Questions for the Interviewer

In an article in The Dallas Morning News – August 28, 2011, edition on page 1J, “What’s in a Question” by Cliff Garinn, he responds to this question posed by a reader: “What kind of question should I ask during an interview?”

Here are the suggested questions provided by Garinn:

1.    What exactly does this company value the most and do you think my work for you will further these values?

2.    In what area could your team use a little polish?

3.    Can you describe the company’s culture?

4.    Who will I report to?

5.    How will you measure my success? What will have happened six months from now that will demonstrate that have met your expectations?

6.    This job sounds like something I’d really like to do – is there a fit?

7.    What attracts you to this company and what brings you back?

Personally, I am not sure that questions 1, 2, 6, and 7 are appropriate, but that is just me.  However, I do think that it is important for an applicant to exhibit genuine interest in the opportunity by asking questions. 

  

Please share your suggested questions for an interviewer with readers of this blog. 

Thanks!

Glyn    

FaceTime Job Interview?

My wife and I recently traded-in our iphone 3s for iphone 4s.  One of the new features of the iphone 4 is the FaceTime feature.  This feature enables a visual connection between owners of iphone4s and ipads when they are using “wifi” sites. This feature is similar to Skype which I discussed in this blog on July 24, 2011.  I am wondering if job interviews will begin using this FaceTime feature.  

An article in The Dallas Morning News – August 21, 2011, issue edition on page 1J, “How to Put our Best Voice Forward” by ARCContent   contains tips for phone interview.  I believe these tips would be helpful to those that are interviewing for a job via FaceTime, Skype, or just the telephone.

Before the phone (Skype or FaceTime) interview: 
      

Dress for the occasion

·         Use a landline; a cell phone may drop (maybe not)

·         Turn off call waiting; it’s annoying (Be in a quiet, solitary place)

·         Place your resume in front of you, along with the employment ad (perhaps on a table before you for reference)

·         Keep pen, paper, and calculator on hand to take notes (I not so sure about the calculator)

During the phone (Skype or FaceTime) interview:

·         Ask the interviewer for the correct spelling of his/her name and verify title (if the information is not shown on your screen

·         Smile as you speak; the interviewer will hear you and perhaps see you as well

·         Stand as you speak; the voice will project better (I am not sure this is a good idea. You may be more relaxed seated)

·         Speak slowly; enunciate words and use proper grammar and don’t interrupt (Always good advice)

·         Don’t ramble; make your answers brief

·         Ask questions; showing interest in the job and organization

·         Thank the interviewer as  you sign-off

After the phone (Skype or FaceTime) interview:

·         Send a note of thanks by email or regular mail within 1 – 2 days

·         Follow-up with a contact with a week with you had no response from the organization

Hiring organizations are looking for candidates that are comfortable with new technologies. What is your opinion about Skype and FaceTime job interviews?

Thanks!

Glyn    

Do You Pump Gasoline?

My wife, Ann, and I had a wonderful 12 day trip to Oregon. We drove over 1,500 miles in our Hertz Toyota Yaris which averaged over 41 miles per gallon of gasoline! Oregon is a very diverse state producing many agricultural products including wheat, oats, corn, peaches, vegetables, vineyards, mint, cherries, and others we were unable to identify.  Timber is also a major product of Oregon. 

I asked our hop-a-bus tour driver in Portland about employment. He said that there were many folks seeking work with a very high level of unemployed, many of whom had become discouraged.  He is a private commercial pilot who could not find a job flying so he is now a tour guide.

I quickly learned that I was not permitted to pump my own gasoline in Oregon.  The attendants say that they appreciated having a job.  So I am wondering if Oregon and many other states and cities have the right idea about self-service gasoline stations. 

How do you feel about prohibiting self-service gasoline stations?  I have always been in the productivity field of information systems, but there are valid arguments supporting the requirement for attendants pumping gasoline.  Safety and providing preventative and required auto maintenance which drivers often ignore are some compelling reasons.   

Please share with other readers of this blog your thinking about advanced productivity devices replacing many jobs.

Thanks!

Glyn