Page 103 - 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Second Edition

I N TERV IEW THE I N TERV IEW ER

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How are executives addressed by their subordinates?
You are asking about the formality of the organization.

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What can you tell me about the prevailing management style?
This is an inquiry into the management style favored by the senior
executives.

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Does the company have a mission statement? May I see it?
Mission statements are an important reflection of an organization’s
culture. To be fair, they are generally meaningless, but the fact that
the company went to the trouble to formulate one is a positive sign,
and asking for it makes you look thoughtful and introspective. It
can also be effective to craft a question that specifically references
a provision of the company’s mission statement as an opportunity
to emphasize how your own values align with the organization’s.
Be careful, though. Don’t ask if the company has a mission state-
ment if it is posted on the company’s website or, worse, on the wall
right behind the interviewer. That would make you look lazy or
clueless.

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What attracted you to this company, and what do you think are its
strengths and weaknesses?
The question flatters the interviewer and creates a personal connec-
tion. If you create a bond with the interviewer, you’re going to get
better, more authentic information on which to base a decision.

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If I am offered the position, how soon will you need my response?
A piece of housekeeping that is sometimes good to get out of the
way, especially if you have issues with starting immediately. It’s bet-
ter to ask than to volunteer that they might have to treat you as an
exception if they make you an offer. Maybe the timing won’t be a
problem.

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