I absolutely love to interview. I have to admit, I am not competitive when it comes to anything else, but there is something about interviewing that puts me in a different frame of mind. I had my first interview over 20 years ago and I didn't understand the magnitude of interviewing at the time. I didn't realize that many years later, I would see people struggle in the workplace to secure a promotion because they lacked confidence when interviewing
I wasn't aware of the fact that one 60-minute session could be the difference between someone having enough money to support their family or having to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
I honestly wasn't concerned with any of this when I went to my first interview. I simply needed some additional funds to purchase a new pair of Chic Jeans! I had no problem answering questions asked by the hiring manager, but I didn't ask questions of hiring managers until many years later. You see, I understood the importance of them gaining information, but what I didn't know at the time was that I needed to gain information as well. Now I always recommend asking questions during an interview.
1.) What are some of the challenges in this line of business and in the organization ?
Every company has challenges and it's important for you to understand that this information isn't typically shared in an interview. You are selling yourself as the best person for the job and the organization is being sold during this process as well. You certainly want to know the strengths and weaknesses of the department and organization prior to accepting a role.
2.) Describe your current work environment in one word.
Once this question is answered, probe to find out why this particular description was used. The response will provide insight in terms of the climate within the department.
3.) What has the organization done to attract and retain the best talent ?
I've never worked for an organization that didn't want the best and brightest talent. If the hiring manager can't tell you what's being done to develop and retain the existing talent within the organization, what will happen to your development should you accept an offer?
4.) Aside from the information outlined for this position, can you describe the ideal candidate for this role ?
Typically, the hiring manager has an idea of what type of person would be perfect for the open position. However, reading a resume and interacting with a person aren't one in the same. If the hiring manager is interested in a strong team player, your passion in an interview regarding teamwork could potentially determine whether or not you will receive an offer. If given the opportunity to share anything else after you ask questions, you can speak to your strengths that parallel the ones mentioned for the ideal candidate.
5.) Would you say the company's diversity initiatives motivate or deflate employees within the organization ?
We live in a diverse world and I believe that companies should reflect that. Diversity Inc has diversity facts listed on their site pertaining to Women, Veterans, Blacks, Latinos, LGBTs, and persons with disabilities. This list isn't all inclusive, but organizations should represent all groups fairly and this should be visible based on the existing diversity strategy. The answer to this question will let you know whether or not the company takes diversity seriously.
I wasn't aware of the fact that one 60-minute session could be the difference between someone having enough money to support their family or having to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
I honestly wasn't concerned with any of this when I went to my first interview. I simply needed some additional funds to purchase a new pair of Chic Jeans! I had no problem answering questions asked by the hiring manager, but I didn't ask questions of hiring managers until many years later. You see, I understood the importance of them gaining information, but what I didn't know at the time was that I needed to gain information as well. Now I always recommend asking questions during an interview.
1.) What are some of the challenges in this line of business and in the organization ?
Every company has challenges and it's important for you to understand that this information isn't typically shared in an interview. You are selling yourself as the best person for the job and the organization is being sold during this process as well. You certainly want to know the strengths and weaknesses of the department and organization prior to accepting a role.
2.) Describe your current work environment in one word.
Once this question is answered, probe to find out why this particular description was used. The response will provide insight in terms of the climate within the department.
3.) What has the organization done to attract and retain the best talent ?
I've never worked for an organization that didn't want the best and brightest talent. If the hiring manager can't tell you what's being done to develop and retain the existing talent within the organization, what will happen to your development should you accept an offer?
4.) Aside from the information outlined for this position, can you describe the ideal candidate for this role ?
Typically, the hiring manager has an idea of what type of person would be perfect for the open position. However, reading a resume and interacting with a person aren't one in the same. If the hiring manager is interested in a strong team player, your passion in an interview regarding teamwork could potentially determine whether or not you will receive an offer. If given the opportunity to share anything else after you ask questions, you can speak to your strengths that parallel the ones mentioned for the ideal candidate.
5.) Would you say the company's diversity initiatives motivate or deflate employees within the organization ?
We live in a diverse world and I believe that companies should reflect that. Diversity Inc has diversity facts listed on their site pertaining to Women, Veterans, Blacks, Latinos, LGBTs, and persons with disabilities. This list isn't all inclusive, but organizations should represent all groups fairly and this should be visible based on the existing diversity strategy. The answer to this question will let you know whether or not the company takes diversity seriously.
