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How should I ask prospective employer about declining revenues?
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I have been interviewing with a very small size public company here in the US and I am in the final stages of the interview process. I have one more round with the hiring manager and I would like his/her own view as to why the revenues have been steadily decreasing over last 4 years and whether he/she expects the company will turn around in couple of years.
More info:
It is not a start-up and is in business for over couple of decades. I already reviewed 10-K and 8-K reports but I am still not able to connect dots. For example, based on what was mentioned in the latest reports, they should already be seeing increase in revenue in last three quarters. In short they are only helpful to a certain extent.
Question: Without sounding offending or jeopardizing my chances of getting the position, how should I ask him/her to address this specific concern of mine?
interviewing job-search
edited May 24 at 6:57
Allure
6381212
asked Jul 18 '13 at 13:33
modest
5012716
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
I have been interviewing with a very small size public company here in the US and I am in the final stages of the interview process. I have one more round with the hiring manager and I would like his/her own view as to why the revenues have been steadily decreasing over last 4 years and whether he/she expects the company will turn around in couple of years.
More info:
It is not a start-up and is in business for over couple of decades. I already reviewed 10-K and 8-K reports but I am still not able to connect dots. For example, based on what was mentioned in the latest reports, they should already be seeing increase in revenue in last three quarters. In short they are only helpful to a certain extent.
Question: Without sounding offending or jeopardizing my chances of getting the position, how should I ask him/her to address this specific concern of mine?
interviewing job-search
edited May 24 at 6:57
Allure
6381212
asked Jul 18 '13 at 13:33
modest
5012716
I don't know where you got your information on current revenues (you know they're down), but could this source provide projected revenue or possible insight to the industry as a whole? Many companies have had a decline in revenue due to the economy.
– user8365
Jul 18 '13 at 13:43
It seems this question covers exactly what you are looking for. This answer in particular has some great suggestions.
– Elysian Fields♦
Jul 18 '13 at 13:46
@JeffO - FYI - publicly traded companies (at least in the U.S.) are required to file quarterly summary and annual detail reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports are called "8K" and "10K" filings, respectively, and all pertinent financial information is required to be provided. These filings are open records and available to anyone, but are summarized in sites like Yahoo! Finance.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 13:51
I was only trying to respond to @JeffO's comment about where you get revenue information. No one can predict the future with any accuracy. If you (or anyone else) could do that with a publicly traded company, you would not have a need for employment.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 13:59
2
Your manager may or may not know anything about the market the company serves, although this is something useful to figure out. Focusing on 'what they tell you' is the wrong direction. Figure out what direction the overall market is going, and if it's going downhill find work with a company in a growing market. Knowing in advance you're going into a company that's losing sales when customers are no longer interested in what the company produces is a sure path to a short employment round. In any case, forget raises.
– Meredith Poor
Jul 18 '13 at 19:13
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
I have been interviewing with a very small size public company here in the US and I am in the final stages of the interview process. I have one more round with the hiring manager and I would like his/her own view as to why the revenues have been steadily decreasing over last 4 years and whether he/she expects the company will turn around in couple of years.
More info:
It is not a start-up and is in business for over couple of decades. I already reviewed 10-K and 8-K reports but I am still not able to connect dots. For example, based on what was mentioned in the latest reports, they should already be seeing increase in revenue in last three quarters. In short they are only helpful to a certain extent.
Question: Without sounding offending or jeopardizing my chances of getting the position, how should I ask him/her to address this specific concern of mine?
interviewing job-search
edited May 24 at 6:57
Allure
6381212
asked Jul 18 '13 at 13:33
modest
5012716
I have been interviewing with a very small size public company here in the US and I am in the final stages of the interview process. I have one more round with the hiring manager and I would like his/her own view as to why the revenues have been steadily decreasing over last 4 years and whether he/she expects the company will turn around in couple of years.
More info:
It is not a start-up and is in business for over couple of decades. I already reviewed 10-K and 8-K reports but I am still not able to connect dots. For example, based on what was mentioned in the latest reports, they should already be seeing increase in revenue in last three quarters. In short they are only helpful to a certain extent.
Question: Without sounding offending or jeopardizing my chances of getting the position, how should I ask him/her to address this specific concern of mine?
interviewing job-search
edited May 24 at 6:57
Allure
6381212
asked Jul 18 '13 at 13:33
modest
5012716
edited May 24 at 6:57
Allure
6381212
edited May 24 at 6:57
Allure
6381212
edited May 24 at 6:57
Allure
6381212
6381212
asked Jul 18 '13 at 13:33
modest
5012716
asked Jul 18 '13 at 13:33
modest
5012716
asked Jul 18 '13 at 13:33
modest
5012716
5012716
I don't know where you got your information on current revenues (you know they're down), but could this source provide projected revenue or possible insight to the industry as a whole? Many companies have had a decline in revenue due to the economy.
– user8365
Jul 18 '13 at 13:43
It seems this question covers exactly what you are looking for. This answer in particular has some great suggestions.
