I have a job interview next week. Can you give me some good questions to ask? It's a job that I'm totally qualified for, but I worry that maybe I'll be even over-qualified (and bored?) I need some good questions to ask.
Is it inappropriate to ask how they do performance reviews? I found out the hard way that my review at my current job is NOT based on performance, you only get whatever percentage the company gives everyone. So basically the person next to me got the same raise that I did and she is never here (calls in sick, leaves early) and has been written up SEVERAL times.
Thanks for any ideas you can give me!
2007-08-17 10:22:52 · 9 answers · asked by Peach 5 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Administrative and Office Support
For those who mentioned it, the reason I know what my co-worker makes is because my boss told me. Yet another reason to get out of my current position - nothing is confidential. That's also why I know that someone was written up several times - my boss told me. I really need a more professional environment. That's the main reason for my looking, but of course career growth as well. This would be somewhat of a lateral move for me, but I'm hoping the door is open for upward growth. Thanks for all your input, it's all very appreciated!
2007-08-18 12:37:14 · update #1
I think the best thing you can do is be up front with anything you want to know. The employer will more than likely be impressed with the fact that you want to know all aspects of your job, not just your pay. I have been in the interviewing process many times. Just be yourself. Questions show that you are interested.
2007-08-17 10:34:29 · answer #1 · answered by C 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first thought in my mind is that you are going to get through the interview easily. That is because you seem confident, seem to have good qualifications, or even seem to be over-qualified as you have mentioned.
That leads me to a different thought all together. This thought is unrelated to your question directly, but it might help you think deeply about your career. If you are already over-qualified and are going to be bored in the interview itself, would such a job keep you happy in the longer term anyway? If this job is not going to help your career dreams, but you are going to be under-utilized is it worth going for the job in the first place, no matter how much higher they pay?
More directly answering your question, I see nothing wrong in having a general discussion about their performance reviews once the interview is over and the floor is open for your questions. You are an already affected party & a causualty of a poor performance / appraisal system with a previous employer. So you can ask if "merit takes precedence" in the new organization over "equality for all"? Some organizations do not "upset the apple cart". So you could simply ask whether they give importance to "seniority" over "meritocracy" and "smart workers". You can also ask them about how often appriasals take place, how often promotions take place and what are the amounts they pay out as bonuses and increments to their best employees each year? You might also like to know the ratio of the salary of the top employee to the lowest employee. That could really help. You can also check whether they follow the bell shaped curve for performance reviews like General Electric follows worldwide. That will tell you a lot about the company you are going to work for. Best wishes for a good long term career, rather than just a good job and good pay that saves the present day.
2007-08-17 21:57:57 · answer #2 · answered by kalyan shasank 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't ask about performance reviews till the end of the interview.
I would ask what opportunities there would be for growth in the job. Tell them you're looking for something long term and it would be great if you could stay with the company for a long time.
2007-08-17 18:26:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the company has a website, check it out and let them know you reviewed their website. Ask about benefits, hours, etc... It is perfectly fine to ask about how they review, because soem companies use self-reviews. Ask what a typical day would be like, ask about advancement opportunities (makes them think you will stay awhile). Ask how long the company has been in business, stuff like that. Good Luck!!!
2007-08-17 11:25:13 · answer #4 · answered by Brina 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here's a news flash for you. NEVER NEVER concern yourself with what raise the other person gets. To be blunt, it's none of your concern.
And, don;t worry about the review when you don;t even hve the job.
A good question, what training will be available to help me meet or exceed your expectations of me?
2007-08-18 11:16:20 · answer #5 · answered by TedEx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are concerned about if you will be bored, ask them in a typical day what your duites would be. I say ask whatever you want to know but make sure you don't sound "all about you" after all you are there to sell yourself to them as an asset so make sure you sound like one. BTW, don't worry yourself about what someone else is making - just make sure you shine and you'll be fine. Do check their website it will answer many of your questions.
2007-08-17 11:47:18 · answer #6 · answered by sparkles 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that is fair, but don't ever bad mouth the last place you worked..keep it positive... I always ask about dress codes, and then at the end ask when they will be making a decision...almost like, so when do I expect to hear back from you...
2007-08-17 10:31:37 · answer #7 · answered by Jules 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
why do you want this job? tell them you love the company. (do research) there more.
2007-08-17 19:09:52 · answer #8 · answered by just hanging around 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask when you can start- i was a hiring manager, its a good question.
2007-08-17 10:31:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