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Turning the Tables - Interviewing The Interviewer

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Published: 04Oct2005
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When is a question, also an answer? When what you ask, tells an interviewer something about your mindset, motives, understanding of the job, or what you are bringing into the company in the way of assets.

At the end of an interview, it’s customary for the recruiter to give you the chance to put forward any questions. Asking the right questions, gives the impression of confidence, and of having paid close attention to everything that was discussed.

What are you going to ask? That depends a great deal, on what areas have been covered in the interview, and whether anything crucial remains unclear for you. Prior to any interview, you should sit down and write out a list of what you want to know most about the job. You might also put down what you see as being key points to connect on, with the interviewer. Memorize your list, and if some items have not been covered in your time with the recruiter, this is the chance to ask about them. Research has shown that recruiters remember the beginning and end of an interview, with the rest kind of fading out. So the first impression you make, and the questions you ask, are key factors.

The questions you ask can serve your interests in a variety of ways, including:

* Communicating your long-term career goals

* Reaffirming your key motivations in seeking the position

* Emphasize your potential contributions to the company

* Clarifying the company’s needs, which is valuable information

* Putting mutual expectations on the table

Here is a sampling of questions you might ask, and how they may benefit you.

1. What are your expectations from me over the first six months?
This will give you an idea of how fast the company would like to see you integrated into the job and functioning at peak efficiency. It will also provide a sense of what leeway is allowed for learning specific tasks.

2. What are the benchmarks that will be used to evaluate my performance?
The timeframe in which you are expected to become competent at various tasks is important. Not knowing can lead to needless frustration and worry if you do get the job, then spend time on one task, when another should have taken priority.

3. Do you have performance evaluations, when are they done, and how will I know my score?
If you are falling short of their expectations in a particular area, it’s important to know as soon as possible, so that you can take action to correct it.

4. What are the company’s goals for this position? How does it figure in the day-to-day operations and long term plans?
Knowing what the employer expects, gives you the security to learn and function to the best of your ability, without worrying about possible layoffs, or elimination of the position. Not that long-range goals rule those things out. But if the company has a vision for future success, they try to keep it intact, and only trim away what they can function without.

5. What are the immediate goals of my department?
You’ll know how to start contributing, as soon as you’re hired. Goal-oriented employees are a welcome addition.

6. What are the long-term goals of my department?
This will give you a chance to consider ways in which to contribute to the company’s future growth, something you might share if called back for another interview.

7. What are your expectations from a new employee?
Take this chance to get a general sense of company policy and atmosphere.

Remember that recruiters are busy people. They may still have a whole afternoon of interviews after yours. Keep your list of questions limited to just the essentials. If you have memorized your priority questions at home, and can eliminate the majority after the interview, do so, then choose from among those that remain.

This article is provided by www.ThePerfectInterwiew.com, the best place for learning insider interviewing techniques.

Joel Vance is an Human Resources expert who has been in HR for 17 years and interviewed 3,159 people . He has also taught at 4 major universities around the country and currently has a best selling book on interviewing entitled The Perfect Interview at http://www.theperfectinterview.com

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