– Elysian Fields♦
Jul 18 '13 at 13:46
@JeffO - FYI - publicly traded companies (at least in the U.S.) are required to file quarterly summary and annual detail reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports are called "8K" and "10K" filings, respectively, and all pertinent financial information is required to be provided. These filings are open records and available to anyone, but are summarized in sites like Yahoo! Finance.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 13:51
I was only trying to respond to @JeffO's comment about where you get revenue information. No one can predict the future with any accuracy. If you (or anyone else) could do that with a publicly traded company, you would not have a need for employment.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 13:59
2
Your manager may or may not know anything about the market the company serves, although this is something useful to figure out. Focusing on 'what they tell you' is the wrong direction. Figure out what direction the overall market is going, and if it's going downhill find work with a company in a growing market. Knowing in advance you're going into a company that's losing sales when customers are no longer interested in what the company produces is a sure path to a short employment round. In any case, forget raises.
– Meredith Poor
Jul 18 '13 at 19:13
add a comment |Â
I don't know where you got your information on current revenues (you know they're down), but could this source provide projected revenue or possible insight to the industry as a whole? Many companies have had a decline in revenue due to the economy.
– user8365
Jul 18 '13 at 13:43
It seems this question covers exactly what you are looking for. This answer in particular has some great suggestions.
– Elysian Fields♦
Jul 18 '13 at 13:46
@JeffO - FYI - publicly traded companies (at least in the U.S.) are required to file quarterly summary and annual detail reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports are called "8K" and "10K" filings, respectively, and all pertinent financial information is required to be provided. These filings are open records and available to anyone, but are summarized in sites like Yahoo! Finance.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 13:51
I was only trying to respond to @JeffO's comment about where you get revenue information. No one can predict the future with any accuracy. If you (or anyone else) could do that with a publicly traded company, you would not have a need for employment.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 13:59
2
Your manager may or may not know anything about the market the company serves, although this is something useful to figure out. Focusing on 'what they tell you' is the wrong direction. Figure out what direction the overall market is going, and if it's going downhill find work with a company in a growing market. Knowing in advance you're going into a company that's losing sales when customers are no longer interested in what the company produces is a sure path to a short employment round. In any case, forget raises.
– Meredith Poor
Jul 18 '13 at 19:13
I don't know where you got your information on current revenues (you know they're down), but could this source provide projected revenue or possible insight to the industry as a whole? Many companies have had a decline in revenue due to the economy.
– user8365
Jul 18 '13 at 13:43
I don't know where you got your information on current revenues (you know they're down), but could this source provide projected revenue or possible insight to the industry as a whole? Many companies have had a decline in revenue due to the economy.
– user8365
Jul 18 '13 at 13:43
It seems this question covers exactly what you are looking for. This answer in particular has some great suggestions.
– Elysian Fields♦
Jul 18 '13 at 13:46
It seems this question covers exactly what you are looking for. This answer in particular has some great suggestions.
– Elysian Fields♦
Jul 18 '13 at 13:46
@JeffO - FYI - publicly traded companies (at least in the U.S.) are required to file quarterly summary and annual detail reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports are called "8K" and "10K" filings, respectively, and all pertinent financial information is required to be provided. These filings are open records and available to anyone, but are summarized in sites like Yahoo! Finance.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 13:51
@JeffO - FYI - publicly traded companies (at least in the U.S.) are required to file quarterly summary and annual detail reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports are called "8K" and "10K" filings, respectively, and all pertinent financial information is required to be provided. These filings are open records and available to anyone, but are summarized in sites like Yahoo! Finance.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 13:51
I was only trying to respond to @JeffO's comment about where you get revenue information. No one can predict the future with any accuracy. If you (or anyone else) could do that with a publicly traded company, you would not have a need for employment.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 13:59
I was only trying to respond to @JeffO's comment about where you get revenue information. No one can predict the future with any accuracy. If you (or anyone else) could do that with a publicly traded company, you would not have a need for employment.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 13:59
2
2
Your manager may or may not know anything about the market the company serves, although this is something useful to figure out. Focusing on 'what they tell you' is the wrong direction. Figure out what direction the overall market is going, and if it's going downhill find work with a company in a growing market. Knowing in advance you're going into a company that's losing sales when customers are no longer interested in what the company produces is a sure path to a short employment round. In any case, forget raises.
– Meredith Poor
Jul 18 '13 at 19:13
Your manager may or may not know anything about the market the company serves, although this is something useful to figure out. Focusing on 'what they tell you' is the wrong direction. Figure out what direction the overall market is going, and if it's going downhill find work with a company in a growing market. Knowing in advance you're going into a company that's losing sales when customers are no longer interested in what the company produces is a sure path to a short employment round. In any case, forget raises.
– Meredith Poor
Jul 18 '13 at 19:13
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
13
down vote
accepted
Yes you should absolutely ask about this at the interview.
As I'm sure you understand from your question, interviews are a two way process. You should be evaluating whether you want to work for the company as well as persuading them they want you to work for them.
