1. - Well Mr./Mrs._______, what can I do for you?

Please tell me about yourself and the type of people who could add to what you already have going?

2. - Tell me about yourself?

(See Thumbnail Sketch and ask if there is some part of my background I could explain more fully.)

3. - Why did you contact me?

Because the uniqueness of your field/industry/company provides you with an unusual vantage point; I would like to know how you feel the industry is going and what it will take to get there and how I may add to this picture. I would like to consider your field as very promising because of my very real interests.

4. - Why do you want to work for us?

Same as above.

5. - How do you think you fit into our operations?

... I would like to think I fit very well.

6. - Do you know anything about our company?

Yes, only the limited facts uncovered by my research. I would like to know more.

7. - What do you know about our company?

Only the limited information I could obtain from limited sources. I am here because I would like to know more.

8. - Have any experience in supervision?

Yes, indeed, considerable. What type of supervisory skills is the company looking for?

9. - How much money are you earning now?

Mr./Mrs.________, regardless of my income, I have paid my bills and set money aside. Naturally, I will disclose such information including salary history, whenever an offer is made. What is the compensation structure for this position? What are the specifications of this position/person seeking this position?

10. - How did you get into your field?

A happy accident, although school did provide some direction for me. The experience gained has been tremendous, and I wouldn't trade places with anybody.

11. - Why do you want to leave your present position?

I felt reaching my potential was not likely and I wanted to grow professionally. What do you feel are reachable growth potentials with this job?

12. - Why did you leave your last job?

(Same as answer #11.)

13. - What was your salary in your previous position?

I'd rather not talk about salary at this time because I too need to eat, but isn't it more to the point right now to explore the duties, authorities and requirements of the position.

14. - Does your employer know you are going to leave?

I did a good job for ______, but because I am ambitious, I am looking for new fields to explore, new product lines, companies with growth potential, and a really mutually worthwhile association.

15. - Why do want to change fields now?

I am very interested in what you are doing and the kind of person you are looking for.?

16. - Have you ever been fired from a job? Why? Or....why not?

No. (If yes, then you need to explain the issue as briefly as possible and ask them a question as soon as possible to drift into new conversational territory.)

17. - Don't you feel you are a little too old (young) for this job?

No, my demonstrated need to learn and grow indicates I am ambitious and boy can I work! This can be a real plus to you. Please review the job specifications with me.

18. - Aren't you over-qualified for this position?

...I would like to think so. That would be to your advantage. What kind of job qualifications do you consider desirable?

19. - Why have you been unemployed so long?

I have taken some time to analyze myself and the field of service I might be able to contribute to substantially. Your field is one of them.

20. - Why have you held so many jobs?

The changes in my career all represent opportunities. I now feel I have a well-rounded background. I can offer you a long term, mutually satisfactory association.

21. - If a good opportunity presented itself, would you go back into aerospace?

I seriously doubt it, I as anyone would examine any good opportunity carefully. The experience gained has been excellent and I wish to use it as a stepping stone into a new field such as yours. Tell me, is this opportunity tied in with aerospace?

22. - What are your general feelings about ________ policy?

(Careful and don't commit.) Because there are a variety of valid policy approaches, I would need to know the specifics behind your question.

23. - Do you have any objections to a psychological interview and tests?

No, if it is a normal part of your hiring process.

24. - What is your family status?

Stable and happy. They're on the sidelines coaching me with support for a new position.

25. - If you were starting all over again, what job would you enter?

Undoubtably, I would choose the same direction. The experience gained has been fascinating. I feel I am now ready to assume a new challenge.

26. - What is your philosophy on life?

I suppose the golden rule. But, my own is I enjoy working and life in general and I am looking for a really good opportunity.

27. - Do you have any outside income?

No. (Unless you do and revert back to answers #9 or 13.)

28. - Have you ever thought about going into business for yourself?

Yes, I suppose most of us have. But, I think my best contribution can be made in a company team environment.

29. - Would you like to go into business for yourself again if the opportunity is right?

I doubt it very much although I would look at any good opportunity. The experience was great, but the kind I would like to build on and not repeat.

30. - Would you mind moving away from this area?

Any such discussion would have to be based on a thorough evaluation of the opportunity.

31. - What are your professional 5 year goals?

To associate myself with a good company. Where there is a future and I can contribute to growth. I think an association with a good company and people, that is right, really makes a man/woman's future.

32. - What are your personal 5 year goals?

Continued personal growth and the stability of my family.

33. - What do you like best about your work?

I suppose the interaction with people.

34. - What do you like least about your work?

Unnecessary paperwork may be the most frustrating. Every position has minor problems, but I consider this as part of the job.

35. - What do you consider your worst/best attribute?

Well, my impatience to reach a solution, but I have learned to control this trait. I don't believe I can remember any major problems. Every position has been a challenge that I have enjoyed. OR Impatience could be considered a plus or minus, but I have learned to use it wisely.

36. - What do you regard as your strongest qualifications for this job?

I have many strengths such as enthusiasm, drive, motivation, quick learning, etc.

37. - What job are you really seeking in the next few years?

The kind of position you appear to need filled. I anticipate growing with this firm.

38. - Where would you like to be 5 years from now?

Right here moving ahead and growing with your company.

39. - How much do you expect to be making 5 or 10 years from now?

I am at a loss to predict the economy. I don't know how to answer that question, although such a question is important and I'm sure I will be fairly compensated for my contribution. Isn't this the way your company operates?

40. - What did you like best about your old job? What did you like least?

BEST - The feeling of accomplishment. I enjoy working with people and I enjoy supervision, being creative, etc. LEAST - Unnecessary paperwork, although I can't remember anything that was so bad.

41. - What are 3 of your strong points? weak points?

STRONG Persevering, tenacious, reliable, detail-oriented, etc. WEAK Impatience to reach established goals, but have learned to keep that under control.

42. - How does your family like you being away from home on extensive business trips?

...I would hope they do not like it, but understand such absences are part of business life.

43. - How much will it take to get you to come with us?

Mr./Mrs._______, I am on the outside looking in and you are in a much better position to judge what is fair.

44. - How much money can you live on?

...I don't know. I hope I don't have to discover the minimum. Whatever my income, I have met my obligations and managed to save a little.

45. - What do feel this position should pay?

Because my answer would be based on limited knowledge, I believe you are in a much better position to answer that question.

46. - How much do you expect (want) if we offer this position to you?

I would have to leave that up to your good judgement because I'm on the outside looking in and you know what your structure is and what is appropriate to your organization.

47. - What is the least salary you would expect?

This is dependent upon your needs, growth potential and what kind of help I can supply.

48. - What are your salary requirements?

Naturally, money is important, but more importantly are the requirements and responsibilities of the position.

49. - How would you solve this (previously described) problem of ours?

To try and solve such a problem in this first interview would be highly presumptuous and I would need to know much more including all factual information to date.

50. - Do you have any other questions?

Yes, as you have given me much to think about, I would like to get back together with you to explore some of the areas more fully and then get into some things we didn't get a chance to touch on. I know you are busy and I too must get along. Could we get together next _______, say, ______ o'clock for a few minutes?