Need some questions to follow-up on a 2nd interview

[NewJeffCT]

I had what was scheduled to be a one hour 2nd interview with the Accounting/Financial Reporting Director on Friday. Unfortunately, she got called onto an important conference call just when our interview was about to start. So, I met with one of her managers for about 45 minutes while the Director finished up with her call.

On the first interview, I got the impression she was a very dynamic, energetic type woman, and the manager I had met with was kind of quiet & laid back, similar to my personality.

But, since we only had 10-15 minutes to talk, she wanted me to call her administrative assistant on Monday to set up some time for me to ask more questions of her. Right now, I'm drawing a blank.

Basically, she used that time to tell me that she really like my background & thinks I could fit in well in her organization, but that the positions she has available now are at a lower level than she wants me to come in at - and, since she is in the process of creating a few new higher level positions, she wants to be ready for when these new positions are approved.

Other than things like benefits, which is more the domain of HR, what general type of questions can I ask of her? Any good links for interview questions?

Thanks!

[NewJeffCT]

1. kick

no help?

[Napoleon Dynamite]

2. my advice, and it is worth what you paid for it,

is to go to their website and read about the company. Depending how big the company is and how much information is on their site, you could find all kinds of information to ask about. For instance, I work for Cingular. I was hired during the time of the acquisition of AT&T Wireless. I asked questions about the merger and how it would effect my location and some other stuff too. I also found a career path section on the cingular site which provided some other questions. I don't have anything specific for you to ask, but think you could check online and see if the information there gives you some good question. Besides, I've always felt like I got a good response just by mentioning the company website before asking questions.

Good luck!

[NewJeffCT]

5. thanks - good idea

already know who I'd be reporting to - the Director. I'd likely be one of the new managers.

[SOteric]

3. Start with questions about the job

Who would you report to; are there performance evaluations; if not how are personnel development and pay grades determined. Would you be supervising? Ask about those under you and their background. Ask about the background and management style of those to whom you report. Open door policy? Direct? Does that manager have any of what may be described as management weaknesses?

Ask about the department; the department's goals, their focus and mission.

Ask about potential for growth for the department and the company and how you can contribute to that growth if hired.

[I Have A Dream]

4. I don't have any advise, but I'm going to kick this for you.

:kick:

[youthere]

6. When I worked at (nameless) corporation I did interviews

for our department, and one thing that always impressed me was when an applicant asked about additional training opportunites that were available within the company.

I also liked when applicants asked me what excited me the most about the company.
Another good question to ask is "What do you feel my greatest challenge will be in this position"

"Can you tell me about a project/account/product (or whatever is applicable) that has been particularly important to this company/department/branch?"

Since it sounds like it's an accounting related position you may want to ask questions that are more directly related like software used etc.

You're smart to get some questions lined up. I hated when I'd ask an applicant if they had any questions and they'd smile and say "not really".
Good luck.

[I Have A Dream]

7. This is really great advise.

I'm going to bookmark it in case I ever need it in the future.

[JimmyJazz]

8. Let me see if I can get this accurately: when they ask if you have any

questions, what if you were to ask, "what qualifications am I lacking for this position?" If they say, "none" then you can ask, "so, why dont' you hire me?" Or if they give you another answer, you can walk away knowing why you didn't get the position.

[NewJeffCT]

10. I think she is 90% sure she wants to hire me

During the first interview, I could tell it was going well - I was scheduled to meet with just her, but towards the end she said that she wanted me to meet two of her managers & talk with them, too.

Right now, the positions she has available are - in her opinion - not high enough level for me. However, she is creating some new positions that are a higher level & wants to have people ready to go once they new position is formalized & approved.

[Maru Kitteh]

9. How often do you create and/or dissolve positions?

Have you ever had to terminate a person for reasons unrelated to job performance?

[youthere]

11. kicking for the night crew

[I Have A Dream]

12. Kicking for the morning crew

:kick:

[fortyfeetunder]

13. Look for a copy of the company's annual report

because it will provide information on the company's progress and future plans. You might want to investigate who their competitors are so you can ask the interviewer about approaches to their biz model as compared to the competitor.

[NewJeffCT]

14. thanks - good idea

since it's a public company, annual reports & SEC reports will be easy to obtain.

[KitchenWitch]

15. Ask about personal development opportunities

Not just advancement within the company. Things like continuing education opportunities, etc. Ask (tactfully, I am sure you can word it better than I) about whether innovation within your job is encouraged, i.e. creative problem solving, teamwork approaches etc.

I wish you the best of luck.