Page 111 - John Kador - 201 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview-McGraw-Hill (2002)

INTERVIEW THE INTERVIEWER

8-20
What is the budget this department operates with?
You may or may not get a straight answer to this straight question, but
asking shows you understand the power of budgets to control outcomes.
8-21
What committees and task forces will I be expected to participate in?
Whether you like committee work or not, you should get this informa-
tion to make an informed decision.
8-22
How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured?
By whom?
Here’s another general question that goes to how your efforts will be
evaluated. It’s likely you will start a conversation about metrics such as
management by objective.

8-23
Are there any weaknesses in the department that you are particularly
looking to improve?
This will provide an indication of what your first assignment will be.
8-24
What are the department’s goals, and how do they align with the com-
pany’s mission?
This is another way to get a picture of how the department fits into the
enterprise.
8-25
What are the company’s strengths and weaknesses compared with the
competition (name one or two companies)?
This question shows that you have done your research and that you are
rightfully aware that success means outperforming the competition.

8-26
How does the reporting structure work here? What are the preferred
means of communication?
This set of questions goes to the heart of the corporate culture. Are re-
porting structures formal or informal? You will not be happy if you pre-

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