Sample Interview Questions?

[ryan_the_furnace_guy]

ADD SOME IF YOU KNOW OF ANY

How would you describe your company culture?

What are a new employee’s opportunities for advancement?

What is your company’s biggest challenge?

Where do you see this industry in the next five years?

Who is your competition and how do you compare?

How does your company measure success?

What skills are the most important for this position?

Could you please describe your ideal employee?

Could you tell me about the people I would be working with?

Are promotions based on seniority or accomplishments?

Can I have a written job description?

Do you invest in continuing education and development?

How is performance evaluated?

What is the direction and growth of this company?

How do you rate the quality of your technicians?
(Is it quantity of calls completed? Total amount billed? Or efficiency and expertise?)

What percentage of work is with extension ladders?

How much could I expect to be on call? What are the “on call” specifics?

Is this a seasonal business? Could I expect any layoffs?

How many hours on average per week would I pull down?

Do we stay late to get the job done? Or is closing time really closing time?

What are some of the total tonnages under contract that I would be responsible for?

Do you supply all the major equipment besides hand tools?

Do you have strict time schedules? Or do I set my own?

Is this a COD company?

Do you have national brand contracts?

Do you have charge accounts at major supply houses?

How are trucks stocked and restocked?

Do you have GPS on the trucks? Who and where are dispatch?

Do you supply a gas card?

Do you use strict micron testing on new installs?

IF ASKED HOW MUCH WAGE EXPECTED...

What is your salary range for your existing technicians? and why?

[chucko615]

Do you still live in your mother's basement.
How often do you brush your tooth................:D

[ckone180]

If you ask all of those he will wonder if you will actually work. LOL.

[HeyBob]

A good majority of those questions would throw up a red flag so big it would stop an expressway if you asked them of me on a job interview.


So, then if the poor guy does hire you are You going to Micro Manage His Business?

[ryan_the_furnace_guy]

Whoa hey guys, cut me some slack here. These are standard questions that any source for advice on job interviews recommends. It's not like I would pull out the sheet and rattle all of them off. Of course you are going to get a feel for each situation and ask questions accordingly. Heybob, exactly which questions throw up red flags and what flags are they? The fact that this is a serious candidate who wants to make sure that this job is right for him and that he is right for this company? What is so wrong with that? It is not about giving the guy the third degree. All reliable sources state that a job interview should go both ways...be more specific with what would get your panties in a bunch exactly. Look, I am not just some mook off the street looking for work. I have work. I make good money. I am reasonably secure. I am well above 95% of my peers in skill level. I am looking to advance myself. HVAC is not just a job to me, it is a career. Why shouldn't we be as professional as other trades? and market our skills accordingly? Again, you say a "good majority" of those questions would throw up "red flags"? Can you be more specific with what questions and why?

By the way, it is not about micromanaging someone's business, it is about making sure that the job is right for you, but more importantly making sure that you are the right man for the job. It goes both ways. Only a defensive person would see such questions as an "assault".

[Roscoe]

Do you still live in your mother's basement.
How often do you brush your tooth................:D

ROFLMAO..........:D

Those questions were good but if I got hit with all of them......I don't know......I'll take another look.

[ryan_the_furnace_guy]

And as a matter of fact, the company that I am interviewing with has a definite interest in management/supervisor positions for new hires. So maybe he would be somewhat impressed that I actually cared about how his company runs and more specifically what he expects from his employees...no?

[ryan_the_furnace_guy]

This is probably closer to what I would ask:

How do you rate the quality of your technicians?
(Is it quantity of calls completed? Total amount billed? Or efficiency and expertise?)

What do you see as your company’s biggest challenge?

Who is your competition and how do you compare?

What skills are the most important for this position?

Could you please describe your ideal employee?

Can I have a written job description?

Do you invest in continuing education and development?

How and when is performance evaluated?

What is the direction and growth of this company?

Is the bulk of your business in the installing or servicing?

How much could I expect to be on call? What are the “on call” specifics?

Is this a seasonal business? Could I expect any layoffs?

How many hours on average per week would I pull down?

How long would it take to transition me into the commercial side of the business?

What are some of the total tonnages under contract that I would be responsible for?

What percentage of work is with extension ladders?

