When you are heavily engrossed in a “I-need-new-job-please-hire-me” job search mode, it is easy to forget that as the executive job seeker you can interview the company as well.
At the end of the day, it is really about the right fit for both sides. You will not be productive, intellectually stimulated or creative in an environment that saps your energy, goes against your values, and disrupts your personal interests.
So, when asked in an interview if you have questions – please, please say yes!
You should put the same amount of time and effort into preparing your interview answers and your interview questions – what do you want to know about the company, what things are deal makers or deal breakers for you? Determine that ahead of time.
Here are a few good questions to consider:
- What do you see ahead for your company in the next five years and what can you tell me about your new product or plans for growth?
- Why is this position open and how many persons have held it in the past 12 months? (If more than two, run!!)
- How will my performance be evaluated – on annual revenues, market growth, cost savings, team performance, etc?
- What have you observed as important strengths, skills, and qualifications for someone in this position to succeed?
- What are some of the greatest challenges that the company/division is facing internally right now?
- Can you tell me about the most critical projects that your team is handling at the moment?
- Will it be possible to meet other members of the team to learn more about the company’s culture and working environment?
- How soon are you looking to fill the position and what are the next steps?