An important part of whether you want to work for them is whether they have long term viability. Falling revenues could mean that the company may be going bankrupt soon, or that layoffs are coming. Both of these decrease the desirability of working for the company. As a secondary benefit, asking the question shows that you have been researching the company, taking an interest in its performance, and that you have some business skills. All of these should increase your prospects with the company.
An appropriate questions might be: "I've been looking at your financials, and it looks to me as if your revenue is falling. Is the company doing something to address that?"
Having said that, you may not get much of an answer. It's true that a low-level manager isn't able to influence the revenue of the company, other than by doing his job well. However in a good company some things should have been communicated to employees about the situation. Answers like "I didn't know about the falling revenues" or "We don't concern ourselves with things like that" mean that either the company isn't good about communicating this stuff, or that the team isn't interested in them. (By the way, I work for a company of 10,000 and this stuff is communicated to every employee).
It's likely that any steps being taken to address this are confidential, so you aren't going to get details. But an answer like "There are some steps being put in place, but I can't tell you what they are" should at least be somewhat reassuring. You might explicitly ask about layoffs.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:07
DJClayworth
41.6k989147
1
I agree with most of your answer. But most companies I have worked at have addressed this with a visible plan and communicated to the employees how they fit in to that plan. I would think a manager could talk at that level with a prospective employee. At least at any company you would want to work at.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:01
1
What is communicated to employees is often confidential to the company, and so shouldn't be communicated to those outside the company. it's not unheard of for companies to send people to be interviewed by their competitors.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 18:16
1
The details sure but the general push is usually ok. IE "We are looking to grow in a few markets we are not in currently, and we have landed some new business already that we expect will lead the turnaround."
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:22
I agree. That level of detail would be normal.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 19:23
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
Depending on where in the company you are applying and what the hiring manager's duties include, while I can acknowledge this could be a good question it is also a tricky question. You could phrase your question like, "I was reviewing the organization's financial statements and noticed this trend. What are your thoughts on the organization's ability to overcome this?" Where the idea is to ask an open-ended question from the perspective of, "What do you think about this?" though recognize that depending on the manager's role there may not be much to be said here.
A key point here is that while you may want answers about this, consider that the hiring manager may have a limited view of the corporate strategy and access to executives to know the turn around plan, especially if the manager is in the middle level of a company with 10-100 employees where the top brass may well keep their future plans close to the vest but tell analysts and followers of the stock that there is a turn around plan that they hope will be successful.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:04
JB King
15.1k22957
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Short answer: You don't.
First, a manager is not in charge of determining corporate strategy. They are in charge of making sure employees implement it. Strategy is done at the senior executive level (CEO, Pres, VP's) and implementation is done at the director level.
Second, whatever your manager shared with you that wasn't public knowledge would be considered "Insider information" and if you were to trade on it (rather than accepting a job), it would subject both you and them to a whole boatload of hurt from regulating authorities.
If you're concerned about the company's short and long-term plans, go find their last 8K or 10K filing's press call (usually available in the "Investor Relations" section of their website) and listen to what the senior execs told the financial analysts and press. That's the only place you're going to get a valid answer to that question.
EDIT: Follow-up to question edits
Not wanting to get to pedantic about corporate financials, but are you certain you're looking at revenues, and not profits? The "bottom line" number could be misleading as they may be amortizing capital expenditures, or other issues. The number I would recommend looking at quarter-over-quarter is EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization). In the end, though, there are only two questions that really matter:
- Is my position secure?
- Will my paycheck clear the bank?
Number 1 is always a toss-up. A merger, buyout, or corporate restructuring can cut you even in the most successful of companies.
Number 2 is not going to be a problem in a publicly traded company. You may get laid off suddenly, but stiffed on pay (almost) never happens.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 13:57
Wesley Long
45k15100161
A manager should at least know about corporate strategy, even if they don't determine it.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:08
@DJClayworth: Yes, they should. However, divulging confidential information to someone who hasn't yet signed their employment agreement is a really good way to not be a manager any longer.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:09
The answer to the question can be revealing, even if they can't divulge specifics. There's a big difference between "We're doing something, but I can't tell you what it is" and "Really? Our revenues are falling?"
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:11
@DJClayworth: All you will learn from that question is how much attention the hiring manager is paying to the executives. I don't particularly care what a manager's "vision" of the strategy is. I'm much more concerned with what the CEO/Pres/Exec. VP's are thinking with regards to long-term profitability than what mid-level functionaries who are tasked with acquiring skilled employees do.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:14
3
The answer tells you how smart your manager is, how well the company communicates the big picture to its employees, and how engaged employees are with the company. All of those are important. I agree that knowing the company strategy would be nice, but you aren't going to find that out.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:16
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
13
down vote
accepted
Yes you should absolutely ask about this at the interview.
As I'm sure you understand from your question, interviews are a two way process. You should be evaluating whether you want to work for the company as well as persuading them they want you to work for them.
