Interview Questions

[Jen McCabe Gorman]

Hi ladies -

It was amazingly energizing meeting everyone and hearing so many great goals and challenges yesterday.

In response to our conversations surrounding interviewing, I'm posting a basic list of questions I take to interview potential bosses. I change them based on the organization, position, and any other questions I may have after reading the job posting.

This is a pretty long list, so you may not want to use all of them in every interview - modify the list as applicable so it suits your purposes. Best of luck!

[Michele Martin]

Hi Jen--thanks so much for sharing these. They're wonderful! I've also added a link to this forum in the forum I set up with some other informational interviewing resources.

[Linsey Shelton]

Hi Jen,

These questions are great. I will definitely make use of them. I heard that a good rule was to ask 5-7 questions. Thoughts on that?

Also, I wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your presence at the retreat. You have a calm, yet upbeat energy that was a lovely combination. This new turn in your life is going to be a great adventure. Be sure to give all of your family and friends extra love and appreciation before you leave. And then, as you explore your new home and find things that they would think interesting, send them little packages. I have a friend that sends me things at least twice a year - chocolates or a jewelry that she hasn't worn in ages but thinks I'll like. There is nothing to replace these physical reminders of your existence via electronic media. But I digress.

Thanks for the interview questions!

[Danielle Hatchett]

I actually have an interview on Wednesday and I'll make good use of these. I second what Linsey said about your energy. I really think your calling is in working with people in some advisor/coaching capacity. You have that kind of presence.

As for the 5-7, screw that! I am going to ask as many questions as I need to in order to get the information I need. I am not trying to jump from the frying pan into the fire so I need to know what I'm getting myself in to. I need to know if I can exist there. A lot of my questions are typically answered during the interview portion so I may only be left with 5 or 6. But if I'm left with 10, I'm going to ask all of them. There has only been one time that an interviewer commented that I had a lot of questions. During the interview, I had the sense she thought I would take her job. Turns out that the job mysteriously wasn't going to be filled after all. I think most employers worth their salt are going to be impressed that you ask questions because it shows you've put some preparation in for the interview and thought about what you want out of a position. I've often had employers say "Good question" to some of mine.

[Linsey Shelton]

I like your thinking, Danielle. If I can't ask the questions I need to satisfy my curiosity during an interview, I probably wouldn't enjoy working for the person anyway.