Monday, September 17, 2012

Do Worms Yawn? (and other great interview questions)


Ok, we all know that's a stupid question and would never pose it in an interview.  It's right up there with the candidate who asked an IBM recruiter, "So, what does IBM stand for?"


But let's assume you made it through the first interview and you asked some basic interview questions.  Now you're headed to round 2.  Don't slack off - read this article by Allison Doyle (job search and employment expert) titled, "Second Interview Questions to Ask the Employer."  Doyle encourages candidates to be prepared to both answer and ask more job interview questions:  
Since you don't want to repeat the questions that have already been asked and answered (especially the one about worms yawning), it's important to have a different set of interview questions ready to ask during your second interview. Here are examples of questions to ask during a second job interview:
  • What can I tell you about my qualifications for the position?
  • What are the top three qualities are you looking for in the person you hire to join this company?
  • What is the most challenging part of this job?
  • What is the biggest challenge someone will face in this job in the first 6 months?
  • If I was to be hired for the job, how would you complete this sentence: "Whatever you do, _________."
  • How do you think an employee in this position could best impact the company?
  • What sort of management style would you say you have?
  • What do you like most about working for the company?
  • Can I provide you with additional references?
  • What is the next step in the hiring process?
Prove that you've done your homework - ask great questions.  Because there is no substitute for PREPARATION.  

1 comment:

KAS Chicago Headhunters said...

These are all very good questions. Just to add a few:

- How does the company define leadership?

- What are the goals for the first and second years for this position?

- How does the organization gauge success?