CAREER
What questions should I ask at a job interview?
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1 accountable, meeting deadlines and targets. It also
Congratulations! After submitting dozens of
applications, you’ve finally landed an interview. You’ve
done your research on the company, printed out extra
copies of your résumé, and even rehearsed answers to
questions like, “What is your greatest weakness?” But
have you prepared for the most difficult interview
question of all: “Do you have any questions for us?”
2 “A candidate can’t afford to trip up on this question,”
says Erica Lee, a career advisor in Los Angeles.
“Employers need evidence that you’re interested in the
position.” To avoid this fate, follow Lee’s advice and
impress your future boss by asking questions like these:
3 What projects are you currently working on? “Listen
carefully to the answer,” advises Lee. “Then show how
you can help them achieve their goals.” Try to sell
yourself as a solution to a manager’s problems.
“Managers spend most of their time worrying,” says
Lee. “Clearly, an employee who takes that stress away
is like gold to them.”
4 How does the position fit into the company's
structure? Employers want people who care about the
company as a whole, not just about their own
paycheck. Lee says this question also helps you see if
the job has long-term potential. “If they make the job
sound unimportant, do you really want to be working
there five years from now?”
5 What opportunities are there to get training? This
shows your desire to acquire skills and knowledge that
will benefit the company. In addition, says Lee, “it
shows you’re interested in working your way up the
organization. You want a promotion – who doesn’t? –
but you are willing to work for it.”
6 How is performance reviewed? This question demo-
nstrates that you appreciate the importance of being
shows that you understand the value of constructive
criticism and guidance.
7
Lee also warns her clients not to ask questions like
these.
8 How much vacation will I get? If you ask this, em-
ployers will worry that you’re not fully committed to
the job. “Focus on getting offered the job first,” says
Lee. “Then you can discuss annual leave, benefits, and,
of course, compensation.”
9 Can I work from home? It’s never a good idea to show
an interest in this at the interview. “The managers I
know all prefer staff to work in the office first to make
an assessment of their work and training needs,” says
Lee. “Again, just try to get the job first.” Similarly,
avoid questions like, “Do I have to work overtime?” or
“Can I listen to music at work?”
10 Remember an interview is a two-way process. You need
to find out if the job is right for you, so don’t be afraid
to ask questions. Just make sure they’re the right ones.