The following questions are among those that you can choose to ask during interviews. Select a few so that you can round out the information you need to make a decision about the company, as well as appear interested and enthusiastic about the opportunity.


Why is this position open?




How often has it been filled in the past 5 to 10 years?




What have been the primary reasons for persons leaving?




Why did the person who held this position most recently leave?




What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this job?





What are some of the objectives you would like accomplished in this job?





What is most pressing? What would you like to have done within the next2 or 3 months?





What are some of your longer-term objectives?





What freedom would I have in determining my work objectives, deadlines, and methods of measurement?





What kind of support does this position receive in terms of people and finances?





What are the more difficult problems facing someone in this position? How do you think these could best be handled?





Where could a person go who is successful in this position and within what time frame?





In what ways has this organization been most successful in terms of products and services over the years?





What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?





How is one judged? What accounts for successes?





What are the most critical factors for success in your business? (Note whether or not he or she mentions that people matter.)








Where do you see the company (or function) going in the next few years?


How do you win support from top management?





How would you describe your own management style?





What are the most important traits you look for in a subordinate?




How do you like your people to communicate with you? (Orally, in writing, informally, in meetings, only when necessary?)