As
with any interview situation, the key to a successful job interview is
being prepared. Know the company, anticipate questions, bring contact
information, and prepare a list of your own questions, advises AECWorkForce
in the new book Guide to Finding the
Right Job in the Design & Construction Industry.
Here,
reprinted with permission, are more than 30 suggestions of "Questions
You Should Ask During an Interview" from which to choose.
What is it like to work here?
What are some of the firm's problems? What is being done to address
these?
What is the state of the firm's financial health?
What are some of the firm's strengths?
May I see the firm's business plan?
Who are your clients? May I talk with one?
Who are your competitors?
What kinds of computers and programs do you use? Will I have my
own computer?
Is this a new position or a replacement? What happened to the person
who held it previously? Is there someone already employed by the firm
who thinks they should have this position?
What are this position's daily responsibilities?
What is the career path from this position? What's the next step
and what would I need to do to get there?
Who directly supervises this position? What is his or her background?
What's he or she like? May I talk to other people who report to this person?
How many people are in the department/group/studio? May I meet
some of them? Do they want this position filled?
What would I be working on immediately? What would be my role?
What are the firm's expectations of the person assuming this role?
How would my performance be measured?
How are pay reviews scheduled?
How long have you been here? Why do you like working here?
Does this firm encourage continuing formal education? Do you accommodate
class/seminar schedules? Do you pay for any portion of tuition/attendance
fees?
How is firm ownership structured? What are the opportunities for
ownership?
Will I have a written employment agreement?
Does your company require that I sign a non-compete agreement?
How many women and minorities hold management positions in your
firm?
Where do the other employees live? How far away are these communities?
Can you describe them? What is the commute like?
How many other candidates are you considering for this position?
What can you tell me about them?
What is your schedule for making this hiring decision? When you
began this process, what was your target date for getting someone on board?
What is the next step?
When will I hear back from you?
Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects.
All rights reserved.
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