The promotion policies of companies vary. Some promote entirely from within, most use a mix of promoting from within and hiring new blood from without. In the former class of companies, it is harder to get hired into anything above an entry-level position, but once you are in; your loyalty will certainly be rewarded, sometimes even more than your competence. In the second class of companies, the higher the percentage of promotions being filled from outside the company, the more importance is placed on competence rather than longevity. So, if you are looking for security, above all else, pick the company that promotes 100 percent from within. If you are looking for a fast track, seek out the companies with promotion policies oriented more towards competence.
2. "Can you draw me an organizational chart so I can see where I fit in?"
The diagram that results from this question will give you a clear picture of your advancement potential by depicting where you will stand in the organizational pyramid, how far you are from the top, who is blocking your way (find out how close they are to retirement), to whom you report and who reports to you (if anybody), and how many job positions there are on the next level, which will indicate how quickly the pyramid is narrowing. (For example, if there are 200 co-workers on your level and only three managers on the next level up, making that next step up will be tough, if only because of the sheer size of the body of competition for the pro motion.)
3. "Who was the best person ever to hold this position and what did that person do that was so outstanding?
You may be the only person ever to ask this of the interviewer and you will surely be remembered for it. The response to the question will tell you quite clearly what kind of person does well in this company and what land of performance is considered exceptional. Measure yourself against that person and that performance and project your probable level of success in that company or set your goals according to the yardstick just provided you.
4. Why do you think you have done so well in this company?
This question is a form of subtle flattery, which is a powerful ingredient in establishing rapport as long as it remains subtle and does not become obsequious. More importantly, the interviewer’s response will also give you vital clues as to what both the company and the interviewer consider to be the keys to success. That information will be crucial to your ultimate job satisfaction and success if you should accept a job in that company with that inter viewer as your superior. On the other hand, if the interviewer seems frustrated or uninterested you need to determine through conversations with other key people in the company if the problem is with the interviewer or with the company.
5. What company is your prime competitor and what are they doing differently?
The interviewer may know the competing company or companies, which should also be likely targets of your job hunting efforts, but he or she may not be aware of what they are doing any differently from his or her company. In any event, you will be remembered for asking another rare and difficult question of the interviewer, 10. "What is the primary problem currently facing both the company and your department, and what is being done about both?"
Every company and department has problems, and you would like to know about them before you accept a position with the company, not after. So you want a frank answer to this question. Some of the problems the interviewer relates to you may convince you to no longer consider this company. If the interviewer tries to brush off this question by claiming that there are no problems, or that they are insignificant, it is usually a clue that the interviewer is not being frank. Therefore, more probing is needed, either with the interviewer or with another contact within the company.
6. I think my special expertise is [describe your Special Ingredient]. Of what value would act be in this job and in your organization?
This is an attempt to get the interviewer to sell himself on you and on using the benefits of your talents on the job. If the response you receive to this question is enthusiastic and upbeat, you are almost home free. If it isn't, you are probably not in the running yet.
