12. What kind of experience do you have for this job?

This is a golden opportunity to sell yourself but, before you do, be sure you know what is most critical to the interviewer. He or she is not just looking for the competent Engineer, typist or salesperson, but for someone who can contribute quickly to the current projects. When interviewing, companies invariably give everyone a broad picture of the job, but the person they hire will be a problem-solver, someone who can contribute to the specific projects in the first six months. Only by asking will you identify the areas of your interviewer's greatest urgency and therefore interest.

If you do not know the projects you will be involved with in the first six months, you must ask. Level-headedness and analytical ability are respected and you will naturally answer the question more appropriately. For example, a company experiencing slippage problem might appreciate this answer:  «My high-speed machining background and familiarity with your equipment will allow me to contribute quickly. I understand deadlines, delivery schedules and the importance of getting the product dispatched quickly. Finally, my awareness of economy and profit has always kept reject parts to a bare minimum».

More details and Q/A can be obtained from the JOBFinder Manual