Before the face to face interview, you should ask the PE for a full description of the position (including why it is available) and a description of the qualities the PE is looking for. You should also find out what happened to the individual who previously held the job, whom the position reports to, and who you will interview with besides the hiring executive.
To get additional information before the interview, talk to anyone in the hiring company who might help. Ask questions casually, as you engage the other party in conversation. Get as much information as you can, but don't push. If the individual refuses to answer a question, give way. Then proceed with some other questions. Always be pleasant and courteous. Do not under any circumstances get into an argument with a representative of the PE, even if you are provoked.
Do not be offended if the hiring executive does not make the initial contact. The hiring executive may be very busy and may ask someone else to call you to schedule an interview or to see if you are worth talking to. Use this opportunity to get all the pre interview intelligence you can. Frequently you will get valuable information that will assist you during the interview in presenting yourself as that unique candidate who fits all the PE's needs. However, keep in mind that your objective in the initial phone conversation is not to reveal information about yourself, it is to obtain additional information about the job and the PE.
What You Should Get from Your Preinterview Research
After you finish your pre interview research, you should have a well thought out list of questions that reveal your general knowledge of the company and its product and your knowledge of your specialty and how it applies to the PE's business. In addition, you should have a list of questions to ask toward the end of your interview if you are fairly certain you have made a sale. These questions are for your protection. Your prospective employer invites you in for an interview to determine if you can do the job. You must determine whether the position meets your job objectives. To do this, you should ask the PE for a detailed description of the position and its specific responsibilities. You should also find out what advanced training is available or required and what growth potential the position has.
You must not at this point ask questions about salary, fringe benefits, health insurance plans, or retirement plans. Defer such questions until you know you will be made a firm offer.
Do not rely on memory or scraps of paper in the interview. Write each question down in a small loose leaf notebook so you can combine earlier information on a PE with notes you take during the interview. If you use a notebook that fits inside your pocket, you will not need to carry a briefcase.