An important part of whether you want to work for them is whether they have long term viability. Falling revenues could mean that the company may be going bankrupt soon, or that layoffs are coming. Both of these decrease the desirability of working for the company. As a secondary benefit, asking the question shows that you have been researching the company, taking an interest in its performance, and that you have some business skills. All of these should increase your prospects with the company.
An appropriate questions might be: "I've been looking at your financials, and it looks to me as if your revenue is falling. Is the company doing something to address that?"
Having said that, you may not get much of an answer. It's true that a low-level manager isn't able to influence the revenue of the company, other than by doing his job well. However in a good company some things should have been communicated to employees about the situation. Answers like "I didn't know about the falling revenues" or "We don't concern ourselves with things like that" mean that either the company isn't good about communicating this stuff, or that the team isn't interested in them. (By the way, I work for a company of 10,000 and this stuff is communicated to every employee).
It's likely that any steps being taken to address this are confidential, so you aren't going to get details. But an answer like "There are some steps being put in place, but I can't tell you what they are" should at least be somewhat reassuring. You might explicitly ask about layoffs.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:07
DJClayworth
41.6k989147
1
I agree with most of your answer. But most companies I have worked at have addressed this with a visible plan and communicated to the employees how they fit in to that plan. I would think a manager could talk at that level with a prospective employee. At least at any company you would want to work at.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:01
1
What is communicated to employees is often confidential to the company, and so shouldn't be communicated to those outside the company. it's not unheard of for companies to send people to be interviewed by their competitors.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 18:16
1
The details sure but the general push is usually ok. IE "We are looking to grow in a few markets we are not in currently, and we have landed some new business already that we expect will lead the turnaround."
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:22
I agree. That level of detail would be normal.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 19:23
add a comment |Â
up vote
13
down vote
accepted
Yes you should absolutely ask about this at the interview.
As I'm sure you understand from your question, interviews are a two way process. You should be evaluating whether you want to work for the company as well as persuading them they want you to work for them.
An important part of whether you want to work for them is whether they have long term viability. Falling revenues could mean that the company may be going bankrupt soon, or that layoffs are coming. Both of these decrease the desirability of working for the company. As a secondary benefit, asking the question shows that you have been researching the company, taking an interest in its performance, and that you have some business skills. All of these should increase your prospects with the company.
An appropriate questions might be: "I've been looking at your financials, and it looks to me as if your revenue is falling. Is the company doing something to address that?"
Having said that, you may not get much of an answer. It's true that a low-level manager isn't able to influence the revenue of the company, other than by doing his job well. However in a good company some things should have been communicated to employees about the situation. Answers like "I didn't know about the falling revenues" or "We don't concern ourselves with things like that" mean that either the company isn't good about communicating this stuff, or that the team isn't interested in them. (By the way, I work for a company of 10,000 and this stuff is communicated to every employee).
It's likely that any steps being taken to address this are confidential, so you aren't going to get details. But an answer like "There are some steps being put in place, but I can't tell you what they are" should at least be somewhat reassuring. You might explicitly ask about layoffs.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:07
DJClayworth
41.6k989147
1
I agree with most of your answer. But most companies I have worked at have addressed this with a visible plan and communicated to the employees how they fit in to that plan. I would think a manager could talk at that level with a prospective employee. At least at any company you would want to work at.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:01
1
What is communicated to employees is often confidential to the company, and so shouldn't be communicated to those outside the company. it's not unheard of for companies to send people to be interviewed by their competitors.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 18:16
1
The details sure but the general push is usually ok. IE "We are looking to grow in a few markets we are not in currently, and we have landed some new business already that we expect will lead the turnaround."
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:22
I agree. That level of detail would be normal.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 19:23
add a comment |Â
up vote
13
down vote
accepted
up vote
13
down vote
accepted
Yes you should absolutely ask about this at the interview.
As I'm sure you understand from your question, interviews are a two way process. You should be evaluating whether you want to work for the company as well as persuading them they want you to work for them.
An important part of whether you want to work for them is whether they have long term viability. Falling revenues could mean that the company may be going bankrupt soon, or that layoffs are coming. Both of these decrease the desirability of working for the company. As a secondary benefit, asking the question shows that you have been researching the company, taking an interest in its performance, and that you have some business skills. All of these should increase your prospects with the company.
An appropriate questions might be: "I've been looking at your financials, and it looks to me as if your revenue is falling. Is the company doing something to address that?"
Having said that, you may not get much of an answer. It's true that a low-level manager isn't able to influence the revenue of the company, other than by doing his job well. However in a good company some things should have been communicated to employees about the situation. Answers like "I didn't know about the falling revenues" or "We don't concern ourselves with things like that" mean that either the company isn't good about communicating this stuff, or that the team isn't interested in them. (By the way, I work for a company of 10,000 and this stuff is communicated to every employee).
