Is this your dream job or your next nightmare?
Congratulations! Opportunity’s knocking on your door with an intriguing potential new job. As you prepare to put your best foot forward in the interview, consider…. When opportunity knocks, what do you need to know to rest assured this is your dream job and not a nightmare?
While curiosity and keen interest are welcome, your new employer might be taken aback if they feel interrogated while they’re interviewing you. Find out what you can during your interview prep research.
Remember the goal in the interview is to develop and communicate a clear and convincing vision on how you are the best person for the job AND to determine if it’s the right job for you.
The process of determining whether or not the job at hand will truly be a “Dream Job” is easy. It’s a matter of asking the right questions about the people, the project, the potential and the company, and then really listening to the answers.
Position Questions
▢ Why is this position open? *
▢ How often has it been filled in the last 3-5 years?
▢ What were the primary reasons for the transitions?
▢ What prompted the last departure?
▢ In what ways were you most pleased with what the last person did?
▢ Where is the greatest room for improvement?
▢ What would you like to see accomplished differently by the person who fills this job?
*Your questions will vary slightly if the position is open due to growth vs. a replacement.
Project & Technical Opportunity Questions
▢ What are some of the objectives that need to be accomplished in this position?
▢ What is most pressing? What would you like to have done within the in the next 3 to 6 months?
▢ What are some longer-term objectives priorities or projects you would like to see completed?
▢ What are some of the more difficult challenges the group is facing now? How do you believe this can best be handled?
People and Politics Questions
▢ In comparison to other divisions departments or groups how does this department compare and fit with others, especially from the viewpoint of senior management?
▢ How would you describe your management style?
▢ How does this compare with senior management?
Professional Growth Questions
▢ Where could a successful person in this position go?
▢ What is the typical timeframe and philosophy for internal promotion and professional development?
Company Questions
▢ How would you compare this company to (list a few competitors)?
▢ What do you most enjoy about working for this company?
Don’t forget to ask in closing, “Where are you at in the decision process? What is the best way for me to follow up if I haven’t heard from you by…?”
Keep in mind no job is 100% perfect. The answers to these questions may not guarantee that you’ve found your dream job but at least you’ll know what you’re dealing with. Good luck out there, and choose wisely!
Opportunity Knocks. Now What?
Connie Dorigan, Founder and Director of Recruiting, sees the food processing industry as the link between good living and good people. She’s the west coast’s most experienced and trusted food processing recruiter. She also provides Executive and Career Coaching and lots of free job search tools. Once you’ve connected with Connie, you’ll always be connected.
© 2018 Connie Dorigan. All rights reserved.
This is a general interest article and does not constitute specific or legal advice.
