Sample Questions to Ask the Interviewer

The Position

1. What are the main objectives and responsibilities of the position?
2. How does the organization expect these objectives to be met?
3. Can you tell me about the primary people with whom I would be dealing?
4. Can you describe a typical day?
5. Is this a newly created position? If not, how long did the previous person hold it? Was the previous person promoted? What is the potential for promotion?
6. How many and whom would I supervise? To whom would I report?
7. How and when would my performance be evaluated?
8. Is regular travel a part of this position?
9. Where does this position fit into the company’s organizational structure?
10. What results would you expect from my efforts and on what timetable? What improvements need to be made on how the job has been done until now?

The Company

1. What the organization’s strengths, and what major problems/challenges does it face?
2. What significant changes do you foresee in the near future for the organization?
3. What do you see ahead for the company in the next five years?
4. What do you see in the future for this industry?
5. What type of training program does the organization offer?
6. How does the organization stand in comparison with its main competitors?
7. Can you describe the company’s culture?
8. How does the company recognize diversity in its workplace and with its customers?

Education and Training

1. What additional training might be necessary for this position?
2. Is training done in a classroom/group session or is it handled on an individual basis?
3. Are there training and development programs offered within the organization so that I can learn and grow professionally?
4. Does the organization support further education for its employees?
5. Does advancement to upper management usually require an advanced degree?

The Interviewer

1. Can you please tell me how your career has developed at the organization? Would someone entering the organization today have similar opportunities?
2. How would you describe your management style/philosophy?
3. What do you enjoy most about working for this organization?
4. If you could change one thing about your position or the organization, what would it be?
5. How long have you worked for this organization?
6. What qualities are you looking for in a new hire?

The Closing

1. Are there any further questions about my qualifications I can answer?
2. What is the next step in the process?
3. When do you expect to make a hiring decision for this position?

**Always state you want the job (if you sincerely do) and why!