Page 145 - John Kador - 201 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview-McGraw-Hill (2002)

THE QUESTION LIFE CYCLE

You are asking the interviewer if you will find the kind of hard-work-
ing environment in which you thrive at this position. If the interviewer
hedges at all, you have your answer.

10-8
Is the company’s training strategy linked to the company’s core business
objectives?
The most sophisticated companies do link their training and education
investments to core business objectives.
10-9
How does your firm handle recognition for a job well done?
The way an organization rewards achievement tells you a lot about its
culture.

10-10
When was the last time you rewarded a subordinate for his or her efforts?
What token of appreciation did you offer?
This question goes from the general to the specific. You are now asking
about the manager’s practices in rewarding subordinates.

10-11
How does the firm recognize and learn from a brave attempt that didn’t
turn out quite as expected?
Many companies say they have a nonpunitive attitude toward managers who
make mistakes, but few live up to the attitude. Ask about a time when the
lessons from a mistake were widely disseminated across the organization.
10-12
How much freedom would I have in determining my objectives and
deadlines?
This question goes to how much authority you will have to do your job
in the manner you see fit versus working to someone else’s preferences.

10-13
How long has this position existed in the organization? Has its scope
changed recently?
Information about the history of the position and its recent evolution can
influence your decision.

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