***a lot of owners would have a problem with the first question alone, because they are totally sales driven and don't want to admit it, there is nothing wrong with that, I just want to know up front so I can turn down the job LOL***

The rest of the questions are more appropriate for once you actually are offered a job and start working? you know, accounts at supply houses, gas cards, all the other specifics...

I do appreciate the input though from you guys as business owners, I am wittling down my list so I don't chase someone off. :D

[Roscoe]

And as a matter of fact, the company that I am interviewing with has a definite interest in management/supervisor positions for new hires. So maybe he would be somewhat impressed that I actually cared about how his company runs and more specifically what he expects from his employees...no?

I'd say yes,

I relooked the questions and they are very good, you might watch how you phrase some, but I'd be impressed, maybe a little overwhelmed because this is not the norm but this applicant would definitely be above average.

[ryan_the_furnace_guy]

I'd say yes,

I relooked the questions and they are very good, you might watch how you phrase some, but I'd be impressed, maybe a little overwhelmed because this is not the norm but this applicant would definitely be above average.

Thanks for the advice Roscoe. I have listened to what you and Heybob have said. Some of the questions were repetitive, only rephrased in different ways, like seven of them were talking about what you expect from a technician. I can see Heybob's concern there. I am going to refine the list and ask them very carefully. I will play it by ear.

[Carnak]

I would add "Do you know anyone else who is hiring"

[ryan_the_furnace_guy]

I would add "Do you know anyone else who is hiring"
I am not sure if that was supposed to be funny or not? But I gotta tell you, I went into my first position that I am in now much in the same way. Shirt and tie, portfolio, list of questions, resume/cover letter, and thank you letter when done. It got me the job. So I must have done something right.

[HeyBob]

Do not ask about money, credit cards, charge accounts, coworkers, what I like or dislike about my competition, detailed job description or anything else below on an initial job interview.

We both know what you are applying for! If you need excruciating details move on.

I will see you as a pushy nosey, PITA and your butt will be shown the door so fast it will make your head spin.

I have had employees like that work for me and trust me it's not worth the headache in any way shape or form.

It's also none of your business what I pay my existing employees and WHY? Are you frigging nuts?

What's your deal with ladders?

If you have to ask, yea, this business has the propensity to be seasonal, No I don't do layoffs.

Is my response critical? Yes, because business owners have to cover their butts 24/7, have to deal with all types of employees and I see you as a guy that wants to come in and run me, my business, my employees and stir up the septic tank.

Review the list below. Remember this is for an initial interview, some might apply to subsequent interviews also.

Sorry, you asked.




Are promotions based on seniority or accomplishments?

Can I have a written job description?

How do you rate the quality of your technicians?
(Is it quantity of calls completed? Total amount billed? Or efficiency and expertise?)

Do you have strict time schedules? Or do I set my own?

Is this a COD company?

Do you have national brand contracts?

Do you have charge accounts at major supply houses?

How are trucks stocked and restocked?

Do you have GPS on the trucks? Who and where are dispatch?

Do you supply a gas card?

IF ASKED HOW MUCH WAGE EXPECTED...

What is your salary range for your existing technicians? and why?

[HeyBob]

Those questions were good but if I got hit with all of them......I don't know......I'll take another look.


I seriously agree.

[HeyBob]

And as a matter of fact, the company that I am interviewing with has a definite interest in management/supervisor positions for new hires. So maybe he would be somewhat impressed that I actually cared about how his company runs and more specifically what he expects from his employees...no?


If you are applying for a supervisory position, and we are on a second or third interview, if you had those questions memorized, then a lot of them would be OK.

If you pulled out the darn sheet and started interrogating me.........well.....I think you already get the idea.

I do not see it as an assault, but by nature I think all business owners are initially defensive because we must be to protect ourselves and our business.

[Roscoe]

geez Bob you don't beat around the bush do you.........:D

You've got some real valid points there as well.

Just because someone asks doesn't mean you have to answer either, and there are no wrong questions just wrong answers. In this case some of those questions I wouldn't answer.

I prefer a perspective employee to ask questions in an interview.

[HeyBob]

geez Bob you don't beat around the bush do you.........:D

You've got some real valid points there as well.

Just because someone asks doesn't mean you have to answer either, and there are no wrong questions just wrong answers. In this case some of those questions I wouldn't answer.

I prefer a perspective employee to ask questions in an interview.

