Free Career and Job Search Advice

Camilla · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 5:20 pm Post subject: You can interview too!

One thing I've noticed when people come to me to be interviewed is that they seem to believe that I'm the only one doing the interviewing. That isn't the case.

When you go to an interview it's equally as important for you to leave with enough information on which to make a decision as to whether the job's right for you as it is for the "interviewer" to decide whether you're the right person for the job.

Ask questions. Believe me, prospective employers will be glad you did.

Although the question of salary is a bit of a no-no in a good few companies, the fact is, you're selling your services so why shouldn't you ask how much they're willing to pay you for them? But be discreet about it. Don't just blurt out "So how much will I be paid?" but say something like, "Obviously, with a mortgage and a family to keep, the salary is important to me so if you could give me an indication of what I could expect, I'd certainly apprecaite it."

If the "interviewer" doesn't cover everything you feel you need to know, do ask. You can't possibly be sure you want a job if you don't even know what times you'll need to work, whether you'll be part of a team or working alone or even what days you'll be expected to work.

~Camilla

TINA

Good, that's what I've done for years and years. I usually ask them more questions than they ask me, and after years of doing this and having had given lots of speeches in public, I do know what type of questions to ask them. Especially if I have a chance at picking from several different jobs and I want to know which one would be ideal for me, and which I'd be most happy with. I don't ask for the amount of pay. I do ask about benefits. I do ask about employee turnover, how long they've been working there, how long the other co-workers have been there, etc. I also do ask them how much work they have for me to do, whether it's part time or full time, as I do want to get an idea of how many hours a week/day that I would be given. I do hope this helps others here in this forum.

cameronpowell · Guest

Good ideas, all.

The most savvy job seekers treat jobs like the investments that they really are. Choosing a particular company and going to work there involves an enormous investment of time and foregone opportunities -- including possibly more satisfying, higher-paying opportunities. So job seekers really should treat the process like the investment it is, which means doing their due diligence on the prospective company.

Given the propensity of companies to lay off or go out of business, it's a very good idea to figure out if it's healthy. You can do this by researching the company's website and, if it's a public company (traded on a stock exchange), its prospectus and other publicly available documents. And because the number one cause of job dissatisfaction is the quality of the immediate supervisor, it's also a good idea not only to interview with that person, but to ask to interview with his or her subordinates and colleagues -- and present and former.

Depending on the level of the position, you can ask many of the following types of questions as well:

1. How is the company's cash-flow situation?
2. How are its profits? In line with investor expectations
3. If its profits are not in line, does it have enough money in the bank to weather down months without laying people off?

And so on.

Good luck!

7days · Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 5:39 am Post subject: Interviews

Thanks for the information above. I have had two phone interviews this month, I have sent out many resumes, and still waiting. These are jobs that I am highly qualified for so I really hope I get something. Plus I also tested for a few jobs as well. When I have a face-to-face interview, I do always ask the interviewer questions about their firm and about their past employees and about job duties and so forth.

StefanJechel · Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 7:08 am Post subject:

Yes... asking questions is a good think - it shows tham that you're intersted of their company and of their job opening. Also it's good to show that you already have knowledge about it (so do a little research before going to the interview).

And don't forget to get full informations about what interests you like: salary, free days, number of working hours, etc.

KA · Expert Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Posts: 226 Career Advice: +2/-0

StefanJechel · Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 8:20 am Post subject:

KA · Expert Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Posts: 226 Career Advice: +2/-0

C_Vaughan · Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 2:58 am Post subject: Interview Questions

Here are some interview questions that you may want to ask employers:

What does the next 5 years look like for this organization?
Do you enjoy working here?
How often are employee reviews given?
Does the company promote from within?
How soon is this position going to be filled?
Is the company in a pattern of growth?

Also, if you want to know more about interview tips, follow this link:

http://www.professional-resume-example.com/interview-mistakes.html

~C. Vaughan

StefanJechel · Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 9:29 am Post subject:

C_Vaughan, honestly I think you will impress your potential emplyer by already knowing the answer to this question (document yourself before going to an interview).

For example at the question "Why are you intersted of this position; it looks a little bit under your qualifications." you could answer "I know that your company promtoes people from within so I see this position as a starting point in a longer career with you."

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