Job Interview Questions and Answers

Tag: company

  • What do you know about our company?

    While it may be surprising to learn, many applicants never take the time to find out what they can about a company they are interviewing with. This is becoming a standard interview question which you should fully expect to receive, so it makes sense that you really should make an attempt to find out as much as you can about the company prior to the interview. There are several important reasons for this.

    One reason that the employer may ask this question is to find out whether you are willing to take initiative to do things on your own. This can be quite important to many employers who do not want to feel as though they need to babysit or hand hold a new employee. If they feel that you have the initiative to do things on your own they may feel that you are better suited for the job than someone who is not willing to put forth the effort to do research on their own prior to the interview.

    In addition, the employer may also want to ensure that you have educated yourself about the company and feel you will be a good fit. If you have not taken the time to find out some basic information about the company it can be hard to know whether you will be a suitable match.

    There are many ways that you can find out information about a company prior to an interview. Begin by researching the business online and review their website, including the About Us section that most sites have. You should also research other information about the company online, if it is available, in blogs, social networking sites and discussion boards. If you know anyone who works for or who has worked for the company in the past you might also make a point of meeting with them prior to the interview. This will give you an insider’s view of the company and the ability to obtain information that you might not be able to access anywhere else.

    Before the interview, compile all of the information you have uncovered and be sure to review it carefully. This will help you to make an excellent impression when the time for the interview arrives.

  • How do you see yourself advancing within this company?

    Among the many interview questions you may experience, this is one of the more modern types of questions. This specific type of question relates to the future, your goals and how you plan to accomplish those goals. It is often used as a form of motivational interview question in order to assess your commitment to the relevant position. Unfortunately, this type of question is one which many candidates often experience difficulty effectively handling. In many cases, candidates either do not expect the question or they have not given sufficient thought to the future and potential advancement with that company. As a result, the answer is usually improvised and that can result in detracting from the overall interview performance.

    Your answer to this question could take several forms based upon your plans for the future. Keep in mind when forming an answer to this question that the interviewer is specifically interested in linking your plans to the position and the job. When you develop an answer, you need to make sure that you lay out a clear and concise career path. This can be accomplished by demonstrating your plans over the next five years and how they relate to the position. You should also show a progression that involves the position and how you would like to develop your career with the position.

    You should remember that candidates will be selected based upon how well their career objectives match the open position. Your response to this question should clarify the direction in which you intend to take your career. In demonstrating your plans and the direction for your career you might establish goals related to the job, a desire to meet a goal of attaining supervisory abilities and the intent to pursue ongoing studies that may relate to the position. Finally, you should demonstrate your understanding of the necessity for experience as your career advances.

    This question can usually be best answered when you have taken the time to educate yourself about the company, their organizational structure and their own plans for the future in terms of development. This will allow you to develop a career path that is in keeping with the plans of the company and also demonstrate that you have taken the initiative of researching the company and their goals. Do not overlook the importance of this question. Even though it does deal with the future it could be a make or break question when your performance is compared with that of other candidates.

  • Do you have questions about the job / company?

    Remember that a job interview isn’t a one way street. It’s also your assessment of the employer and job, as well as an opportunity to learn more about them. Be prepared for this question. Even if it isn’t asked, have some questions ready. What you ask shows the interviewer interest. A person who doesn’t bother to be curious about the job and company isn’t going to come across as interested.

    Some good questions to ask include:

    * How do you describe the job and its responsibilities?
    * Can you tell me about the owner, something that isn’t on the web site?
    * How many people work in the department, group or office?
    * Is there travel? If so, how much?
    * Is it possible that the company will pay for relocation?
    * What typical hours are expected in a work week? Is overtime expected on a regular basis?
    * What are the opportunities for growth and advancement?
    * Does the company pay for any ongoing education?
    * Are there examples of people who have moved upwards in the company?
    * What do you like about the job/company?
    * What don’t you like about it?
    * What things would you change if you could?
    * If I am offered the job, when would be the earliest you’d want me to begin work?
    * Can I tell you any other information about my qualifications?
    * What is the process from here – when will I hear from you and via what method?
    * What is the dress code?
    * Will there be additional interviews?
    * Do you have additional questions for me?

    Asking questions is a positive. It shows real interest in the job and the company. Not only will it reflect well during the interview, but it serves you well when making a decision. It may be hard to ask more questions after a long interview. But even if you’re itching to get out the door, take the time.

    Don’t ask questions that a candidate should know, such as information that can be found on the web site. Questions to avoid include:

    * What does the company do?
    * How long have you been in business?
    * Anything exciting happening around here?
    * Can you tell me about the history of the company?
    * Do I have the job?
    * Can I bring my pet snake to the office? (A job candidate actually asked this question.)