What To Ask At An Interview

How has this position evolved since it was created?

Getting a brief history on the role should clear up whether the position has expanded over the years or has been a dead end for employees.

Interpreting the response : If the interviewer says the position has expanded beyond its original scope (and is continuing to do so), that signifies an opportunity for growth within the company. If the position has stayed static for years,  don't expect to blossom there. Depending on your career ambitions,  the latter response isn't necessarily bad.

What have past employees done to succeed in this position?

Knowing how the organization measures achievements will help you understand what the expectations will be and whether you have the skill set to meet them. But don't undermine your past accomplishments just because your route to success doesn't match up with the one embraced by the company. You also don't want to be too narrowly defined by what other people have done. Because you're a different person,  you may approach things a little differently.

Interpreting the response : You may hear a description that highlights the positive and negative attributes of your predecessor. That could be a good indicator of the company's culture. Typically,  what one person has done to be successful is what the organization tends to do to be successful.

What have you enjoyed most about working here?

Your prospective boss can relay what he or she values most and what led to his or her personal success with the organization. Then,  you can internally ruminate about whether you share the same values and can envision yourself working there.

Interpreting the response : Your interviewer may commend the company for everything from benefits to year-end bonuses. On the other hand,  if they're struggling to come up with something positive about why they like working there,  chances are good that you're not going to be able to come up with anything positive after having worked there either.

What is the top priority for the person in this position over the next three months?

This question is helpful so you know what to focus on if you do get the position. Without a clear expectation,  you won't know what to accomplish or how to make the right impression during your first days on the job.

Interpreting the response : You may be told that you need to complete a few tasks rather than only one or two. If the tasks are a combination of big initiatives and regular work requirements,  you will be expected to achieve these tasks within that period of time.

What are the qualities of successful managers in this company?

If you're interviewing for a managerial position,  you'll want knowledge of the skills and core competencies the company treasures in a leader. If excellent people skills and multitasking top the list,  emphasise how you've demonstrated those traits throughout your career.

Interpreting the response : You may get a response along these lines: "The best managers in our organization are independent thinkers,  are good teachers and completely aligned with the direction the company is going in." If he or she can name the top managers in the managerial stable,  that's a positive indication that the organisation is leaning towards progress and promotions