Mixing
Is “What are things your organization has done recently†a risky interview question?
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up vote
19
down vote
favorite
On a career site, it includes this question as an example of how wording can be so important:
Better:
What are things your organization has done recently to show how it
values its employees?
As opposed to the the curt
Does your organization value its employees?
But would this question be risky when I'm applying for an internship spot? I will be in a low-level position. Is it presumptuous to ask proof that they "value their employees"?
interviewing
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:44
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
asked May 10 '12 at 22:25
Adel
3,571104180
migrated from programmers.stackexchange.com May 10 '12 at 23:22
This question came from our site for professionals, academics, and students working within the systems development life cycle.
add a comment |Â
up vote
19
down vote
favorite
On a career site, it includes this question as an example of how wording can be so important:
Better:
What are things your organization has done recently to show how it
values its employees?
As opposed to the the curt
Does your organization value its employees?
But would this question be risky when I'm applying for an internship spot? I will be in a low-level position. Is it presumptuous to ask proof that they "value their employees"?
interviewing
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:44
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
asked May 10 '12 at 22:25
Adel
3,571104180
migrated from programmers.stackexchange.com May 10 '12 at 23:22
This question came from our site for professionals, academics, and students working within the systems development life cycle.
I think so, as it could be a trap to see whether you would bad-mouth your current and/or previous employers.
– stanigator
May 11 '12 at 0:05
6
Personally, I think the sort of company that would take offense at that would be the sort of company you don't want to work for. You may make some interviewers uncomfortable with this question, but you don't want to work for them either.
– Steven Burnap
May 11 '12 at 3:00
add a comment |Â
up vote
19
down vote
favorite
up vote
19
down vote
favorite
On a career site, it includes this question as an example of how wording can be so important:
Better:
What are things your organization has done recently to show how it
values its employees?
As opposed to the the curt
Does your organization value its employees?
But would this question be risky when I'm applying for an internship spot? I will be in a low-level position. Is it presumptuous to ask proof that they "value their employees"?
interviewing
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:44
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
asked May 10 '12 at 22:25
Adel
3,571104180
On a career site, it includes this question as an example of how wording can be so important:
Better:
What are things your organization has done recently to show how it
values its employees?
As opposed to the the curt
Does your organization value its employees?
But would this question be risky when I'm applying for an internship spot? I will be in a low-level position. Is it presumptuous to ask proof that they "value their employees"?
interviewing
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:44
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
asked May 10 '12 at 22:25
Adel
3,571104180
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:44
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:44
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
edited Apr 5 '13 at 20:44
Elysian Fields♦
96.9k46292449
96.9k46292449
asked May 10 '12 at 22:25
Adel
3,571104180
asked May 10 '12 at 22:25
Adel
3,571104180
asked May 10 '12 at 22:25
Adel
3,571104180
3,571104180
migrated from programmers.stackexchange.com May 10 '12 at 23:22
This question came from our site for professionals, academics, and students working within the systems development life cycle.
migrated from programmers.stackexchange.com May 10 '12 at 23:22
This question came from our site for professionals, academics, and students working within the systems development life cycle.
I think so, as it could be a trap to see whether you would bad-mouth your current and/or previous employers.
– stanigator
May 11 '12 at 0:05
6
Personally, I think the sort of company that would take offense at that would be the sort of company you don't want to work for. You may make some interviewers uncomfortable with this question, but you don't want to work for them either.
– Steven Burnap
May 11 '12 at 3:00
add a comment |Â
I think so, as it could be a trap to see whether you would bad-mouth your current and/or previous employers.
– stanigator
May 11 '12 at 0:05
6
Personally, I think the sort of company that would take offense at that would be the sort of company you don't want to work for. You may make some interviewers uncomfortable with this question, but you don't want to work for them either.
– Steven Burnap
May 11 '12 at 3:00
I think so, as it could be a trap to see whether you would bad-mouth your current and/or previous employers.
