7. The Interview Part 3

Questions to ask of the interviewer.

• What has caused this position to become available?
• Why did the previous occupant leave?
• What was good and what would you change, about the person who previously held the position?
• What factors do you feel are most important for success in this position?
• What do you see as the major opportunity areas for this position?
• Describe the personality and working style of the supervisor, boss, chairman or whoever you would be reporting to.
• What are the main duties of the position?
• What is the mission statement of the organisation?
• What has the company done in the past 12 months to achieve its mission, and how successful has it been?
• What is the company’s policy on training and development of employees?
• Describe what training has been conducted in the past 12 months.
• What was the performance of the company in the current year compared with the previous year?
• How do you think a current employee would describe the company and why?
• What is the staff turnover in percentage terms of the company?
• Give two examples indicating the culture of the company.

The interviewer should then explain the next step in the selection process to you.

Given that you are a candidate that they are interested in they are likely to then check your references.

(Adapted from “What colour is your parachute” Richard Bolles. Ten Speed Press. USA and “Hiring strategies for success” Dr Ken Byrne. Australian Print Group 1990.)