Candidates – Questions To Prepare For
Regarding interview questions to prepare for as a potential candidate, this list is a good one. The most important part of the interview is being prepared for anything. These questions, although not comprehensive, should help prepare you for most of the potential categories of discussion. Always bring questions and take notes.
- Tell me about yourself? (The shorter response the better)
- Tell me what you know about our company?
- What unique talents or experience can you bring to this company?
- What would your short-term goals be if you took this job?
- How does this job compliment your career plans?
- Why are you looking for a new career?
- Tell me about your current boss?
- What have been the five most significant accomplishments in your career so far?
- Tell me what your greatest defeat has been. How did you recover from it?
- Tell us how you work under pressure? Please be specific.
- Describe your management style.
- What do you think is the most difficult part of managing people?
- How would others describe you?
- Describe yourself in a few sentences
- How much money are you looking for?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- What other positions are you considering?
- Describe how you have stayed current in your field with additional training?
- What are your long-term career goals?
- What are your strengths?
- Describe your weaknesses.
- What would you expect to be doing in 2 to 5 years?
- What would you expect to accomplish in your first year at this job?
- Why do you want to leave your current position?
- Do you have your references with you?
- Why should we hire you?
- What questions do you have for me?
- What are compensation expectations?
Candidates – Questions To Ask
The questions to ask in an interview can vary based on different circumstances, but this list will give you a good starting framework. Two of the keys to a successful interview are to have researched the client exhaustively and to be prepared with at least 5 questions.
If things go well and you’re interested in the job, don’t be afraid to ask for the job at the end. If it’s a close race between you and someone else, asking for the job can make the difference. Here are the suggested questions.
- What are some of the short-term goals that you have for the person that you hire?
- What is the most critical of these goals? Number 2? Number 3?
- Are you replacing someone? If so, why did they leave? If not what is the purpose of filling this position?
- What are the long-term objectives you have in mind for the candidate that you hire?
- Have you had anyone in this position before? Why did they succeed? Why did they fail?
- What are the top 2 challenges that I will face in this position?
- How would you handle these challenges?
- What type of support does the company provide? Training? Resources? Management support?
- How autonomous would I be in setting my schedule, my goals and objectives, etc.?
- How would my performance be measured?
- What would my career path opportunities be should I succeed?
- To what do you attribute the company’s success? How can my position/department impact this success most directly?
- Are there any variables or upcoming events that might have a significant impact on my success or the success of the company?