It's likely that any steps being taken to address this are confidential, so you aren't going to get details. But an answer like "There are some steps being put in place, but I can't tell you what they are" should at least be somewhat reassuring. You might explicitly ask about layoffs.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:07
DJClayworth
41.6k989147
Yes you should absolutely ask about this at the interview.
As I'm sure you understand from your question, interviews are a two way process. You should be evaluating whether you want to work for the company as well as persuading them they want you to work for them.
An important part of whether you want to work for them is whether they have long term viability. Falling revenues could mean that the company may be going bankrupt soon, or that layoffs are coming. Both of these decrease the desirability of working for the company. As a secondary benefit, asking the question shows that you have been researching the company, taking an interest in its performance, and that you have some business skills. All of these should increase your prospects with the company.
An appropriate questions might be: "I've been looking at your financials, and it looks to me as if your revenue is falling. Is the company doing something to address that?"
Having said that, you may not get much of an answer. It's true that a low-level manager isn't able to influence the revenue of the company, other than by doing his job well. However in a good company some things should have been communicated to employees about the situation. Answers like "I didn't know about the falling revenues" or "We don't concern ourselves with things like that" mean that either the company isn't good about communicating this stuff, or that the team isn't interested in them. (By the way, I work for a company of 10,000 and this stuff is communicated to every employee).
It's likely that any steps being taken to address this are confidential, so you aren't going to get details. But an answer like "There are some steps being put in place, but I can't tell you what they are" should at least be somewhat reassuring. You might explicitly ask about layoffs.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:07
DJClayworth
41.6k989147
edited Jul 18 '13 at 15:14
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:07
DJClayworth
41.6k989147
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:07
DJClayworth
41.6k989147
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:07
DJClayworth
41.6k989147
41.6k989147
1
I agree with most of your answer. But most companies I have worked at have addressed this with a visible plan and communicated to the employees how they fit in to that plan. I would think a manager could talk at that level with a prospective employee. At least at any company you would want to work at.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:01
1
What is communicated to employees is often confidential to the company, and so shouldn't be communicated to those outside the company. it's not unheard of for companies to send people to be interviewed by their competitors.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 18:16
1
The details sure but the general push is usually ok. IE "We are looking to grow in a few markets we are not in currently, and we have landed some new business already that we expect will lead the turnaround."
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:22
I agree. That level of detail would be normal.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 19:23
add a comment |Â
1
I agree with most of your answer. But most companies I have worked at have addressed this with a visible plan and communicated to the employees how they fit in to that plan. I would think a manager could talk at that level with a prospective employee. At least at any company you would want to work at.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:01
1
What is communicated to employees is often confidential to the company, and so shouldn't be communicated to those outside the company. it's not unheard of for companies to send people to be interviewed by their competitors.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 18:16
1
The details sure but the general push is usually ok. IE "We are looking to grow in a few markets we are not in currently, and we have landed some new business already that we expect will lead the turnaround."
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:22
I agree. That level of detail would be normal.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 19:23
1
1
I agree with most of your answer. But most companies I have worked at have addressed this with a visible plan and communicated to the employees how they fit in to that plan. I would think a manager could talk at that level with a prospective employee. At least at any company you would want to work at.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:01
I agree with most of your answer. But most companies I have worked at have addressed this with a visible plan and communicated to the employees how they fit in to that plan. I would think a manager could talk at that level with a prospective employee. At least at any company you would want to work at.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:01
1
1
What is communicated to employees is often confidential to the company, and so shouldn't be communicated to those outside the company. it's not unheard of for companies to send people to be interviewed by their competitors.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 18:16
What is communicated to employees is often confidential to the company, and so shouldn't be communicated to those outside the company. it's not unheard of for companies to send people to be interviewed by their competitors.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 18:16
1
1
The details sure but the general push is usually ok. IE "We are looking to grow in a few markets we are not in currently, and we have landed some new business already that we expect will lead the turnaround."
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:22
The details sure but the general push is usually ok. IE "We are looking to grow in a few markets we are not in currently, and we have landed some new business already that we expect will lead the turnaround."
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 19 '13 at 18:22
I agree. That level of detail would be normal.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 19:23
I agree. That level of detail would be normal.
– DJClayworth
Jul 19 '13 at 19:23
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
Depending on where in the company you are applying and what the hiring manager's duties include, while I can acknowledge this could be a good question it is also a tricky question. You could phrase your question like, "I was reviewing the organization's financial statements and noticed this trend. What are your thoughts on the organization's ability to overcome this?" Where the idea is to ask an open-ended question from the perspective of, "What do you think about this?" though recognize that depending on the manager's role there may not be much to be said here.
A key point here is that while you may want answers about this, consider that the hiring manager may have a limited view of the corporate strategy and access to executives to know the turn around plan, especially if the manager is in the middle level of a company with 10-100 employees where the top brass may well keep their future plans close to the vest but tell analysts and followers of the stock that there is a turn around plan that they hope will be successful.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:04
JB King
15.1k22957
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
Depending on where in the company you are applying and what the hiring manager's duties include, while I can acknowledge this could be a good question it is also a tricky question. You could phrase your question like, "I was reviewing the organization's financial statements and noticed this trend. What are your thoughts on the organization's ability to overcome this?" Where the idea is to ask an open-ended question from the perspective of, "What do you think about this?" though recognize that depending on the manager's role there may not be much to be said here.
