Page 113 - 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Second Edition

I N TERV IEW THE I N TERV IEW ER

8-13
What do you consider the strengths and weaknesses of your major
competitors?
Ideally you should name the competitors. The point of the question
is to communicate your sophistication in conceptualizing the com-
pany’s success in terms of competitive struggle.

8-14
How do you view the future for this industry/field?
This prompts a conversation about industry trends. Be prepared to
contribute with relevant and recent statistics or stories from your
own experience.

8-15
What can you tell me about the individual to whom I would report?
This is a question directed to your boss’s boss.

8-16
What can you tell me about my peers on the management team?
The question displays your awareness that success depends on
teamwork between peer managers. A follow-up question is to ask
about the qualities the colleagues on the management team have in
common.

8-17
What can you tell me about others with whom I will work directly?
The question identifies the people your supervisor considers most
important for you to create good working relationships with. Don’t
consider the list exhaustive.

8-18
How would you define your management philosophy?
This is the start of what can be a very encouraging conversation.
Your goal is to demonstrate that your interviewer’s management
philosophy aligns with your own. If it doesn’t, that deserves a con-
versation, too, for it predicts potential conflict.

92