Page 155 - 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Second Edition

THE QUESTION LIFE CYCLE

? Memorably Good Question
#8

What was the last fun thing that you did that wasn’t work-
related?

I had made it through a series of interviews for a position
in New York City that paid about $60,000 per year. After
interviewing with the manager and owner of the company, I had
a gut feeling that they expected employees to work fourteen-
hour days plus weekends. How could I ask a question about
work hours without appearing lazy or like a clock-watcher?
So at the end of my third interview, I asked the manager that
question. Her face turned a bit sullen as she said, “Well, I had
fun at the company business party we had on our business trip
to Canada.” From that one question, I learned that if I accepted
the position, I’d be signing my life away to this company.

Bob Johnson
Director of Public Relations
St. Bartholomew’s Church
New York, NY

and what the relocation plans are for the department. It is perfectly
appropriate to ask to speak with potential subordinates and col-
leagues. They are excellent sources of information; they know what
is going on and are most likely going to be straight with you. You may
ask these people about the informal power structure, the unwritten
priorities, what it really takes to be successful, and what they most
want to change.

TWENTY BEST DEFENSIVE QUESTIONS

10-1
If I were a spectacular success in this position after six months, what
would I have accomplished?
This is a very bold way to understand the “dream list” of accom-
plishments you will, on some level, be expected to fulfill.

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