Job Applicant right to ask about the boss

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Dear Joan:
I have been looking for a job for several months and I have had several interviews.

I would like some advice on how to ask questions about things like the company, the culture and the boss's style.

I don't want to take a job that I'll regret later. But how do you ask these questions without being seen as rude? Couldn't it hurt my chances if I ask them?

Answer:
A responsible employer will be more impressed than insulted by questions that will help to make a good match. If the interviewer avoids your questions or seems hesitant or uncertain, it could be a warning signal. In fact, if that’s the case, you'd be wise to ask even more questions.

Timing and tact play an important part in your inquiries. Your initial discussions should center on your past achievements and potential contributions to the company. But once it's clear that you're a serious contender, the conversation should shift subtly from what you can do for the company to what it can do for you. Often this happens near the end of the interview or in the second interview.

A good job choice starts with a decision based on enough information. I'm always amazed at how few questions people ask... and this job could be a major part of their life for years! It's like getting married on the second date. Too few people ask their potential employer questions that could make the difference between clear sailing and capsizing.

"Business Week Magazine" reports that 10% of all newly hired employees are either fired or strongly encouraged to quit within their first six months on the job. The five most common reasons are: failure to fit in, overselling qualifications, bad chemistry with the boss, inability to adjust to the company's way of doing things, and lack of a skill crucial to the job.

To make sure your decision results in a good job fit, ask questions like these before saying "yes":

·        "What happened to the last person who had this job?" If the person was promoted, ask why and where. This will provide clues that will help you match your skills and career goals to the position. It will also give you insight about advancement opportunities.

If he or she was fired, ask why. Listen for barriers and stumbling blocks you'll want to avoid. Also, beware of a boss with unrealistic expectations. If turnover has been high, probe for reasons.

·        "Why isn't the company promoting from within?" Listen for the corporate philosophy as well as the boss's reasons. It will give you insight into potential snags in your own upward mobility. If many people are being brought in from the outside, find out why.

·        "How could you characterize your leadership style?" Ask how decisions are made, work is delegated and goals are set. You might also follow up with, "What are your pet peeves?" "Could you describe the last few people you've promoted?"

·        "May I talk to someone who is/was doing what I'll be doing?" If the employer leaves the two of you alone, it's a good sign. Ask what it's like to work with their boss and co-workers, and ask them what it takes to succeed. In addition, see if they'll describe the biggest challenges the same way the boss does.

·        "What is the company like as a place to work?" "What are the basic values that make up its culture?" Ask about education levels, favored backgrounds, what gets rewarded.

·        "Who will evaluate my performance?" When? How? This question could be the most important one. For example, if your evaluator won't be working closely with you, you'll need to know how judgments will be made.

Good employers know that motivated, talented job candidates can be choosy about where they work. Ask these questions tactfully and pleasantly, but whatever you do, ask them. 

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