Do You Have Any Questions?

Recently a woman asked me to help her respond when, during an interview, you are asked "Do you have any questions?".

An interview is like a 'first date'. You ask the other person questions and (s)he should be asking you questions. These questions are to see if 'you are a match' - if you have enough interests in common in order to pursue the relationship or end it.

An interview is not any different - both you and the employer are sizing each other up to see if 'you are a fit'. This said, if you were on a date and the other person never asked you anything about yourself, would you be inclined to go out on another date? Did the other person show any interest in what you were about?

This is how a prospective employer views the situation if you don't ask questions. HOWEVER, too many people ask the wrong questions or no questions at all.

You really need to research a company to find out about them. From your research, if you have any real interest in the company and it's future, you should have some real questions. Your questions should be about the products and/or services offered, where the company is now and where they want to be in the future, etc. Your questions should indicate you have an interest in this company, its mission and values, its customers and employees and its future. Let's face it, if you don't take an interest in the company, and its employees don't have a sincere interest, the company will not necessarily be around in the future.

Your questions SHOULD NOT BE about salary, benefits, vacation and sick time. If you ask questions such as just listed, you are only showing you are interested in yourself and quite frankly, that's not too appealing to anybody.

There are plenty of books and websites available to provide sample questions, however you should think of some of your own. Regardless of where you get 'your hit list of questions' however, you need to ask thoughtful questions during the interview process. Otherwise - you will lose the chance to work for that company.

Do you need a lawyer?

If you have questions regarding employment issues, you really should go to an attorney who specializes in employment law. In Oklahoma, you can find such an attorney by visiting http://www.oela.org/

OELA (Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association) has a hyperlinked tab which, if 'clicked on' will provide a list of attorneys practicing employment law.