Asking the interviewer a question(s)?...

rj50 · Post by **rj50** » March 24th, 2007, 2:58 pm

I have an interview on Tuesday, just looking for clarification on one thing. I'm not sure if I've been fucking it up or not.

I've always been a decent interviewer, I'm not afraid to speak in front of groups, I can bullshit them into believing that I have always personally given a shit about their company etc...

One thing that has always stumped me is at the conclusion of the interview, when they ask, "Do you have any questions for us?"
Really I don't, because by that time I've researched them enough to know the basics of the company/agency (ie-size, mission, philosophy/mission statement etc...). So I tell them exactly that.

I've always heard that asking them questions at the end is not only appropriate, but desired. It just doens't feel right since I'm the one being interviewed.

What is an appropriate question to ask? How many? Or should I just STFU and not ask any?

IDon'tCare · Post by **IDon'tCare** » March 24th, 2007, 6:35 pm

It all depends on the type of job your going after. Do you care to tell more.

Charlie 51 · Post by **Charlie 51** » March 24th, 2007, 8:16 pm

Ask them if there is anything discussed during your interview, or with your experience that would lead them to believe that you are not the best candidate for the job. then say if there is, you would like the opportunity to address their concerns or clarify a previous answer.

This will force them to talk about any issues they have or concerns they have about you. If they have any integrity at all they will voice their concerns. The catch is you had better be ready to overcome their doubts and quick witted or you will just find out the reason they are not going to hire you.

You should also ask them why they work there.

This has worked for me during some big time interviews and always impresses the interviewers.

Don't forget to always ask for the job. Recap how you will save them money, make them money, maximize their effeciencies or whatever it is you do.

Good luck

rj50 · Post by **rj50** » March 24th, 2007, 8:18 pm

IDon'tCare wrote:It all depends on the type of job your going after. Do you care to tell more.

Sorry, I should have specified. It's another LE gig, just trying to lateral transfer over to a different agency.

42L5V · Post by **42L5V** » March 24th, 2007, 8:24 pm

What are the ideal qualifications you are looking for this position?

Is there anything that makes me less than the ideal candidate (or something like that).

These type of questions allow you to reiterate your strong qualities, especially if it's what they're looking for, or allows you to speak candidly and openly about what they might perceive to be lack of qualification in you - so you can address those issues.

GoldCoast · Post by **GoldCoast** » March 24th, 2007, 9:40 pm

rj50 wrote:
IDon'tCare wrote:It all depends on the type of job your going after. Do you care to tell more.
Sorry, I should have specified. It's another LE gig, just trying to lateral transfer over to a different agency.

Whenever you run your mouth people learn about you. They may not always like what they learn.

The purpose (main purpose, anyway) of the interviewer asking that question is to try to get you to expose yourself. He wants to know if a potential employee is worth the commitment from his company to hire (or if the potential hire is a complete tool).

Remember - this guy is putting his reputation on the line when / if he takes the risk of hiring you.

I personally think you did the right thing. From what you've posted you basically said, "No thank you - I already did my homework. I'll be a squared away employee."

bulldogg · Post by **bulldogg** » March 27th, 2007, 2:25 am

Ask them if there is anything discussed during your interview, or with your experience that would lead them to believe that you are not the best candidate for the job. then say if there is, you would like the opportunity to address their concerns or clarify a previous answer.

^^^ Excellent advice.

Not asking a question even if it is because you did your homework is a HUGE mistake. It sends the message that you are an arrogant prick who "knows it all" or that you don't give a shit enough to ask them anything.

An interview is a two-way process and its a common mistake when people approach it as an interrogation.

SkyShark · Post by **SkyShark** » March 27th, 2007, 4:09 pm

bulldogg wrote:
Ask them if there is anything discussed during your interview, or with your experience that would lead them to believe that you are not the best candidate for the job. then say if there is, you would like the opportunity to address their concerns or clarify a previous answer.
^^^ Excellent advice.

Not asking a question even if it is because you did your homework is a HUGE mistake. It sends the message that you are an arrogant prick who "knows it all" or that you don't give a shit enough to ask them anything.

An interview is a two-way process and its a common mistake when people approach it as an interrogation.

I agree. I interview a lot of people for employment at my workplace. I always ask the question towards the end, if they have any questions for me.

The biggest question that really turns me off that I am asked alot is.

"What is your time off or vacation policies."

THe person giving the interview is going to listen to what you say. If your first questions are about time off or stuff like that and not about the job or the company then they may take it as you are only focused on the perks of the job and not the job itself.

I had an applicant one time ask a lot of questions about me, the company history, where me as a manger sees the company in five years stuff like that. He also asked me, how long does a employee need to be here efore they move up. Does the company promote within or do they look outside first? How often are evaluations done? Are there any courses out there in the local community colleges that I can take to help me better perform my duties here. Ask the employer for a timeline when you can here back from them. Ask them if you can call them to follow up, or in about 3 to 5 days, call them to just touch basis. THat will make you top of mind in thier minds. It also shows how serious you are. Not all employers are the same but things like that really sit well with me when I have applicants come in.

Ranger Ron · Post by **Ranger Ron** » March 27th, 2007, 4:19 pm

I don't think I would ask SkyShark what time he gets off, but I think asking questions is good. I would not ask about perks so much as just ask about the business or some aspect of what it does. People love to talk about what they do or about their interests. Look at some of the stuff on the walls and see if you can see a "Hot button" that the boss or interviewer thinks is important to him or her and ask about it. ie. "Oh, I see by the pictures on your wall, you are into porno! What is you favorite site?" Or something along those lines......