 [ 2004-04-21 ] |
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A: When an interviewer asks if you have any questions for them, they expect (and want) you to have a series of well-thought-out questions. Your questions help the interviewer to know that you are really interested in the position and that if you take it, you are an informed consumer.
It can be a challenge to have interesting questions, especially since the interviewer often tells you all about the position before you have an opportunity to ask your questions.
In a first interview, strong questions usually focus on the position itself. Ask about the dynamic of the workgroup (size, scope and longevity), and the relationship between the workgroup and other company departments. Ask about the challenges and opportunities in the role. Inquire about the training process.
In a second interview, if it has not already been discussed, you may want to ask about the details of the compensation package.
One of the best questions I've ever been asked (and it could be asked at any stage in the interview process) is, "If I am your successful candidate, what key accomplishments would you want me to achieve in the first six months/year?"
This question gives you an understanding of the expectations, while at the same time putting yourself in the role in the interviewer's mind.
(Shannon Jackson is the national recruitment manager for Manpower Services Inc. www.manpower.ca)
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