– stanigator
May 11 '12 at 0:05
I think so, as it could be a trap to see whether you would bad-mouth your current and/or previous employers.
– stanigator
May 11 '12 at 0:05
6
6
Personally, I think the sort of company that would take offense at that would be the sort of company you don't want to work for. You may make some interviewers uncomfortable with this question, but you don't want to work for them either.
– Steven Burnap
May 11 '12 at 3:00
Personally, I think the sort of company that would take offense at that would be the sort of company you don't want to work for. You may make some interviewers uncomfortable with this question, but you don't want to work for them either.
– Steven Burnap
May 11 '12 at 3:00
add a comment |Â
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
up vote
27
down vote
accepted
So just rephrase:
Why do your employees love working here?
What do you feel is most special about your company as a workplace?
Why is your turnover rate so low? (Ask after you find out that the rate actually is low.)
Competition for good employees is pretty stiff in your field. How do you manage to attract and keep good people?
You may be applying for just an internship, but you'll still be working there for a while and it's not unreasonable to ask questions about the work environment and the company's relationship with its employees. Just be polite about it.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:30
Caleb
5,55312531
1
Thank You So Much Caleb, these certainly have a positive tone!
– Adel
May 10 '12 at 22:32
You can also try "could you give me an example of something you've done recently" instead of "what have you done recently" - this makes it sound like you're asking for help understanding rather than challenging them to meet a standard you're setting.
– Kate Gregory
Apr 5 '13 at 21:00
add a comment |Â
up vote
10
down vote
When they are interviewing you, which do you think they'll ask?
- Do you tend to put the extra mile in when necessary?
- What have you done recently that involves going the extra mile, when necessary?
The first is something everyone will say yes to. Everyone. Who wants to be seen as someone who works 9-5, no matter the situation?
Likewise, any company will answer yes to "Does your organization value its employees?" Really. How awkward would that moment be when you ask me that and I say "no, never."
"What are things your organization has done recently to show how it values its employees?" is a perfectly valid question. The only people who will be uncomfortable with it are those who have no examples.
Do you want to work for those companies? If so, then asking the question is a little risky, yes. If not, then you're showing that you know you have options and that you're genuinely interested in taking the right job, not just any job.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:35
pdr
19.2k46081
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I have previously seen employers lying to applicants just to get them interested in the job. This is more common than you might think, especially in smaller companies or in smaller towns where there is a lack of applicants.
Therefore, whatever question you ask and whatever answer you receive, don't take it for granted. Ask your question in a polite manner, but you'll have to work for that company and see for yourself whether that organisation values their employees.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:55
vikp
1211
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Since it's an intern position, you should rather ask:
What type of onboarding program do you have for new employees (Most companies that value employees have a good onboarding/training program)
What do you like about working here (if the interviewer likes the company the company probably values it's employees)
What type of project can I expect to get while interning here (if they give you fun/interesting work it's also probably an indicator of a good place to work)
answered May 10 '12 at 23:21
Kevin
1212
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Not at all, even though you're "just an intern" it shows that you're interested in the company for more than just the job experience, you might actually be interested in working for them long-term after your internship is over! Most interviewers would be very happy to receive that kind of question.
answered May 10 '12 at 23:10
gbjbaanb
2,2261019
add a comment |Â
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5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
27
down vote
accepted
So just rephrase:
Why do your employees love working here?
What do you feel is most special about your company as a workplace?
Why is your turnover rate so low? (Ask after you find out that the rate actually is low.)
Competition for good employees is pretty stiff in your field. How do you manage to attract and keep good people?
You may be applying for just an internship, but you'll still be working there for a while and it's not unreasonable to ask questions about the work environment and the company's relationship with its employees. Just be polite about it.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:30
Caleb
5,55312531
1
Thank You So Much Caleb, these certainly have a positive tone!
– Adel
May 10 '12 at 22:32
You can also try "could you give me an example of something you've done recently" instead of "what have you done recently" - this makes it sound like you're asking for help understanding rather than challenging them to meet a standard you're setting.
– Kate Gregory
Apr 5 '13 at 21:00
add a comment |Â
up vote
27
down vote
accepted
So just rephrase:
Why do your employees love working here?
What do you feel is most special about your company as a workplace?
Why is your turnover rate so low? (Ask after you find out that the rate actually is low.)
Competition for good employees is pretty stiff in your field. How do you manage to attract and keep good people?
You may be applying for just an internship, but you'll still be working there for a while and it's not unreasonable to ask questions about the work environment and the company's relationship with its employees. Just be polite about it.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:30
Caleb
5,55312531
1
Thank You So Much Caleb, these certainly have a positive tone!
– Adel
May 10 '12 at 22:32
You can also try "could you give me an example of something you've done recently" instead of "what have you done recently" - this makes it sound like you're asking for help understanding rather than challenging them to meet a standard you're setting.
– Kate Gregory
Apr 5 '13 at 21:00
add a comment |Â
up vote
27
down vote
accepted
up vote
27
down vote
accepted
So just rephrase:
Why do your employees love working here?
What do you feel is most special about your company as a workplace?
Why is your turnover rate so low? (Ask after you find out that the rate actually is low.)
Competition for good employees is pretty stiff in your field. How do you manage to attract and keep good people?
You may be applying for just an internship, but you'll still be working there for a while and it's not unreasonable to ask questions about the work environment and the company's relationship with its employees. Just be polite about it.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:30
Caleb
5,55312531
So just rephrase:
Why do your employees love working here?
What do you feel is most special about your company as a workplace?
Why is your turnover rate so low? (Ask after you find out that the rate actually is low.)
Competition for good employees is pretty stiff in your field. How do you manage to attract and keep good people?
You may be applying for just an internship, but you'll still be working there for a while and it's not unreasonable to ask questions about the work environment and the company's relationship with its employees. Just be polite about it.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:30
Caleb
5,55312531
answered May 10 '12 at 22:30
Caleb
5,55312531
answered May 10 '12 at 22:30
Caleb
5,55312531
answered May 10 '12 at 22:30
Caleb
5,55312531
5,55312531
1
Thank You So Much Caleb, these certainly have a positive tone!
– Adel
May 10 '12 at 22:32
You can also try "could you give me an example of something you've done recently" instead of "what have you done recently" - this makes it sound like you're asking for help understanding rather than challenging them to meet a standard you're setting.
– Kate Gregory
Apr 5 '13 at 21:00
add a comment |Â
1
Thank You So Much Caleb, these certainly have a positive tone!
– Adel
May 10 '12 at 22:32
You can also try "could you give me an example of something you've done recently" instead of "what have you done recently" - this makes it sound like you're asking for help understanding rather than challenging them to meet a standard you're setting.
– Kate Gregory
Apr 5 '13 at 21:00
1
1
Thank You So Much Caleb, these certainly have a positive tone!
– Adel
May 10 '12 at 22:32
Thank You So Much Caleb, these certainly have a positive tone!
– Adel
May 10 '12 at 22:32
You can also try "could you give me an example of something you've done recently" instead of "what have you done recently" - this makes it sound like you're asking for help understanding rather than challenging them to meet a standard you're setting.
– Kate Gregory
Apr 5 '13 at 21:00
You can also try "could you give me an example of something you've done recently" instead of "what have you done recently" - this makes it sound like you're asking for help understanding rather than challenging them to meet a standard you're setting.
– Kate Gregory
Apr 5 '13 at 21:00
add a comment |Â
up vote
10
down vote
When they are interviewing you, which do you think they'll ask?
- Do you tend to put the extra mile in when necessary?
- What have you done recently that involves going the extra mile, when necessary?
The first is something everyone will say yes to. Everyone. Who wants to be seen as someone who works 9-5, no matter the situation?
Likewise, any company will answer yes to "Does your organization value its employees?" Really. How awkward would that moment be when you ask me that and I say "no, never."
