After gone through the first or second interview which test your technical skill and knowledge towards the IT position you are interested at, you will always need to come to the stage to be interviewed by the IT management team (or CIO sometimes), especially when you are looking at a higher position.
Interview is not about one-way communication and answering what being asked. It is important to ask the right questions too to make a good impression on your future bosses. The questions need to be relevant and insightful. To give the right impression, it is necessary to craft well thought out questions that show your interest in the company. Steer clear of generic questions that do not show depth. Some tips that you need to take into consideration when asking the interviewer include refraining from asking a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question, avoid asking about the salary or benefits, technical focused question (remember, they are IT management/CIO!), do not repeat information that has been discussed during the interview unless you need additional information and lastly, keep the questions in the context of the job you are applying for. Questions that are relevant to the position show your knowledge and interest in the industry. The answers to the question will help determine if you are a fit to the company. Here are the 6 quality questions that you can ask to impress CIO/IT management:
1. How is the job performance evaluated? This is the first question to ask because it pertains to the job you are applying for. The answer will provide you deeper understanding on what is required of the job. For instance, if the IT management/CIO replies that the job performance is evaluated by the frequency of deadlines met, then that should give you a clue to pay close attention to deadlines. Knowing how they will evaluate your performance will help you focus on what truly matters.
2. What is a typical day in the position? This will also offer more insights into the requirements of the job. Let’s say the interviewer says a typical day involves attending two meetings. Then you know, more or less, what to expect. You will also be able to prepare for the meetings, knowing beforehand that you will be required to attend in at least two daily.
3. Can you tell me in detail the company’s management style? Management style differs from company to company. Some companies are very strict and formal. Others have more relaxed atmosphere. The question will give you a good idea on what the company culture basically is. Being able to adapt to the management style is crucial to your success in the organization.
4. What are the traits and skills of employees who succeed most in the organization? This is a great question because it shows that you are interested in becoming successful within the company in the future. It is important to know what skills and traits to cultivate, if you do not have them yet, to ensure that your efforts will be rewarded. Also, if you imbibe the successful traits and skills, you will surely be noticed by top management.
5. What are the IT department goals and IT strategy in the next five years? This question will give you an insight into the direction, in which the department where you will belong to, is moving. Knowing the expansion goals of the department will allow you to focus on the necessary skills that will help them attain their aims faster. You will also be able to come up with wonderful ideas which can help the management reach their goals. This will make them see you as a great asset to the organization.
6. How do you like working for the company? This is a personal question which might take the interviewer by surprise. But this is a necessary question because it can help determine if you will enjoy working for the company. A firsthand account of their experiences in working for the company will make you see if the company will be a fit for your needs. Also, it will provide clues if the work environment is conducive to productivity. If the interviewer enjoys working for the company and can explain what they like about the current company, then most likely you will too.
Asking these relevant, insightful questions will make a good impression on the IT management/CIO. These questions will also provide you with deeper insight to the organization. The more you know, the better you can prepare for the job. It will also allow you to meet the expectations of the higher management. And you can contribute in areas where your skills are needed the most. Also, you can help the company arrive at their IT goals faster. Armed with this knowledge, getting a raise or promotion in the near future will be easier.
Credit – Photo by Ivan Walsh