Page 105 - 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Second Edition

I N TERV IEW THE I N TERV IEW ER

through what my first day/first week might look like? and Can you
describe a typical day for someone in this position?

7-35
How much guidance or assistance is made available to individuals in
developing career goals?
This question is more appropriate for career-entry or junior-level
positions.

7-36
What do you see as the significant trends in the industry that will most
impact my contribution?
A sophisticated question that acknowledges how even the most tal-
ented contributors may be frustrated by inexorable industry forces.
For example, even the most talented buggy whip designer was help-
less to create growth for a buggy whip manufacturer when the auto-
mobile was introduced.

7-37
What would be the top priority of the person who accepts this job?
Another attempt to identify priorities. This is key for two reasons.
First, it establishes you as someone who drives toward priorities. Sec-
ond, once you know what the priority of the interviewer is, you can
tailor your responses to the proposition that you have the capabili-
ties to deliver on the specific requirements imposed by the priority.

7-38
What are the goals of the team/department/company in the coming
year?
The first of a three-part question, this question sets up a conversa-
tion about specific goals (see also 7-39 and 7-40). Every job should
have goals. Sometimes the goal are captured in the job description
(question 7-19), but often the goals are assumed or not articulated.
It’s critical to get them on the table.

7-39
Do you think those are aggressive or conservative goals? Who set
them?

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