Prepare for the Job Search ~ Interviewing ~ Questions to Ask Employers

Questions to Ask Employers
It is important to have prepared questions to ask of each employer; these questions will indicate your interest in the position and organization.  Additional questions may occur to you during the course of the interview. 

About the Organization

• What is it about this organization that attracted you in the first place and has kept you there?
• How would you describe your organization’s style of management?
• How will industry trends affect this organization within the next 3-5 years?
• How does the organization define a successful individual?
• What is the method of feedback/evaluation used by this organization?
• What do you see as your organization’s strengths and weaknesses?  

About the Position

• Can you describe recent projects on which a person in my position has worked?
• What is the common career path for people entering the organization in this position?
• How are people trained or brought up to speed with regard to their responsibilities?
• What type of person tends to be successful in this position?  What type of person are you looking for?
• How and when is performance evaluated? 

Inappropriate Questions
Inappropriate questions include those that ask what the organization will be doing for you if you’re hired; i.e., What salary can I expect?  How much vacation time will I accrue?  Are you willing to pay for graduate school? etc.  You can find the answers to these questions later, if employment is offered.

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