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Subject:RE: Tips for Second Interview From:"Gordon McLean" <Gordon -dot- McLean -at- GrahamTechnology -dot- com> To:<techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Fri, 22 Jun 2007 14:03:41 +0100
And as your final question ask them "Is there anything we've covered today
that would stop you from hiring me?"
Gordon
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+gordon -dot- mclean=grahamtechnology -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+gordon -dot- mclean=grahamtechnology -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- c
om] On Behalf Of Dori Green
Sent: 22 June 2007 13:49
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: Tips for Second Interview
Research any info about them available on the web and/or at the local
newspaper, so you can toss out snippets to show that you've done that
research and you want to work for them, you're not just looking for a
job-any-job. Everybody wants to be courted, or at least feel like that's
what is happening.
Whatever questions you ask, try to make them intelligent ones. How many
people would I be reporting to? If more than one, what's the company
protocol for handling conflicting directives? Will they actually be
providing direction and regular contact, or are they too busy for that so
I'd have to plan on functioning more like an independent contractor?
It is not out of line to ask about their five-year growth plan, quality
plans, continuous improvement programs (including support for continuing
education of employees and membership in professional organizations such as
STC and ASQ), regulatory requirements (FDA, ISO registration, USDA, etc.).
Be sure that everybody is very clear about the scope of work and delivery
expectations -- you are never going to have a better opportunity to discover
exactly what they want. After you're hired they will dance around the topic
or won't have time to think about it. "What's this about you wanting
direction? We want it documented, that's why we hired you. Go write
technically."
Ask them to give you three specific places or ways that they think you can
make their lives easier or better because of the specific skills and
experience you would bring to the job. Tell them how you agree that this
can happen.
It's okay to feel around a little bit about employee benefits but not
completely relevant until an offer is made. Ask for a copy of the personnel
handbook. Negotiate the benefits carefully -- whatever isn't mentioned in
your hire agreement or their personnel handbook could be very difficult to
acquire at a later date.
Have a copy of STC/ASQ/other salary survey with you, and review it
beforehand so you know how to read it. When it's time to broach the subject
of money, pull it out with a "Let's see what's typical for this part of the
world." This is much more impressive (and usually more rewarding) than
letting them slide a number out of their armpit. It also demonstrates that
you know how to back up important decisions with hard data (and
documentation).
Mention whatever would be a deal-breaker for either of you. They need 80%
travel but you have a new baby? I sense a potential conflict. You're
allergic to chlorine but they swab their offices with it on a daily basis?
Hmmm.
Ask if you can speak with the person you are replacing. If there is nothing
to hide, this should not be a problem. If it's a problem, there could be a
serious problem.
Just some casual thoughts from my armpit.
Dori Green
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