A key point here is that while you may want answers about this, consider that the hiring manager may have a limited view of the corporate strategy and access to executives to know the turn around plan, especially if the manager is in the middle level of a company with 10-100 employees where the top brass may well keep their future plans close to the vest but tell analysts and followers of the stock that there is a turn around plan that they hope will be successful.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:04
JB King
15.1k22957
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
Depending on where in the company you are applying and what the hiring manager's duties include, while I can acknowledge this could be a good question it is also a tricky question. You could phrase your question like, "I was reviewing the organization's financial statements and noticed this trend. What are your thoughts on the organization's ability to overcome this?" Where the idea is to ask an open-ended question from the perspective of, "What do you think about this?" though recognize that depending on the manager's role there may not be much to be said here.
A key point here is that while you may want answers about this, consider that the hiring manager may have a limited view of the corporate strategy and access to executives to know the turn around plan, especially if the manager is in the middle level of a company with 10-100 employees where the top brass may well keep their future plans close to the vest but tell analysts and followers of the stock that there is a turn around plan that they hope will be successful.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:04
JB King
15.1k22957
Depending on where in the company you are applying and what the hiring manager's duties include, while I can acknowledge this could be a good question it is also a tricky question. You could phrase your question like, "I was reviewing the organization's financial statements and noticed this trend. What are your thoughts on the organization's ability to overcome this?" Where the idea is to ask an open-ended question from the perspective of, "What do you think about this?" though recognize that depending on the manager's role there may not be much to be said here.
A key point here is that while you may want answers about this, consider that the hiring manager may have a limited view of the corporate strategy and access to executives to know the turn around plan, especially if the manager is in the middle level of a company with 10-100 employees where the top brass may well keep their future plans close to the vest but tell analysts and followers of the stock that there is a turn around plan that they hope will be successful.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:04
JB King
15.1k22957
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:04
JB King
15.1k22957
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:04
JB King
15.1k22957
answered Jul 18 '13 at 15:04
JB King
15.1k22957
15.1k22957
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Short answer: You don't.
First, a manager is not in charge of determining corporate strategy. They are in charge of making sure employees implement it. Strategy is done at the senior executive level (CEO, Pres, VP's) and implementation is done at the director level.
Second, whatever your manager shared with you that wasn't public knowledge would be considered "Insider information" and if you were to trade on it (rather than accepting a job), it would subject both you and them to a whole boatload of hurt from regulating authorities.
If you're concerned about the company's short and long-term plans, go find their last 8K or 10K filing's press call (usually available in the "Investor Relations" section of their website) and listen to what the senior execs told the financial analysts and press. That's the only place you're going to get a valid answer to that question.
EDIT: Follow-up to question edits
Not wanting to get to pedantic about corporate financials, but are you certain you're looking at revenues, and not profits? The "bottom line" number could be misleading as they may be amortizing capital expenditures, or other issues. The number I would recommend looking at quarter-over-quarter is EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization). In the end, though, there are only two questions that really matter:
- Is my position secure?
- Will my paycheck clear the bank?
Number 1 is always a toss-up. A merger, buyout, or corporate restructuring can cut you even in the most successful of companies.
Number 2 is not going to be a problem in a publicly traded company. You may get laid off suddenly, but stiffed on pay (almost) never happens.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 13:57
Wesley Long
45k15100161
A manager should at least know about corporate strategy, even if they don't determine it.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:08
@DJClayworth: Yes, they should. However, divulging confidential information to someone who hasn't yet signed their employment agreement is a really good way to not be a manager any longer.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:09
The answer to the question can be revealing, even if they can't divulge specifics. There's a big difference between "We're doing something, but I can't tell you what it is" and "Really? Our revenues are falling?"
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:11
@DJClayworth: All you will learn from that question is how much attention the hiring manager is paying to the executives. I don't particularly care what a manager's "vision" of the strategy is. I'm much more concerned with what the CEO/Pres/Exec. VP's are thinking with regards to long-term profitability than what mid-level functionaries who are tasked with acquiring skilled employees do.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:14
3
The answer tells you how smart your manager is, how well the company communicates the big picture to its employees, and how engaged employees are with the company. All of those are important. I agree that knowing the company strategy would be nice, but you aren't going to find that out.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:16
 |Â
show 7 more comments
up vote
2
down vote
Short answer: You don't.
First, a manager is not in charge of determining corporate strategy. They are in charge of making sure employees implement it. Strategy is done at the senior executive level (CEO, Pres, VP's) and implementation is done at the director level.
Second, whatever your manager shared with you that wasn't public knowledge would be considered "Insider information" and if you were to trade on it (rather than accepting a job), it would subject both you and them to a whole boatload of hurt from regulating authorities.
