It takes real courage to ask tough questions of the person interviewing you for a job, but after all, it is your life and career.
I suggest one more: How do you feel about office politics? Are they tolerated?
I asked this question to a general manager in an interview early this summer. He kind of stammered through an answer. Despite being interviewed three times for this front office position, I was turned down for the job. I later saw the woman who ran the company office in public. Instead of her formerly friendly greeting, I got an sneer and the silent treatment.
My conclusion is that people destined to be targeted in the workplace are set up from the very beginning. You might even be hired as a clay pidgeon to distract office jerks from hassling the boss, only to focus on you.
just me (09/29/2006) My concern is that I don't want to be labeled as difficult right off the bat, which is what seems like happened to you. Yes, I wouldn't want to work at a place like that anyway, but what if the front HR person labels you as difficult for asking these types of questions? I agree, they should be asked, but can you recommend any strategies for asking them in a way that makes you seem earnest?
the confessor (09/29/2006) The way I explain it is that I am interested in making money for the company and myself. If the person hiring you doesn't get that, then I would prefer not to work there. That's why I said it takes courage to do this...however, it's better to find out now rather than live on the false hope that somehow things will get better-they won't!
the confessor (09/29/2006) BTW, most senior managers I know usually have labeled as difficult people who have trouble in identifying and then addressing their needs in and out of the workplace. One time I went in and negotiated a pay and residual package. The boss readily agreed, mainly because it worked for the company, but also because I "hadn't been a worm about it.."
Getting what you want is all about timing, making clear your needs at the very beginning with an employer is the best time for that!
avid reader (10/03/2006) >It takes real courage to ask tough questions of the person interviewing you for a job, but after all, it is your life and career. < This is something we all need to be reminded of now and again. Thanks for this post!
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