"What are things your organization has done recently to show how it values its employees?" is a perfectly valid question. The only people who will be uncomfortable with it are those who have no examples.
Do you want to work for those companies? If so, then asking the question is a little risky, yes. If not, then you're showing that you know you have options and that you're genuinely interested in taking the right job, not just any job.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:35
pdr
19.2k46081
add a comment |Â
up vote
10
down vote
When they are interviewing you, which do you think they'll ask?
- Do you tend to put the extra mile in when necessary?
- What have you done recently that involves going the extra mile, when necessary?
The first is something everyone will say yes to. Everyone. Who wants to be seen as someone who works 9-5, no matter the situation?
Likewise, any company will answer yes to "Does your organization value its employees?" Really. How awkward would that moment be when you ask me that and I say "no, never."
"What are things your organization has done recently to show how it values its employees?" is a perfectly valid question. The only people who will be uncomfortable with it are those who have no examples.
Do you want to work for those companies? If so, then asking the question is a little risky, yes. If not, then you're showing that you know you have options and that you're genuinely interested in taking the right job, not just any job.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:35
pdr
19.2k46081
add a comment |Â
up vote
10
down vote
up vote
10
down vote
When they are interviewing you, which do you think they'll ask?
- Do you tend to put the extra mile in when necessary?
- What have you done recently that involves going the extra mile, when necessary?
The first is something everyone will say yes to. Everyone. Who wants to be seen as someone who works 9-5, no matter the situation?
Likewise, any company will answer yes to "Does your organization value its employees?" Really. How awkward would that moment be when you ask me that and I say "no, never."
"What are things your organization has done recently to show how it values its employees?" is a perfectly valid question. The only people who will be uncomfortable with it are those who have no examples.
Do you want to work for those companies? If so, then asking the question is a little risky, yes. If not, then you're showing that you know you have options and that you're genuinely interested in taking the right job, not just any job.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:35
pdr
19.2k46081
When they are interviewing you, which do you think they'll ask?
- Do you tend to put the extra mile in when necessary?
- What have you done recently that involves going the extra mile, when necessary?
The first is something everyone will say yes to. Everyone. Who wants to be seen as someone who works 9-5, no matter the situation?
Likewise, any company will answer yes to "Does your organization value its employees?" Really. How awkward would that moment be when you ask me that and I say "no, never."
"What are things your organization has done recently to show how it values its employees?" is a perfectly valid question. The only people who will be uncomfortable with it are those who have no examples.
Do you want to work for those companies? If so, then asking the question is a little risky, yes. If not, then you're showing that you know you have options and that you're genuinely interested in taking the right job, not just any job.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:35
pdr
19.2k46081
edited May 10 '12 at 23:29
answered May 10 '12 at 22:35
pdr
19.2k46081
answered May 10 '12 at 22:35
pdr
19.2k46081
answered May 10 '12 at 22:35
pdr
19.2k46081
19.2k46081
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I have previously seen employers lying to applicants just to get them interested in the job. This is more common than you might think, especially in smaller companies or in smaller towns where there is a lack of applicants.
Therefore, whatever question you ask and whatever answer you receive, don't take it for granted. Ask your question in a polite manner, but you'll have to work for that company and see for yourself whether that organisation values their employees.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:55
vikp
1211
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I have previously seen employers lying to applicants just to get them interested in the job. This is more common than you might think, especially in smaller companies or in smaller towns where there is a lack of applicants.
Therefore, whatever question you ask and whatever answer you receive, don't take it for granted. Ask your question in a polite manner, but you'll have to work for that company and see for yourself whether that organisation values their employees.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:55
vikp
1211
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
I have previously seen employers lying to applicants just to get them interested in the job. This is more common than you might think, especially in smaller companies or in smaller towns where there is a lack of applicants.
