Interview tips

[oceangirl]

What's your view on questions to ask if you are being interviewed for a new job?  I always struggle to find anything to ask!  I also wonder if anybody knows what CIPD? Charted institute of?? And what does it cover?

George.

[Jackie G]

George

CIPD is the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development and was IPD until they got chartered status.

Don't know what the exams involve, but no doubt someone on here has done them.  You'll find that most people in the field of HR are working towards, or have their IPD exams.

Jackie
www.iqps.org
DeskDemon Forum Board Staff

[beaintheuk]

I always find that the list of duties is never all covered by the people who interview you, so there is a gap, for instance who does the expenses, do you use travel agents or the internet for bookings, office environment (shared or not), canteen facility, flexible hours or not, pension, health cover, length of probationery period, hours (how long for lunch break, etc), etc...  Of course you can always ask more questions on the company itself and not the job, for instance turnover, market share, how long has the company been established, etc.
In my case I have also have some specific questions such as use of French (how much), travel arrangements, use of shorthand, etc
Hope this gives you a few ideas.
Bea

[raindance]

All the things mentioned above are really good to ask.  People, I have discovered, like to talk about themselves, so you might like to "interview" them. Always remember that you know what you can offer them - you need to find out what they can offer you. They wouldn't be interviewing you if they didn't think you were a possible employee.

I ask questions of my interviewer(s) such as how long they have been with the company; what attracted them to it; details of management structure; positive and negative aspects of working with that company.  

My two bitz

Raindance

[bethalize]

Ask about opportunities for career development, for training and if they will sponsor courses.

Bethalize
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff

[deedee]

I always carry a notebook/organizer and say "I have written down a number of my questions; would you mind if I refer to my notes?"  No one ever objects.  Then I ask, and take notes on the replies to questions like:
What skills and personal qualities would your ideal candidate have?
If there is a formal evaluation system, what criteria are used?  You can start by saying that you intend to work hard and prove your value.  The answer to this question can give you an idea as to how closely the criteria reflect the goals of the job description.
Ask what the reporting relationship is (tells you if you will work for one person or are expected to be the all-around drudge/workhorse for 60 people)
If you think about a typical week at Your Company (fill in company name here), what aspects do you like most?  Like least?
Can you tell me about some of the people who have been highly successful in this position--people who did a great job?
Can you tell me about people who worked for you in the past who didn't work out so well, or whose work you valued less?
In a year from now, what kinds of improvements would you like to see in place, which don't exist now?
Of course you will want to know why the job is open, but I always end by saying, "What else can I tell you about myself or my career experience we haven't discussed?"

My own personal list of things I'm looking for in a boss, if they ask, include:
Looking for a boss who:
Focuses on accomplishments (not personality, though I don't add that)
Can and will teach me
Will evaluate work progress objectively
Rewards results, not mediocrity
Solicits and accepts feedback
Sets goals for me and will be there while I strive to reach them
Communicates frequently, openly, and genuinely
Encourages empowerment

Sorry for the length of this, but I think it's important to stress what a really professional assistant is capable of even though, as a friend used to say, "We toil unseen - as a desert flower blooms."
good luck!

[jak0215]

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all.  I don't usually have too much to add to many of the posts on DD (usually due to the excellent advice already given!), but I do make sure that I get my daily dose of DD and the goings on here.  George, your question and the responses you received came in real handy for me today.  I had an interview this morning that I feel went very well for me thanks to you all.   DeeDee, your list of questions for the interviewer were fresh in my mind and were a great asset for me when I was asked the dreaded question "Do you have any questions for me?"  I usually get stumped by this question and was able to actually ask some well thought out questions.  Even If I'm not offered the position, I still feel great about the interview.  Thank you all for the support you give others intentionally and unintentionally.  

jak

[magickalmeli]

Always ask about room for growth! That's about the only thing I can think I'd like to add.

- Melissa