No I don't beat around the bush, and neither is he. I know I don't have to answer a single question, after all it's MY interview, I also prefer a prospective employee to be interested and ask a ton of questions.

Do not ask me questions about money, how I pay employees, my suppliers, charge accounts etc........I will see you as a guy that has every intention of ripping me off. I have been ripped off before by employees and trust me, it will NEVER NEVER happen again.

Oh yea, what's his deal with extension ladders?

Roscoe, You know as well as I do that we are best off to sit there quietly while the applicant prattles on and on and on.........we can learn more in 5 minutes than they can in 3 hours.

[Roscoe]

No I don't beat around the bush, and neither is he. I know I don't have to answer a single question, after all it's MY interview, I also prefer a prospective employee to be interested and ask a ton of questions.

Do not ask me questions about money, how I pay employees, my suppliers, charge accounts etc........I will see you as a guy that has every intention of ripping me off. I have been ripped off before by employees and trust me, it wil NEVER NEVER happen again.

Oh yea, what's his deal with extension ladders?

Bob I agree with you, maybe he's afraid of heights, in which case interview is over..........

And I don't care for an employee that counts my money, it's non of their damn business......

[HeyBob]

And I don't care for an employee that counts my money, it's non of their damn business......


Fill my bucket until it's overflowing and I will fill your bucket, ask anyone that works for me and they will agree. But I am in business for ME, not you, although I will take care of you. Don't push me or I will shove back.

If you want what I have, go out on your own and suffer the trials and trubulations that I have suffered to get here.

Guys these days want it all and they want it now.

[Roscoe]

Fill my bucket until it's overflowing and I will fill your bucket, ask anyone that works for me and they will agree. But I am in business for ME, not you, although I will take care of you. Don't push me or I will shove back.

If you want what I have, go out on your own and suffer the trials and trubulations that I have suffered to get here.

Guys these days want it all and they want it now.

Man I heard that and agree 100%

[HeyBob]

Man I heard that and agree 100%

Guys like you and me understand that theory, but unless you have an employee that has experienced that they will not understand and want it all handed to them on a silver platter.

We worked hard to succeed, they have to work hard also.

[ryan_the_furnace_guy]

My God Bob, you need to take a break. Some of those questions that I listed were recommended to me by people in this thread. I was simply restating them in a list so that people could give their opinions. Your is obvious. You need to remember, THIS MAN FOUND MY RESUME AND WANTS ME, I DID NOT APPLY WITH HIM, I DO NOT NEED THE WORK, I AM EMPLOYED. So if your opinion is "well, you need work, I will give you whatever I want and you will like it and not ask any questions, than that is unfortunate". But you seem to be taking this a little personally. Every question I wrote down came directly from the hvacjob interview kit on MEPatwork.com. Consult with them if they are so wrong, not me!!!

By the way, the ladder thing is not me, someone else in this thread said that...again, I was simply restating it for opinions. Yours is clear. You offer what you offer, your candidates either take it or they don't, and you don't want to be questioned about your business. Great. Good for you! By the way, I asked a lot of questions and was offered the job and a possibility for service manager on residential side. I must be doing something wrong.

Again, I restate: The reason I would want to ask questions in an interview is to show the owner that I am interested in understanding where his business is and where he wants it to go, that I am not afraid to say that I fit into or don't fit into that picture out of respect. You need to evaluate your thought process on this...

[ryan_the_furnace_guy]

Do not ask about money, credit cards, charge accounts, coworkers, what I like or dislike about my competition, detailed job description or anything else below on an initial job interview.

We both know what you are applying for! If you need excruciating details move on.

I will see you as a pushy nosey, PITA and your butt will be shown the door so fast it will make your head spin.

I have had employees like that work for me and trust me it's not worth the headache in any way shape or form.

It's also none of your business what I pay my existing employees and WHY? Are you frigging nuts?

What's your deal with ladders?

If you have to ask, yea, this business has the propensity to be seasonal, No I don't do layoffs.

Is my response critical? Yes, because business owners have to cover their butts 24/7, have to deal with all types of employees and I see you as a guy that wants to come in and run me, my business, my employees and stir up the septic tank.

Review the list below. Remember this is for an initial interview, some might apply to subsequent interviews also.

Sorry, you asked.




Are promotions based on seniority or accomplishments?

Can I have a written job description?

