Critical Questions to ask at an Interview

• Please define the scope of the position and the technical skills preferred.

• Please identify qualities of the successful people in the group.

• Tell me about the group’s chemistry and working relationship.

• What is the opportunity for growth/career progression?

• How would you describe a typical day in this position?

• How much travel is normally expected?

• Why is the position currently open?

• is the position newly created or did the previous employee leave? Why?

• Outside my group, who else will I work with?

• How often are performance reviews given?

• Does the company sponsor professional training programs?

• How many people in the group go through training programs each year?

• What do you feel will be my greatest challenge the first 6 months?

• Who is your competition?

• How are you positioned (strategically) in your market-space?

• What are the barriers (if any) to your success in their market-space?

• What new product lines/services are planned or have been announced recently?

• How long have you been with XXX?

• What is your background?  Where have you worked for previously?

• What do you like best about XXX?  What keeps you here?

• What do you like least about XXX?

• What has been your biggest challenge while at XXX?

• What one thing would you change about your position or XXX?

• How many people are you interviewing for this position?

• Is there anything missing from my background that you feel may prevent me from doing the job? 

• When should I follow-up with you?