If you're concerned about the company's short and long-term plans, go find their last 8K or 10K filing's press call (usually available in the "Investor Relations" section of their website) and listen to what the senior execs told the financial analysts and press. That's the only place you're going to get a valid answer to that question.
EDIT: Follow-up to question edits
Not wanting to get to pedantic about corporate financials, but are you certain you're looking at revenues, and not profits? The "bottom line" number could be misleading as they may be amortizing capital expenditures, or other issues. The number I would recommend looking at quarter-over-quarter is EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization). In the end, though, there are only two questions that really matter:
- Is my position secure?
- Will my paycheck clear the bank?
Number 1 is always a toss-up. A merger, buyout, or corporate restructuring can cut you even in the most successful of companies.
Number 2 is not going to be a problem in a publicly traded company. You may get laid off suddenly, but stiffed on pay (almost) never happens.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 13:57
Wesley Long
45k15100161
A manager should at least know about corporate strategy, even if they don't determine it.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:08
@DJClayworth: Yes, they should. However, divulging confidential information to someone who hasn't yet signed their employment agreement is a really good way to not be a manager any longer.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:09
The answer to the question can be revealing, even if they can't divulge specifics. There's a big difference between "We're doing something, but I can't tell you what it is" and "Really? Our revenues are falling?"
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:11
@DJClayworth: All you will learn from that question is how much attention the hiring manager is paying to the executives. I don't particularly care what a manager's "vision" of the strategy is. I'm much more concerned with what the CEO/Pres/Exec. VP's are thinking with regards to long-term profitability than what mid-level functionaries who are tasked with acquiring skilled employees do.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:14
3
The answer tells you how smart your manager is, how well the company communicates the big picture to its employees, and how engaged employees are with the company. All of those are important. I agree that knowing the company strategy would be nice, but you aren't going to find that out.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:16
 |Â
show 7 more comments
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
Short answer: You don't.
First, a manager is not in charge of determining corporate strategy. They are in charge of making sure employees implement it. Strategy is done at the senior executive level (CEO, Pres, VP's) and implementation is done at the director level.
Second, whatever your manager shared with you that wasn't public knowledge would be considered "Insider information" and if you were to trade on it (rather than accepting a job), it would subject both you and them to a whole boatload of hurt from regulating authorities.
If you're concerned about the company's short and long-term plans, go find their last 8K or 10K filing's press call (usually available in the "Investor Relations" section of their website) and listen to what the senior execs told the financial analysts and press. That's the only place you're going to get a valid answer to that question.
EDIT: Follow-up to question edits
Not wanting to get to pedantic about corporate financials, but are you certain you're looking at revenues, and not profits? The "bottom line" number could be misleading as they may be amortizing capital expenditures, or other issues. The number I would recommend looking at quarter-over-quarter is EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization). In the end, though, there are only two questions that really matter:
- Is my position secure?
- Will my paycheck clear the bank?
Number 1 is always a toss-up. A merger, buyout, or corporate restructuring can cut you even in the most successful of companies.
Number 2 is not going to be a problem in a publicly traded company. You may get laid off suddenly, but stiffed on pay (almost) never happens.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 13:57
Wesley Long
45k15100161
Short answer: You don't.
First, a manager is not in charge of determining corporate strategy. They are in charge of making sure employees implement it. Strategy is done at the senior executive level (CEO, Pres, VP's) and implementation is done at the director level.
Second, whatever your manager shared with you that wasn't public knowledge would be considered "Insider information" and if you were to trade on it (rather than accepting a job), it would subject both you and them to a whole boatload of hurt from regulating authorities.
If you're concerned about the company's short and long-term plans, go find their last 8K or 10K filing's press call (usually available in the "Investor Relations" section of their website) and listen to what the senior execs told the financial analysts and press. That's the only place you're going to get a valid answer to that question.
EDIT: Follow-up to question edits
Not wanting to get to pedantic about corporate financials, but are you certain you're looking at revenues, and not profits? The "bottom line" number could be misleading as they may be amortizing capital expenditures, or other issues. The number I would recommend looking at quarter-over-quarter is EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization). In the end, though, there are only two questions that really matter:
- Is my position secure?
- Will my paycheck clear the bank?
Number 1 is always a toss-up. A merger, buyout, or corporate restructuring can cut you even in the most successful of companies.
Number 2 is not going to be a problem in a publicly traded company. You may get laid off suddenly, but stiffed on pay (almost) never happens.
answered Jul 18 '13 at 13:57
Wesley Long
45k15100161
edited Jul 18 '13 at 15:08
answered Jul 18 '13 at 13:57
Wesley Long
45k15100161
answered Jul 18 '13 at 13:57
Wesley Long
45k15100161
answered Jul 18 '13 at 13:57
Wesley Long
45k15100161
45k15100161
A manager should at least know about corporate strategy, even if they don't determine it.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:08
@DJClayworth: Yes, they should. However, divulging confidential information to someone who hasn't yet signed their employment agreement is a really good way to not be a manager any longer.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:09
The answer to the question can be revealing, even if they can't divulge specifics. There's a big difference between "We're doing something, but I can't tell you what it is" and "Really? Our revenues are falling?"
