Job Interview Questions

Memorably Good Question

#1 What’s the makeup of the team as far as experience? Am I going to be a mentor, or will I be mentored?

This question shows that the candidate is sensitive to where he will fit in the organization relative to the skill level of the other members of the team. It also demonstrates a willingness to teach or be taught, in either case evidence of a team player.

Houston Landry Avalanche Communications Group Dallas, TX

Memorably Good Question

#2 What does this company value the most, and how do you think my work for you will further these values?

A thoughtful question that enlists the interviewer to align the candidate with the values of the company.

Charles Handler Rocket-hire.com San Francisco, CA

Memorably Bad Question

#1 Can I switch jobs with the hiring manager?

The candidate looked at the job in question but wanted the hiring manager’s job because it was a better position. He thought it would be “really easy” for the hiring manager to take the candidate’s existing job, creating a better opportunity for the candidate. I thought the candidate was kidding, but he wasn’t. I warned him that if he contacted the hiring manager, it would critically reduce his chances of getting the job he was interviewing for, but he didn’t listen. The hiring manager thought this guy must have eaten paint chips as a kid. Needless to say, he did not get the job.

Jason Rodd Senior Consultant TMP Worldwide, Inc. Tampa, FL

Memorably Bad Question

#2 Does the company provide snacks?

This is a staggeringly immature question that indicates a staggeringly immature candidate.

Liz Reiersen Senior Technical Recruiter Verizon Communications Irving, TX

That’s why recruiters of either stripe want to like you, or at least believe you can do the job. They want to be able to refer you to their clients. They want their clients to agree that you are as qualified as they believe you are. They don’t get paid unless three conditions are met: One, their client agrees and offers you a job; two, you accept the job; and three, you are successful on the job—or at least stay with the job for a specified period of time, generally three months to a year. So if you are at all qualified, they are going to do everything within reason to sell you on the company and sell the company on you. Your interview with a recruiter is different in tone and content than with an employer. In some cases, you will not even know the name of the company the agency represents until the recruiter is satisfied that you are qualified. You can ask the recruiter questions that would be inappropriate to ask the employer. For example, questions about compensation that you would not initiate with the employer are perfectly reasonable to ask a recruiter.

So your strategy in asking questions of recruiters and headhunters is twofold:

• Demonstrate that you are qualified for the job and will likely take it if it is offered to you.
• Get critical information about the company that you might not be able to get from the company directly.

Another good thing about recruiters is that they represent dozens or sometimes even hundreds of companies. Even if one opportunity does not work out, if you make a good impression on a recruiter, the recruiter will remember you and keep you in mind for other searches he or she may have.