Questions to Ask During an Interview

While the interview is an opportunity for potential employers to learn more about you, it is also a great chance for you to ask questions about the position and to learn more about the company. There are also many different types of interviews, so depending on the type of interview you are having, you may plenty of opportunity to ask questions, so it is important to be prepared. Additionally, arriving to an interview with questions that you have compiled, demonstrates to the employer that you are actively engaged in the process and genuinely interested in the opportunity.

Below are some typical interview questions that you may ask from the interviewee seat. Remember that you possibly won’t have time to ask all of these questions, so concentrate on the ones that are most important to you

• What can you tell me about the corporate culture?
• Why did you decide to work for this company?
• What do you like most about this company?
• What does the company do to contribute to its employees’ professional development?
• What are the skills that are most important for a position in this field?
• How would you describe the working atmosphere and the people with whom you work?
• Is there a basic philosophy of the company or organization and, if so, what is it? (Is it a people, service, or product-oriented business?)
• What is the average length of time for an employee to stay in the job you hold? Are there incentives or downsides for staying in the same job?
• Is there flexibility related to dress, work hours, vacation schedule, place of residence, etc.?
• What work-related values are strongest in this type of work (security, high income, variety, independence)?
• How is the economy affecting this industry?
• What obligations does your employer mandate on you outside of the ordinary work week? What social obligations go along with a job in your occupation? Are there organizations you are expected to join? Are there other things you are expected to do outside work hours?
• Who is the department head or supervisor for this job? Where do you and your supervisor fit into the organizational structure?

While this is a short list, it may help you create a list focused on your particular interview. During the interview, be attentive to the conversation and ask a question when something isn’t clear. People are often happy to discuss their positions and the company, and will likely be willing to provide you with a wealth of information.

For interviewers seeking help in being better prepared for conducting an interview, check out AgCareers.com’s upcoming workshop ‘Interviewing for Organizational Fit.’ This web seminar is designed to cover the basic styles of interviewing and when they should be used, questions that dig to get at the answers you are looking for, which questions to avoid, and insight on how to analyze the candidates so you can hire the best contender! For more information, visit http://www.agcareers.com/workshop_details.cfm?id=62280.