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Interview Your Interviewer: Eight Questions You Should Ask
I have done far more job interviews over the years than I can possibly remember. After the first 60 seconds of jitters is over, I feel like a seasoned veteran. Even when it is "life and death" I try not to treat an interview, interviewee, or the company like it is. The question about expectations is a good one to ask though I frame it like this: "Looking ahead a year - what would you like the person who is hired to have accomplished in that time?" Every time I've asked it's genuinely given the other person pause and almost to the man they've all said "great question!" Most of the other questions are, well, questionable. I definitely wouldn't ask about the previous (or current) person holding the position as legally it's almost certain they can't respond to it. I also wouldn't ask about "what reservations" they'd have about hiring you. I suppose the self-confidence to ask that question is vaguely admirable but it also puts the interviewer on the spot and forces them to think negatively about you. Hmm... what don't I like about you for this job... let me think. It just sounds like a terrible idea. I wouldn't ask too many questions either - 3 or 4 tops. There's a fine line between engaging and inquisitive and just plain annoying. If you're annoying, you'll almost certainly get kicked out of the process. Interviews and hiring processes are often lengthy and, for the interviewee especially, quite exhausting. Don't exhaust your interviewer too! There's no definitive tricks to getting a job. Be yourself, be relaxed, be honest, and be engaging. No need to puff yourself up or be excessively talkative to make it appear that you are REALLY interested in the job - those who suggest that are often insecure, aggressive jerks who think you have to bully your way through the process. Call back a zillion times to find out where you are? Do you think harried, overworked HR staff or hiring managers are impressed that you can bug them 50 times a day via phone or email? I've never called back a prospective employer once in my 17+ years in the job market after an interview yet somehow I've managed to stay employed and get new jobs regularly. Unless you're at a cattle call most positions come down to 2-3 top interviewees. If you had a good interview, they won't forget who you are and you'll get the job. If you didn't, keep trying elsewhere. I've been on both sides of the table plenty of times and trust me you know who the good ones are - and in the business I'm in, they are rare so when one stands out you don't forget - and you forget the bad ones pretty fast.— August 15, 2012 5:56 p.m.