Page 109 - 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Second Edition

I N TERV IEW THE I N TERV IEW ER

tial colleagues. For many hiring authorities, it’s the least desirable
part of their responsibilities. They regard it as an intrusion on their
precious time that prevents them from attending to their primary
responsibilities.

So why do they do it? Because they are in pain. Somewhere in their
department or organization important tasks are going unattended.
They have work that must be done and no one with the required
experience to do it. Overworked employees are complaining and
threatening to quit. Orders are going unfilled. Phone calls are not
being returned. Opportunities are being missed. Money is being left
on the table. All for want of someone with skills and experience just
like yours.

Until the hiring authorities hire the right person or persons, the
performance of their teams is suboptimum, and that represents a hit
to their own fortunes. Their bonuses, indeed their very jobs, may
well be on the line. Don’t forget, hiring managers have to answer
to their own managers, and their ability to keep their department
staffed at full level is a big factor in their overall compensation.

So think of yourself as the solution to their problem. In fact, that’s
how they prefer to look at you.

Also keep in mind that most hiring managers aren’t skilled inter-
viewers. They have little or no training in this area, and that lack
of training will frequently show. In addition, they don’t like to say
no. As a result, they generally don’t prepare very well and are often
nervous. If they seem nervous, ask you inappropriate questions, or
are rude, try not to take it personally. The more you can set hiring
managers at ease and persuade them that you can start making their
lives easier, the better your chances.

SIXTY BEST QUESTIONS FOR HIRING MANAGERS

8-1
Can you describe your experience with the ideal employee?
The answer to this question identifies the attributes the boss values
most. For example, if the boss talks about independence, then you

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