QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT A COMPANY
March 13th, 2007
QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT A COMPANY
When you are in a job search you eventually get to the point where you have a list of corporations that you have “targeted” as places you would like to work! The first step you need to take is to research each corporation. Therefore, you are more likely to get an interview with one of those companies as well as get an offer with one of these companies. When you are attempting to set up interviews, the more intelligent and informed you sound, the more likely you are to catch the attention of the HR professional you are speaking with on the other line. When you are actually interviewing, the more you know about their company, the more impressed they will be that you took the time to learn about them. Furthermore, your answers to their questions will be more specific simply because you have more information. This information you researched will set you apart from your competition. Standing out from the other individuals they interview, due to your knowledge, is a great way to be remembered when they are making their final hiring decisions!
The following are sample questions you should research and have answers to before your interview:
1. What is the history of your company? How many years in business?
2. How many employees?
3. How many locations? Where?
4. Where is your home office?
5. What are the company’s product lines?
6. Who is the President of the company? How long have they been with the company?
7. Have the name of the company’s CEO and CFO.
8. Know the name of the main Receptionist.
9. Know the Name and Title of the HR representative who will handle the hiring for the opportunity you are
interested in.
10. How are Sales generated? Size of the Sales Force. Organization of the Sales Force.
11. Describe the work environment.
12. What are the specific responsibilities of the opportunity?
13. What are the usual communication channels?
14. What type of training is required?
15. What is the career path for this position?
16. How do you evaluate and review performance? How often?
17. What is a typical day like? Is there a typical day?
18. What is the company’s current position in the marketplace?
19. What types of technology does your company utilize?
20. What are the three main characteristics that will make someone successful in the position?
Do your best to become an expert on the corporations you decide are places you want to work. Information about those companies will provide you with an “edge” over the other individuals interviewing for the same opportunity. Knowledge is power! You need to impress the HR professional that interviews you. It is not always the most qualified person that secures the job, it is often the person who interviews the best!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC