Comments on: 5 Questions You Should Ask in a Job Interview

By: Manuel

Manuel — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:45:41 +0000

Couldn’t have worded it better myself

By: Durga Truex

Durga Truex — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:22:24 +0000

Tact and diplomacy are important, but in my opinion, straightforwardness is equally so. This requires skilled communication so as to be direct without being offensive. However, if someone is put off by a direct question such as, “Why is the position vacant?”, I would have serious reservations about the job. Two main reasons are 1) If they feel the need to be secretive about why they have an open position in the company, what else are they secretive about and how will that affect me? and 2) If direct and open communication are not part of their company culture, would I even be a fit there?
Last, specific to that question alone, 3) it is not enough for me to know whether a position was newly created. Knowing WHY the position was vacated gives essential cues as to what kind of mobility is available in the organization and whether they have high turnover or fire people arbitrarily for trivial things.

Knowing ones own core values is essential when considering devoting your time, energy, and talent to an organization. I for one prioritize transparency and clarity above all else. If I get the sense that no one wants to give straight answers to perfectly reasonable questions, I don’t want to work there.

By: Rachel Dotson

Rachel Dotson — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:33:38 +0000

Excellent point about the importance of wording. Tact is of the utmost importance throughout the entire interview process — particularly in the interview!

By: Lynda Hallock, CEO LGH Recruitment

Lynda Hallock, CEO LGH Recruitment — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:38:59 +0000

Oh my, I would never have anyone ask that question so bluntly…they may not want to tell you or you may not want to know. You might word it ” Is this a newly created position?”
I like the concept of asking questions just not how they were phrased:
” Where will the majority of my time be spent doing ABC or xyz?”
” How long have you been working here?” Is manager of XYZ (whatever) your original position or did you advance with the company?” add questions to his/her answer. A much better gauge of company culture.
” I have a good sense of the companies culture, perhaps you can give me some feedback on how you feel I would fit in/be an asset?” You will get much more out of her/his response that asking as a direct question.

A candidate should have been asking these questions all along and should have done their homework regarding the company BEFORE the interview. That is the key to landing the job!