By Tali Nizic, Controllers on Call
Sample of questions you may be asked during the interview:
• Regardless of the question, ensure your answers are concise and will be collaborated by your business references:
• Why are you leaving your current company?
• Tell me about yourself.
• How do you describe your personality?
• What did you like best about the current company you are working for?
• What did you like least about the current company you are working for?
• Describe your current job duties.
• Describe one of the best ideas you ever came up with, what was your approach to implementing the idea?
• What are your major weaknesses?
• What are your major strengths?
• Describe a major project with which you had difficulties and how you overcame these difficulties.
• Describe your working style. (Do you enjoy working independently, in a team setting, etc).
• Give an example of when you were not happy with your performance and what did you do about it.
• Describe some projects you generated on your own. What prompted you to begin them, and what was the end result?
• Why have you chosen the field you are in? What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing this field and the industry?
• What are your short-term goals?
• What are you long term goals?
It is now your turn: Questions You May ask in the interview:
Remember: an interview is a two way process. This is your turn to throw the baseball. By now you have done your homework. You know about the position, the company and the people in your future employment situation. Always ask open-ended questions. Ask questions to define the position; Organization structure and operating philosophy; Corporate objectives; Business Prospect; Strategic and Operating Plans; Dealing with Company Founders and Owners.
Here are some examples:
• What is the scope of the position’s responsibility, authority, and accountability?
• How challenging is the position?
• How is performance measured by whom and how frequently?
• Who will be my direct supervisor?
• What is his/her management style?
• What caused this position to be vacant? How long has it been vacant?
• Are there any internal candidates for this position? In the event that I am the successful candidate, how will they feel and act?
• What is the organization of the department?
• What are some significant things that need to be accomplished by this position within the first year? What are some of the challenges in achieving these goals?
• What career growth and promotional opportunities are available for this position?
• How would employees describe the extent to which they are informed, involved, developed, and promoted?
• How are decisions reached in the department and in the company as a whole?
• What is the nature of the planning process and decisions concerning the budgeting process are made?
It is a good practice to follow up with a thank you note. Those with good handwriting – hand write your note. Unless your handwriting is totally unbearable – type the note. Make it short. Ask for the job once again!
Always believe in yourself and trust the process! We wish you best of luck in your job search!
Tali has been in the recruitment field since 1996 and brings with her extensive experience in the placement of middle to executive-level Finance and Human Resources Professionals in contract and permanent positions over a wide range of industries. tali@controllersoncall.ca, www.controllersoncall.ca
