| Asking the right questions during a job interview is as | | | | the day following the closing. Be smart--ask. |
| important as answering questions with the right | | | | 3. Ask what behaviors your immediate supervisor |
| answers. Job interviews are the ultimate test of your | | | | considers unacceptable. |
| communication skills at work so be prepared. | | | | You'll want to know what drives him or her crazy and |
| Take the time to compose questions that showcase | | | | what would cause immediate dismissal. This type of |
| your interest in the job and the organization. Questions | | | | question indicates values. You might think a few |
| can also be phrased to highlight your skills and talents | | | | minutes late is no big deal but if your future boss |
| when the interviewer hasn't given you that opportunity. | | | | expects you to be working at your desk at start time |
| Here are 5 critical questions job candidates fail to ask | | | | or earlier you'll be clashing in no time. Adjust your |
| in an interview: | | | | expectations to match those of your supervisor or find |
| 1. Ask for a description of a typical day on the job. | | | | another place to work. |
| Even if the interviewer has described a typical day | | | | 4. Always ask if it is okay to take notes while the |
| ask for further details that expand on the scope of job | | | | interviewer is talking . |
| responsibilities and functions. Often typical day | | | | This single question might make the difference |
| descriptions are just that--a narrow view. Ask for a | | | | between receiving an offer or receiving a |
| bigger view with examples of tasks or additional roles | | | | thanks-but-no thanks letter. Asking permission is not |
| you might be expected to play such as covering for | | | | only respectful but indicates that you do not want to |
| co-workers during breaks or required attendance or | | | | miss a single thing that is being said. |
| participation at company or charity events. Listen for | | | | I got a job once simply by asking that question. I knew |
| responsibilities that might not be considered routine for | | | | my interviewer had made a decision to hire me in that |
| the job you are applying for. | | | | moment by the look on his face. I got the sense that |
| 2. Ask about any financial concerns you have about | | | | people rarely, if ever, asked that question even though |
| the organization. | | | | he had asked for my permission to take notes while I |
| If rumors are circulating in the industry about financial | | | | was speaking. It's a simple but effective question so |
| difficulties this is the time to address them. Asking a | | | | ask permission and then take notes. |
| direct question in a neutral tone gives the organization | | | | 5. Ask what qualities the most successful employee |
| the opportunity to refute rumors or explain negative | | | | has and what qualities the least successful employee |
| news stories. It also puts them on alert should anything | | | | is lacking. |
| happen. If you take the job and the rumors turn out to | | | | Pay attention. If the answer to the first part of that |
| be true you'll be glad you asked. | | | | question is perseverance or drive ask how that is |
| I once took a position after the chief financial officer | | | | displayed. If the lacking quality is commitment ask what |
| assured me that the company was fiscally sound | | | | commitment looks like for them. Your objective is to |
| despite rumors. My questions were quite direct so | | | | match expectations with reality prior to accepting a |
| when the company filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy less | | | | position. |
| than three months after I took the job I was given | | | | These are just five overlooked questions candidates |
| severance pay equal to my three months salary. In | | | | fail to ask. If you ask these along with the more |
| addition, I was given access to the search firm that | | | | common questions about promotions and educational |
| connected me with the now defunct business and | | | | opportunities you will make a good lasting impression |
| once again they found me a new position that started | | | | and you might edge out other candidates for the job. |