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:11
@DJClayworth: All you will learn from that question is how much attention the hiring manager is paying to the executives. I don't particularly care what a manager's "vision" of the strategy is. I'm much more concerned with what the CEO/Pres/Exec. VP's are thinking with regards to long-term profitability than what mid-level functionaries who are tasked with acquiring skilled employees do.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:14
3
The answer tells you how smart your manager is, how well the company communicates the big picture to its employees, and how engaged employees are with the company. All of those are important. I agree that knowing the company strategy would be nice, but you aren't going to find that out.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:16
 |Â
show 7 more comments
A manager should at least know about corporate strategy, even if they don't determine it.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:08
@DJClayworth: Yes, they should. However, divulging confidential information to someone who hasn't yet signed their employment agreement is a really good way to not be a manager any longer.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:09
The answer to the question can be revealing, even if they can't divulge specifics. There's a big difference between "We're doing something, but I can't tell you what it is" and "Really? Our revenues are falling?"
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:11
@DJClayworth: All you will learn from that question is how much attention the hiring manager is paying to the executives. I don't particularly care what a manager's "vision" of the strategy is. I'm much more concerned with what the CEO/Pres/Exec. VP's are thinking with regards to long-term profitability than what mid-level functionaries who are tasked with acquiring skilled employees do.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:14
3
The answer tells you how smart your manager is, how well the company communicates the big picture to its employees, and how engaged employees are with the company. All of those are important. I agree that knowing the company strategy would be nice, but you aren't going to find that out.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:16
A manager should at least know about corporate strategy, even if they don't determine it.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:08
A manager should at least know about corporate strategy, even if they don't determine it.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:08
@DJClayworth: Yes, they should. However, divulging confidential information to someone who hasn't yet signed their employment agreement is a really good way to not be a manager any longer.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:09
@DJClayworth: Yes, they should. However, divulging confidential information to someone who hasn't yet signed their employment agreement is a really good way to not be a manager any longer.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:09
The answer to the question can be revealing, even if they can't divulge specifics. There's a big difference between "We're doing something, but I can't tell you what it is" and "Really? Our revenues are falling?"
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:11
The answer to the question can be revealing, even if they can't divulge specifics. There's a big difference between "We're doing something, but I can't tell you what it is" and "Really? Our revenues are falling?"
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:11
@DJClayworth: All you will learn from that question is how much attention the hiring manager is paying to the executives. I don't particularly care what a manager's "vision" of the strategy is. I'm much more concerned with what the CEO/Pres/Exec. VP's are thinking with regards to long-term profitability than what mid-level functionaries who are tasked with acquiring skilled employees do.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:14
@DJClayworth: All you will learn from that question is how much attention the hiring manager is paying to the executives. I don't particularly care what a manager's "vision" of the strategy is. I'm much more concerned with what the CEO/Pres/Exec. VP's are thinking with regards to long-term profitability than what mid-level functionaries who are tasked with acquiring skilled employees do.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 15:14
3
3
The answer tells you how smart your manager is, how well the company communicates the big picture to its employees, and how engaged employees are with the company. All of those are important. I agree that knowing the company strategy would be nice, but you aren't going to find that out.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:16
The answer tells you how smart your manager is, how well the company communicates the big picture to its employees, and how engaged employees are with the company. All of those are important. I agree that knowing the company strategy would be nice, but you aren't going to find that out.
– DJClayworth
Jul 18 '13 at 15:16
 |Â
show 7 more comments
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I don't know where you got your information on current revenues (you know they're down), but could this source provide projected revenue or possible insight to the industry as a whole? Many companies have had a decline in revenue due to the economy.
– user8365
Jul 18 '13 at 13:43
It seems this question covers exactly what you are looking for. This answer in particular has some great suggestions.
– Elysian Fields♦
Jul 18 '13 at 13:46
@JeffO - FYI - publicly traded companies (at least in the U.S.) are required to file quarterly summary and annual detail reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports are called "8K" and "10K" filings, respectively, and all pertinent financial information is required to be provided. These filings are open records and available to anyone, but are summarized in sites like Yahoo! Finance.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 13:51
I was only trying to respond to @JeffO's comment about where you get revenue information. No one can predict the future with any accuracy. If you (or anyone else) could do that with a publicly traded company, you would not have a need for employment.
– Wesley Long
Jul 18 '13 at 13:59
2
Your manager may or may not know anything about the market the company serves, although this is something useful to figure out. Focusing on 'what they tell you' is the wrong direction. Figure out what direction the overall market is going, and if it's going downhill find work with a company in a growing market. Knowing in advance you're going into a company that's losing sales when customers are no longer interested in what the company produces is a sure path to a short employment round. In any case, forget raises.
– Meredith Poor
Jul 18 '13 at 19:13