The Job Search

Questions For The Applicant To Ask

Here are some suggestions of questions to ask during interviews. You should already know some of the answers from your research on the organization:

1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the organization or industry? (Some interviewers will be hesitant to discuss organizational weaknesses.)
2. What are the long-range plans of the organization? What products, programs, etc., will be developed during the next five, ten, and twenty years? In general, is the industry in a growth period?
3. What opportunities for advancement are available for me within the organization?
4. What is the table of organization for the firm? How does the job in question fit into that TO? Is the position line or staff? If it is a staff position, would I have to move to a line department to reach top management?
5. Could you give me examples of the best results that previous holders of this position have attained?
6. What is the biggest single problem the firm faces?
7. Who are your competitors?
8. What makes your company different from others?
9. What do you wish you knew about the company before you started?
10. How would top management describe the corporate culture, and how does this compare with things in the organization as they really are at the lower levels?
11. What are the ethical and environmental philosophies of your company?
12. What is this company's philosophy towards their employees?
13. What values are sacred to the company?
14. What was your career path within the company?
15. What makes your association with this employer enjoyable?
16. If I do well, what will I be doing in five years?
17. What programs for minorities does your firm have?
18. Do you have any questions about my qualification?

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