Are We Asking the Right Questions?

By Jerry King, Director

Career Development Center

Covenant College

 

As our graduates enter the present marketplace, perhaps one of the most critical skills that we can employ in the job search process is the ability to ask employers the right questions. As our economy continues to slowly recover from the slide that began in the spring of 2000, companies realize, perhaps more than ever before, that the decisions they are making today will determine if they will be conducting business tomorrow. We seem to have all the necessary resources at our disposal, including our incredible ability to transmit, receive and analyze information, and yet we still find ourselves still wondering… “Are we asking the right questions?…questions that will help us to address the pertinent issues…questions that will give us accurate information regarding those issues…questions that will help a company make the decisions that will not just ensure their survival, but will position them to make a significant contribution to their field. I would argue that the foundation of this process is rooted in the basic relationship that exists between the employer and their employees. Such a relationship begins with the questions and answers exchanged during the interviewing process. It is a monumental responsibility and intelligent decisions will only be made when accurate and purposeful questions are being asked.

Whenever we are involved in a major purchase (such as the purchase of a home or a car), our final decision will always be influences by our evaluation of the present as future needs our of family. Why then, does the process seem to break down when it comes to making a decision that will involve where we will be investing a majority of our time, our energy and our skills? Suddenly, our questions become narrower in focus and often rather shallow in their request, giving us little helpful information from which important decisions must be made. Such questions certainly seem significant in appearance however when asked alone, become quite unsubstantial and incomplete… What will I be doing? Where will I be working and with whom? What will be my salary? How will my work performance be evaluated? What will be the benefits package? Will it require me to relocate? What are my opportunities for advancement? These questions are certainly important and therefore need to be answered, however such question do little to inform us regarding the “profile” of the employer and even less is accomplish regarding the communication our own skills and potential.

What are the areas that should be considered as we endeavor to craft questions in preparation for an interview that will hopefully help us to accurately P.R.O.F.I.L.E. a potential employer? I would offer seven topics for you consideration…

P - Purpose…

·

· What is the purpose statement of the institution?

· Is it clearly articulated and embraced by their staff?

· Has the purpose statement been modified since the inception of the institution?

· (Note: These statements are important because they reveal the commitment of the company.)

· How does the purpose statement connect with my personal/professional goals?

 

R - Reputation…

1. What is the “track record” of the institution in the marketplace?

· What are the comments of other professionals in the same field regarding this institution?

· What do current employees say about the work environment?

· Is the institution known for having a consistent commitment to excellence?

2. What awards/recognition's have the institution received from its colleagues?

(Note: Your professionalism as well as the reputation of the company is uniquely joined together in the employment relationship…it also becomes part of your work history)

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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