QUESTIONS APPLICANTS MIGHT ASK

NOTE: Research the position and organization. Avoid questions you could have easily answered through a bit of research. Some of these questions are sensitive and require the use of tact and discretion on the part of the applicant.

Job Description/History

1.  Can you give me a detailed job description?

2.  What specific responsibilities would I be expected to carry out? Are there particular requirements?  Or quotas to be met?

3.  Is this a regular, long-standing position, or has it been newly created?

4.  May I ask why the position is currently open?

5.  What might a typical workday in this job be like?

6.  What types of career paths do people typically follow when they leave this position?

Supervision

7.  How closely would I be supervised?

8.  Who would my immediate supervisor be?

9.  With whom would I be working?

10. Is there a clear progression in the amount of responsibility I will be allowed?

11. To what extent will I be working independently or as a team member?

The Department

12.   How large is the department?

13.   Does the organization have any long-range plans for this department?

14.   What new projects or ventures are contemplated in the near future?

15.   Who makes the final hiring decision for this position?

Organization/Training

16.   Is there a training program or orientation program for new employees?

17.   What is the best way for me to become familiar with your organization’s policies?

18.   I was reading about ______ in your organization’s literature and was interested in learning more about it. What can you tell me?

19.   What is your policy on continuing education? Are employees encouraged to take courses or graduate study?

20.   Do employees participate in any professional associations or conferences?

21.   What new products or services are planned or anticipated in the near future?

22.   How would my performance as an employee be evaluated?

Criteria for Hiring

23.   Ideally what kind of associate, trainee, etc. are you looking for?

24.   Is there any area of my experience that you want to know more about?

25.  When will I be notified of your decision?