Interview Technique

[emmelinemay]

Ok, so once I get a job interview, I seem to do pretty well. I read all about the company on their website beforehand where possible, and I'm smiley and bubbly and professional. I think carefully about their questions and answer them with a mixture of honesty and I'M REALLYGOODness.

I generally get pretty good feedback from interviews, but I'm not actually getting any jobs. I think one of the places I fall down on is asking questions.

They always ask you if you have any questions about the company or the role, and my mind just goes BLANK. I can never think of any good questions to ask.

So. What are good questions to ask? What should I avoid asking?

Comments

[emmelinemay.livejournal.com]

eventual potential for moving up within the organisation

I worry about phrasing stuff like this - it might sound like you're looking for something bigger/better and might leave?

[jaketherat.livejournal.com]

I don't think that's as much of a turnoff as you might think. A lot of places will favour people who they think are ambitious, especially if the role isn't set in stone as they'll think of you as someone who can be developed. You could also ask about the potential for development and expansion within the role - if I'm still here in five years will I be doing the same thing, or is there room for growth?

[purplegril.livejournal.com]

WSS

[emmelinemay.livejournal.com]

Ah - I see. That is a really useful question then, and another honest one. I've been here nearly 3 years and have been doing the same thing pretty much the whole time, only with more and more work being heaped on me for the same pay.

[sushidog.livejournal.com]

I think if you phrase it as a long-term thing, and as looking at other opportunities within the organisation, it's fine. Obviously if it sounds like you're going to want to move on after six months, that's not good, but if you come across simply as wanting to develop your own skills in order to go for a promotion a few years down the line, it suggests you actually do have a commitment, and that you're not jus looking for drone work for a little while before you go off round the world or leave to have a zillion babies! :-)

[kathbad]

I always ask where the role could lead me within the organisation.

Shows that you have ambition and, if you accept based on their response, plan to move within the company.

It gives you a good insight into the structure of the company, and what they think you might be capable of.

Shows them that you are self confidant and thinking ahead too.