PROFESSIONAL CV WRITING - CV SERVICES
|
Questions To Ask
|
First Interview Questions List and second interview questions list. 2nd interview questions clarify job descriptions in detail. |
|
Preparing a list of job interview questions to ask is essential preparation. Asking questions at job interview always impresses recruiters because it shows research, professionalism and a genuine interest in the role. Afterall, job interviews are very much a two-way process. It is important to ask questions at job interview to find out whether you are interested in the role. There are more general first interview questions, whereas more specific questions tend to be asked at second job interviews. Below is a list of job interview questions to ask and some 2nd interview questions. We profile some first interview questions and second interview questions to ask. |
Home >> Job Interviews >> Job Interview Questions To Ask | CV Help | Career Articles | Job Hunting
![]() |
FIRST INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: There tends to be a generic list of questions to ask at job interview. |
Remember a job interview is a two-way process. It is crucial to
ask effective and well-targeted questions at interview. It serves a dual purpose
by finding more information about the role and
company whilst showing a keen interest in the role or company. Asking good
questions will also
help to make a good impression and show that you have done some research on
the vacancy.
Winning CV lists possible questions to ask at interview and has broken them
down into typical questions to ask at first and second interview.
There is also consideration given towards the
offer of employment so you can get the most out any contract negotiations.
|
Affordable CV writing services. Great CV packages - FREE EXTRAS!! More Info
FREE Covering Letters - targeted and speculative letters (other companies charge!).
|
![]() |
Prepare Good Interview Questions: Ask Effective and Well-Targeted Questions - impress recruiters with research! |
Impress the interviewer & demonstrate that you are a worthwhile candidate.
Show professionalism, preparation & a genuine interest in the role.
Keep it simple. Only ask a limited number questions.
About The Company
Ask about interesting things that you have learnt about the company.
Ask about the long-term aspirations & future plans of the company.
Ask about the company culture
Important to get an insight as to the way things are done i.e. traditional office
environment,
team-based, project focused, creative, sales-driven, target orientated, incentivised
cultures, etc.
Ask for the interviewer's perspective
Ask why they enjoy working for this particular company (i.e. can give a greater insight).
Be sure they actually enjoy working for the company!
Clarifying the job description & role
Clarify the 'real' job description - employers will make roles appear more
attractive!
Ask about responsibilities, reporting lines, who you would be dealing with, travel,
etc.
Getting into the role
Ask about induction training - i.e. courses, some initial projects, job shadowing,
etc.
Ask about performance reviews & appraisals. Important for regular
feedback & to set
objectives with line managers.
Training & development
Ask about this to determine the emphasis towards investing in its people.
Also ask about chances for promotion, advancement and progression.
Other Questions
Ask why the vacancy has become available (can be revealing!).
Ask for an indication of likely starting salary / benefits (see if it is in line with
your expectations).
Ask how they see you fitting within the company structure to benefit most from
your skills.
About the Interview Process
Ask about the overall recruitment process & how long this will take (i.e.
to plan your next steps).
Ask about further contact for additional questions (i.e. re-assert your interest in
the role).
Find out when you are likely to hear the outcome of the interview.
Closing the interview - very important!
There should be clear positive intent & use it as one last opportunity
to sell your skills & qualities.
You should also state what you want from the first interview (i.e. a second interview!).
To leave a positive impression and close the interview, you should summarise
your experience, main skills and qualities in one sentance and then ask when you would
be invited to attend a second interview (i.e. gives positive intent and states
exactly what you want).
Clarify any areas of uncertainty regarding job description
Discuss specific details like proposed start dates, etc.
You can discuss pay, terms & conditions.
Link to: Salary
Negotiation for advice.
![]() |
JOB OFFERS: Advice on dealing with offers of employment and considering whether to accept or decline a job offer. |
Negotiating your offer of employment
Negotiate on terms of employment, pay, start date, location (re-location) &
company benefits.
Implement advice from Salary
Negotiation to optimise your bargaining potential.
Reviewing the detail
Review (finalise) job descriptions & terms of employment (contract). Go
through everything thoroughly and ask for help if unsure. A lawyer, recruitment consultant
or the Internet can assist with advice.
Other considerations
Ask if there are any other considerations (be thorough as it can have a major
affect on your life!).
Accepting / Rejecting the offer of employment
Do not be rushed into a decision either way. Set clear expectationsof
when to give a decision whilst considering any offer. Ensure employment offers are
received in writing before committing to anything. Keep copies of
any documentation (contract) for future reference and to be sure everything
is clear.
More than one job offer!
Be honest by telling both employers of an important decision to choose between
two job offers. Say that more time is required to consider both offers. Both
employers should respect any request for more time. This can also strengthen
any negotiating (bargaining) position and may lead to an improved job offer
if either employer is determined to secure your services.
Writing an acceptance / decline letter
Having received an offer of employment in writing, check requirements to formally
accept (or decline) any offer. Formally accept any offer in writing as well as any
verbal acceptance.
At this point, there should be a clear understanding of the salary, start date,
location, training, probationary period, commission, bonuses, etc. Check for
any misunderstandings, omissions or errors. A good employer should come back
quickly and resolve any issues.
Declining an offer must be done politely in case another offer falls through
or should even wish to apply for another role with the same company in the future.
|
Preparing for job interviews is strongly advised. There are several important things a candidate can do prior to the interview to help prepare. |
There are only so many questions interviewers are likely to ask. Profiling a list of job interview questions and answers interviewers tend to ask. |
|
A detailed list of other interview questions that have been asked before. Remember, having some really good examples to hand really helps! |
Making the most of job interview opportunities is crucial. Working so hard to secure a job interview is wasted if not properly prepared for the big day. |
|
Asking good questions at interview shows preparation, professionalism and research. It allows candidates to find out more about the role. |
Feedback from recruiters shows many typical interview mistakes made by candidates. Eliminate such mistakes with sound advice. |
|
Telephone interviews are widely used as a pre-interview selection method. They are used to screen candidates quickly and effectively. |
Competency based interviews are becoming more popular. Using scenario-based questions to probe and gain evidence of past performance. |
|
Interviews - Candidate Suitability Profiling candidate selection criteria used by recruiters to find the best people. Understand what recruiters are looking for and why. |
Interview Tests and Assessments. Objectively measuring capabilities and skills of candidates within the context of carefully chosen tests, tasks and various interview assessments. |
|
Job aptitude tests use statistically proven norms to assess candidates. Employers use tests to evaluate aspects and compare this to the 'norm'. |
Ten steps to improving interview presentations. Building confidence. planning and practice are all critical elements for successful presentations. |
|
Negotiating An Offer Of Employment Well done! You have been successful at job interview. The process does not stop their as it is important to evaluate the finer detail of the offer. |
Successful salary negotiation at job interview requires effective research and planning. We profile useful steps for devising a strategy. |
|
FREE guide to CV writing. Resume advice and getting the basics right. How to write a CV and other useful resume resources. |
Guide to job interviews. From job interview preparation to performing at job interview. Common interview questions and more... |
|
FREE Career Resources all in one place. Advice on salary negotiation, redundancy, job applications, job hunting, stress, etc. |
Search UK jobs - Find international jobs in 60 countries - Jobs by sector - Regional Jobs - Register CV for FREE email alerts. |
|
BLOG
|
See our BLOG Summary for resume writing advice and job hunting help. Find articles and resources listed by category. Also, follow or comment on our Blog at: http://cvresumeadvice.wordpress.com |