Page 118 - John Kador - 201 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview-McGraw-Hill (2002)

QUESTIONS FOR HIRING MANAGERS

8-52
What are the organization’s primary financial objectives and perform-
ance measures?
The question combines an understanding that objectives are meaning-
less without measures.

8-53
What operating guidelines or metrics are used to monitor the planning
process and the results?
This follow-up question probes for specifics on how the organization
determines success.
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To what extent are those objectives uniform across all product lines?
Here is a follow-up question that probes for discontinuities in the or-
ganization, not an uncommon situation in a corporation formed as the
product of multiple mergers and acquisitions.
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How does the company balance short-term performance versus long-
term success?
This is a tough question for every executive.

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What kinds of formal strategic planning systems, if any, are in place?
The Internet revolution relegated formal strategic planning systems such
as management by objective to the sidelines, but with the dot-com melt-
down, they are starting to come back.

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Can you describe the nature of the planning process and how decisions
concerning the budgeting process are made?
This question is a little more granular, with an emphasis on the
budget.
8-58
Can you identify the key corporate participants in the planning
process?
This is a variation of the planning question, this time in human terms.

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