Page 87 - 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Second Edition

I N TERV IEW THE I N TERV IEW ER

? Memorably Good Question
#2

What kinds of processes are in place to help me work
collaboratively?

This candidate shows me not only that he wants to succeed,
but that he understands that success at this level requires a
collaborative effort.

Bob Conlin
Vice President of Marketing
Incentive Systems
Bedford, MA

6-3
Are you dealing with the client’s HR people, or do you have direct con-
tact with the hiring manager?
Don’t be afraid to ask. You want to know how much influence the
recruiter will have with this client. A search engagement that puts the
recruiter in direct contact with the hiring manager will offer a sig-
nificantly stronger opportunity for you to be placed in the position.

6-4
How long has the client been with you?
This gives you insight into how well the recruiter knows the com-
pany. Look for a long-term association.

6-5
How many candidates have you personally placed with this client?
Look for a recruiter who has a successful history with the client, bet-
ter yet, with the hiring manager. The recruiter should have a solid
understanding of the client’s needs in order to determine if you will
fit into the position, the work team, and the corporate culture. If the
recruiter has not placed any candidates with the company, there is a
chance that he or she does not have a specific assignment or position
in mind for you. What the recruiter is doing is trolling for candidates
to add to his or her database for future engagements.

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