DEFENSIVE QUESTIONS

Defensive questions to make sure that your job. This time, the organization has either offered you the job or expressed a strong interested in your qualifications. Relish is. You will never in a position of greater strength. Now is the time to the difficult questions that will give you the information you can make the best decision for your career.

Even if you are unemployed, the temptation to simply work because it is offered. You can pan, but the fire is certainly hotter if you accept a job that you do not fully understand. So ask away. While you never like to ask that spoil your report
the interviewer is that you can expect candid answers to your queries. There is a real advantage at this point. Most interviewers expect you to find your interests. If you can not speak for your own interests, they figure, how can you be expected to speak out for the best interests of the organization?

Here is where your research will protect your interests. You must know why the company loses money, why the incumbent stop and what are the plans for the relocation department. It is perfectly appropriate to ask to speak with potential subordinates and colleagues. They are excellent sources of information, they know what is going on and are most likely going to be straight with you. You may ask these people about the informal power structure, the unwritten priorities, what it really takes to be successful, and what they most want to change.

BEST DEFENSIVE QUESTIONS

If I were a spectacular success in this position after six months, what
would I have accomplished?

This is a very bold way to understand the “dream list” of accomplishments
you will, on some level, be expected to fulfill.

Do you foresee this job involving significant amounts of overtime or
work on weekends?

It’s a fair question, so ask it straight.

I understand the company has experienced layoffs within the last two
years. Can you review the reasons why they were necessary?

It will make the interviewer uncomfortable, but the interviewer expects
questions about layoffs.

How were the layoffs handled in terms of notification, severance, outplacement services, etc.?

You want to know how your termination, should you be downsized, will
likely be handled.

Are there formal metrics in place for measuring and rewarding performance
over time?

The impression you want to leave is that you are good and you want the
metrics to recognize it.

How effectively has the company communicated its top three business
goals?

If the interviewer cannot articulate them, you have your answer.

I am a hard worker. I expect to be around other hard-working people.Am
I going to be comfortable with the level of effort I find here?

You are asking the interviewer if you will find the kind of hard-working
environment in which you thrive at this position. If the interviewer
hedges at all, you have your answer.

Is the company’s training strategy linked to the company’s core business
objectives?

The most sophisticated companies do link their training and education
investments to core business objectives.

How does your firm handle recognition for a job well done?

The way an organization rewards achievement tells you a lot about its
culture.

When was the last time you rewarded a subordinate for his or her efforts?
What token of appreciation did you offer?

This question goes from the general to the specific. You are now asking
about the manager’s practices in rewarding subordinates.

How does the firm recognize and learn from a brave attempt that didn’t
turn out quite as expected?

Many companies say they have a nonpunitive attitude toward managers who
make mistakes, but few live up to the attitude. Ask about a time when the
lessons from a mistake were widely disseminated across the organization.

How much freedom would I have in determining my objectives and
deadlines?

This question goes to how much authority you will have to do your job
in the manner you see fit versus working to someone else’s preferences.

How long has this position existed in the organization? Has its scope
changed recently?

Information about the history of the position and its recent evolution can
influence your decision.