Page 127 - 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Second Edition

I N TERV IEW THE I N TERV IEW ER

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What are the organization’s primary financial objectives and perfor-
mance measures?
The question indicates an understanding that objectives are mean-
ingless without measures.

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What operating guidelines or metrics are used to monitor the planning
process and the results?
This follow-up question probes for specifics on how the organization
determines success.

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To what extent are those objectives uniform across all product lines?
Here is a follow-up question that probes for discontinuities in the
organization, not an uncommon situation in a corporation formed
as the product of multiple mergers and acquisitions.

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How does the company balance short-term performance versus long-
term success?
This is a tough question for every executive.

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Can you describe the nature of the planning process and how decisions
concerning the budgeting process are made?
This question is a little more granular, with an emphasis on the
budget.

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How often and in what form does the company report its results inter-
nally to its employees?
Look for an answer that involves the terms cloud computing, Web,
or intranet.

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In the recent past, how has the company acknowledged and rewarded
outstanding performance?
This question can put the interviewer in a tough spot. If the com-
pany has enjoyed good results, you are asking for specific ways the

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