Page 85 - John Kador - 201 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview-McGraw-Hill (2002)

INTERVIEW THE INTERVIEWER

? Memorably Good Question

#1

What’s the makeup of the team as far as experience? Am I
going to be a mentor, or will I be mentored?

This question shows that the candidate is sensitive to where he
will fit in the organization relative to the skill level of the other
members of the team. It also demonstrates a willingness to
teach or be taught, in either case evidence of a team player.

Houston Landry
Avalanche Communications Group
Dallas, TX

? Memorably Bad Question

#1

Can I switch jobs with the hiring manager?
The candidate looked at the job in question but wanted the hir-
ing manager’s job because it was a better position. He thought
it would be “really easy” for the hiring manager to take the
candidate’s existing job, creating a better opportunity for the
candidate. I thought the candidate was kidding, but he wasn’t.
I warned him that if he contacted the hiring manager, it would
critically reduce his chances of getting the job he was inter-
viewing for, but he didn’t listen. The hiring manager thought
this guy must have eaten paint chips as a kid. Needless to say,
he did not get the job.
Jason Rodd
Senior Consultant
TMP Worldwide, Inc.
Tampa, FL

only if they present a candidate who accepts a position. Retainer agen-
cies are paid whether they present a candidate or not, but they look a hell
of a lot better if they present qualified candidates.

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