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Ask your questions

As the interview winds down, it will be your turn to ask questions of the interviewer.

It is imperative that you ask questions. It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your career focus and it is how employers assess the depth of your interest in and knowledge of their organization.
Most employers will not consider a candidate further if he or she does not ask questions.
Following are some typical question you may want to ask:
What are you looking for in a candidate?
What are the organization's five and ten years goal?
What are the things you like most/least about working here?
Describe to me your career path within this organization.
What is your experience with personnel turn-over?
How does this department fit into the organization's structure?
Outside my department, who else will I work with?
What has been the most exciting experience you have had while working here?
What is the average stay in this position?
How often will my performance be evaluated?
How does one advance in the organization?
Why are you looking to fill this position?
How much travel is normally expected?
Could you talk about some methods by which trainees are evaluated?
What kinds of communication channels are there between the trainees and the supervisors?
What would you say is the major quality or accomplishment which distinguishes those who are promoted from those who are not?
When the company looks to the future, it appears from the brochure that education, publishing and software are some key areas.
What are some of the product areas now that might be less important in the future-that the company may be cutting back?
Examples of Poor Questions
  1. "Tell me about your training program."
    Too general-shows you didn't do your homework.

  2. "At what salary level would I be if I progress to Step 3 in my second year with the company?"
    Shows your concern is money as opposed to responsibility.


  3. "Could you explain your fringe benefits package?"
    Standard, boring question - need to be more specific and ask about various aspects.
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