INTERVIEW QUESTIONS APPLICANTS MAY ASK

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS APPLICANTS MAY ASK

The following are questions candidates may ask during an interview. Some questions are more suited for second and subsequent interviews. It is important therefore for you to use the flow of the interaction between yourself and the interviewer to determine the appropriateness of each question.


ABOUT THE POSITION

Is the position a new one?
Has staff been advised of the new position? Were they involved in the process?
How much human resources have been allocated to the position? Staff quality.
What is the present staff complement?
Is the department ready to be occupied?
Does the position require traveling, both local and overseas?
Does the department handle/sign off on payroll for all staff?
What characteristics are you looking for in the candidate?

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION

Can you explain the steps involved in your recruitment and selection process?
How soon may I expect to hear from you?
What type of reference do you consider?
Do you out source your recruiting from time to time?


REPORTING STRUCTURE

Who does the incumbent report to?
What authority does the incumbent have? Hire/fire etc.
Does the department have a monthly float?
Does the department have an overall budget?
How often are budget reviews done?

TRAINING

What type of training is intended for the incumbent? Both local and overseas?
What is the overall training budget for the organization?
Is training seen as a strategic intervention in the company obtaining its objectives?
How long is the training period for this position?


EVALUATION/APPRAISALS

How often will the incumbent be evaluated?
How often is staff evaluated?
What type of evaluation system is presently being used?
Does the company use the Balanced Scorecard System?
How often are departmental targets reviewed?

DIRECTION

What is the overall direction of the company in another 5-10 years?
What is the present staff turnover rate?
What are some of the time lines given for changes?
What is the vision and mission of the company?
Has the company ever experienced a redundancy exercise?


REMUNERATION/BENEFITS

Who are your pension administrators? Auditors?
Is there an incentive plan tied to this present position?
Is there a profit sharing/bonus scheme?
How often is salary reviewed?
What are the standard benefits? What are the benefits associated with this position?
What is the salary for the position?
Is the salary negotiable?

STAFF RELATIONS

Are staff unionized? How many unions are presently representing staff?
What has been the relationship between the company and the union(s)?
When was the last settlement?
Is the company a member of an employers association?
Is there a staff handbook?
Is there a staff benefit schedule?