Therefore, whatever question you ask and whatever answer you receive, don't take it for granted. Ask your question in a polite manner, but you'll have to work for that company and see for yourself whether that organisation values their employees.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:55
vikp
1211
I have previously seen employers lying to applicants just to get them interested in the job. This is more common than you might think, especially in smaller companies or in smaller towns where there is a lack of applicants.
Therefore, whatever question you ask and whatever answer you receive, don't take it for granted. Ask your question in a polite manner, but you'll have to work for that company and see for yourself whether that organisation values their employees.
answered May 10 '12 at 22:55
vikp
1211
answered May 10 '12 at 22:55
vikp
1211
answered May 10 '12 at 22:55
vikp
1211
answered May 10 '12 at 22:55
vikp
1211
1211
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Since it's an intern position, you should rather ask:
What type of onboarding program do you have for new employees (Most companies that value employees have a good onboarding/training program)
What do you like about working here (if the interviewer likes the company the company probably values it's employees)
What type of project can I expect to get while interning here (if they give you fun/interesting work it's also probably an indicator of a good place to work)
answered May 10 '12 at 23:21
Kevin
1212
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Since it's an intern position, you should rather ask:
What type of onboarding program do you have for new employees (Most companies that value employees have a good onboarding/training program)
What do you like about working here (if the interviewer likes the company the company probably values it's employees)
What type of project can I expect to get while interning here (if they give you fun/interesting work it's also probably an indicator of a good place to work)
answered May 10 '12 at 23:21
Kevin
1212
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
Since it's an intern position, you should rather ask:
What type of onboarding program do you have for new employees (Most companies that value employees have a good onboarding/training program)
What do you like about working here (if the interviewer likes the company the company probably values it's employees)
What type of project can I expect to get while interning here (if they give you fun/interesting work it's also probably an indicator of a good place to work)
answered May 10 '12 at 23:21
Kevin
1212
Since it's an intern position, you should rather ask:
What type of onboarding program do you have for new employees (Most companies that value employees have a good onboarding/training program)
What do you like about working here (if the interviewer likes the company the company probably values it's employees)
What type of project can I expect to get while interning here (if they give you fun/interesting work it's also probably an indicator of a good place to work)
answered May 10 '12 at 23:21
Kevin
1212
answered May 10 '12 at 23:21
Kevin
1212
answered May 10 '12 at 23:21
Kevin
1212
answered May 10 '12 at 23:21
Kevin
1212
1212
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Not at all, even though you're "just an intern" it shows that you're interested in the company for more than just the job experience, you might actually be interested in working for them long-term after your internship is over! Most interviewers would be very happy to receive that kind of question.
answered May 10 '12 at 23:10
gbjbaanb
2,2261019
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Not at all, even though you're "just an intern" it shows that you're interested in the company for more than just the job experience, you might actually be interested in working for them long-term after your internship is over! Most interviewers would be very happy to receive that kind of question.
answered May 10 '12 at 23:10
gbjbaanb
2,2261019
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Not at all, even though you're "just an intern" it shows that you're interested in the company for more than just the job experience, you might actually be interested in working for them long-term after your internship is over! Most interviewers would be very happy to receive that kind of question.
answered May 10 '12 at 23:10
gbjbaanb
2,2261019
Not at all, even though you're "just an intern" it shows that you're interested in the company for more than just the job experience, you might actually be interested in working for them long-term after your internship is over! Most interviewers would be very happy to receive that kind of question.
answered May 10 '12 at 23:10
gbjbaanb
2,2261019
answered May 10 '12 at 23:10
gbjbaanb
2,2261019
answered May 10 '12 at 23:10
gbjbaanb
2,2261019
answered May 10 '12 at 23:10
gbjbaanb
2,2261019
2,2261019
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
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I think so, as it could be a trap to see whether you would bad-mouth your current and/or previous employers.
– stanigator
May 11 '12 at 0:05
6
Personally, I think the sort of company that would take offense at that would be the sort of company you don't want to work for. You may make some interviewers uncomfortable with this question, but you don't want to work for them either.
– Steven Burnap
May 11 '12 at 3:00