Page 159 - 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Second Edition

THE QUESTION LIFE CYCLE

? Memorably Good Question
#9

What makes this place suck?

Of course, you have to be careful. I’ve worked at advertising
agencies most of my career, so the culture allows zany
questions without fear of being looked at funny. I actually
asked that question. It got a laugh, and the response was an
answer that really let me know the personality of that person
and the culture of the office. There are some industries where
such a question would be too bold. But in the right context it
works.

Eric L. Frost
Account Director
STOKEFIRE Consulting Group, Inc.
Alexandria, VA

10-17
How long has this position existed in the organization? Has its scope
changed recently?
Information about the history of the position and its recent evolution
can influence your decision.

10-18
What are the greatest challenges I will face in this position in further-
ing the agenda of the organization?
The question asks the interviewer to identify the obstacles, impedi-
ments, and other land mines that people occupying every position in
an organization must confront. If the interviewer suggests there are
no such obstacles, you know it’s a lie.

10-19
Are my tasks limited to my job description, or will I be performing
duties outside the described job scope?
If there is a job description, it is frequently ignored. If you’re going
to be doing your job as well as someone else’s, you should know now,
before you accept the position.

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