Sample interview questions and answers: Do you have any questions for me? Bonnie’s answer

(Who is Bonnie? Bonnie – CPA with over 6 years experience seeking Accounting Manager position)

Terry: Do you have any questions for me?

Bonnie: Can you tell me first of all what you’re looking for in a candidate, in a successful candidate?

Terry: That’s an excellent question.  Again, I’m going to defer that to the hiring manager, but they have asked me to gather the questions from all the candidates so they can be prepared to address them when they talk with people.

What other questions do you have for me to be able to pass on?

Bonnie: The other questions I would have are what are you looking for out of this candidate to be successful in the first 90 days and long range?

What is the atmosphere in this organization?

What is the management style, both within the department and the organization?

How do you work with people who are new in the organization?

Given that the city is laying off people, can you tell me – I mean I was surprised that I was called in on this opportunity.  Could you tell me what’s happening in your organization that you are able to hire?

Terry: I understand why you would be curious because every day in the paper they talk about the city laying off people.  Even though we are laying off in some areas there are areas where we still have critical need and this is one of those areas where we’re required to produce these financial activities.  We can’t do it without people and that’s why this position is available.

Any other questions for me as the screener/interviewer?

Bonnie: Have I answered everything you’ve needed and is there any more information you feel I might need to clarify?

Terry: No, I think I’m going to pass your answers on to the hiring manager.  I don’t have any further questions for you at this time.

Bonnie: What is the procedure at this point?

Terry: The procedure in terms of…?

Bonnie: Next steps.

Terry: The process will be that I will be passing your information on along with the other candidates to the hiring manager and they will be making a decision as to the people they want to bring in to talk to themselves.

I would guess probably give us another week or so to get through that process and get back to you if we need to see you again and want to bring you in.

Bonnie: At this point, do you have any feelings if I would be someone you would recommend?

Terry: You know it’s not an unreasonable question.  I’ve not completed my review of all of the candidates.  I think that you are certainly a potential person, but I can’t assess where you stand against the total pool of people that we have right now.

There’s nothing you’ve said that would make me say we definitely shouldn’t consider you further.  It’s just a question of if there’s someone we think is a better match.  I want to thank you for your time today and as I said, we will be getting back to you.

Do you have any final questions for me?

Bonnie: No, I thank you for your time and really think I have some unique skills to bring in because I do know the granting and I don’t have to learn it and I would love this opportunity to work with you further.

Terry: Thank you so much, I appreciate the chance to meet you this morning over the phone.  I hope to see you again.

Here’s how I would rate this answer . . .

Q10. Do you have any questions for me? – BONNIE QUICK RATING – A

Asked both about next step in hiring process and about opportunity.