Integrity
Matters
April 14, 2004
Questions
You Should Ask An Employer
Question: (E-107)
Dear
Jim:
What
are the main questions somebody should ask when applying
for a new job?
Response:
Here
are a dozen questions that will clarify the environment
and provide clues about the probable "fit" for
you in a new position. If you're uncomfortable with any
of the responses, you may want to consider continuing
to look for the right position. Obviously, there can be
circumstances that push back on one's luxury of finding
the "perfect" job. However, when values are
already at risk of having been compromised during the
interview process, it unlikely the situation will improve
with time. So be prepared to walk away if a healthy environment
is what you are seeking. If you are simply looking for
a place to put in hours and take a paycheck, you may not
want to utilize this line of inquiry.
The
12 questions, for which "yes" to each one is
important:
- Can I fulfill the responsibilities
outlined, at a level that is consistent with the expectations
of the organization, in a timely way, with confidence?
- Will the organization provide the resources
and training that I need to be successful?
- Will I be able to incorporate their
values and organizational culture without compromising
my own code of conduct and personal principles?
- Will the organization and its products
and services fit well with who I am and who I hope to
become?
- Will the organization support my efforts
to continually learn and grow in capacity?
- Will I be proud to join the firm and
represent it to people I respect?
- Does the person interviewing me reflect
the Bracher Center's Eight Attributes of an Integrity-Centered
Organization (character, honesty, openness, authority,
partnership, performance, charity and graciousness)?
- Is the individual able to answer, to
my satisfaction, just how the organization operates,
without any hesitation or seeming to structure responses
to cover any unpleasant issues?
- Do I trust the integrity of the interviewer?
- Can I afford to work for the dollars
they offer?
- Are the benefits what I want?
- Do those who already work there smile?
If
integrity is important to you, and if integrity (really)
matters to the company or organization you wish to join,
then the likelihood of success, for all parties concerned,
is greatly enhanced. Ask the 12 questions clearly and
listen, very carefully, to the responses. You will then
be in position to make the best decision.