How do you rate the quality of your technicians?
(Is it quantity of calls completed? Total amount billed? Or efficiency and expertise?)

Do you have strict time schedules? Or do I set my own?

Is this a COD company?

Do you have national brand contracts?

Do you have charge accounts at major supply houses?

How are trucks stocked and restocked?

Do you have GPS on the trucks? Who and where are dispatch?

Do you supply a gas card?

IF ASKED HOW MUCH WAGE EXPECTED...

What is your salary range for your existing technicians? and why?

So you don't want a prospective employee asking about your company philosophy and where you want your company to go, so he/she can determine if he would honestly benefit you in your business endeavors into the future? Because that is all of the questions that you removed...

I am not sorry I asked. I am sorry for your tone.

[ryan_the_furnace_guy]

Oh, and for the record. You don't know me a bit. I don't appreciate you likening me to a pain-in-the-ass, or a thief, or someone who wants a silver platter, or someone looking to stir up the septic tank. That is pretty personal and rotten. And I don't appreciate it one bit. I am simply trying to learn how to handle job interviews professionally. And I went a little bit further than most applicants do and actually reviewed resources on how to interview successfully. That is where all of those sample questions came from. The others came from people that responded in the beginning of this thread. I am the most thorough, dedicated, loyal, and professional technician at my company, and that I know period personally. I am sorry that you dont' see it that way. I appreciate your input and respect it as you are a business owner. By the way, I am a republican and not an entitlement minded person at all. I just don't see the need to insinuate that you know me and hand deliver your personality analysis of me simply because I broached a subject that was obviously sensitive to you. Whoopti freekin doo! Get over it.

[Roscoe]

ryan.......... most the questions are good , I think bob is saying, and I agree, some are too probing for a first interview. We should all go thru these, you should state which ones you find pertinent and we should look at them and say which ones you may, or may not want to ask at a first interview. Maybe some would be better asked later on after you've been hired and the boss is more comfortable with you asking. There is no right or wrong here, you may not like our answer, and we may not like the question.

Why don't you make a list of questions you would want to ask in the first interview and we can start anew. Does this make sense Or Would this be objectionable. If you don't care for my interjection, just say so I won't be offended.

Either way I believe you have a good handle on the interview process, better than most.

[Carnak]

I am not sure if that was supposed to be funny or not? But I gotta tell you, I went into my first position that I am in now much in the same way. Shirt and tie, portfolio, list of questions, resume/cover letter, and thank you letter when done. It got me the job. So I must have done something right.

If you are good and confident, you can project the "I am here to see what you have to offer to me" attitude to the perspective employer.

It could also be taken as you are high maintenance, hence the comment ask him if he knows anyone else who is hiring as the questions could back fire on you

[Carnak]

Oh, and for the record. You don't know me a bit. I don't appreciate you likening me to a pain-in-the-ass, or a thief, or someone who wants a silver platter, or someone looking to stir up the septic tank. That is pretty personal and rotten. And I don't appreciate it one bit. I am simply trying to learn how to handle job interviews professionally. And I went a little bit further than most applicants do and actually reviewed resources on how to interview successfully. That is where all of those sample questions came from. The others came from people that responded in the beginning of this thread. I am the most thorough, dedicated, loyal, and professional technician at my company, and that I know period personally. I am sorry that you dont' see it that way. I appreciate your input and respect it as you are a business owner. By the way, I am a republican and not an entitlement minded person at all. I just don't see the need to insinuate that you know me and hand deliver your personality analysis of me simply because I broached a subject that was obviously sensitive to you. Whoopti freekin doo! Get over it.
I think you got an honest response out of Bob, pushed my buttons to say 'ask if they know anyone else who is hiring',

[HeyBob]

Ryan,

In 24 years I have interviewed more than my share of candidates. I have interviewed candidates that gave me the impression they were interviewing me more than I was them.

They left a bad taste in my mouth.

I have out of desperation hired guys like that because I was not wise enough to know better and I needed help.

It was ugly to say the least.

I will never hire a candidate like that again, I will drive a service truck myself 24/7 before I ever let that happen.

Guys that were driven by money, credit cards etc have been the ones that have consistently been employees that in one way or another have been dishonest.

There is not a single person working for me today that I feel is dishonest in any way shape or form.

I reacted to your questioning, I am not calling you dishonest or a thief, but you wanted to know how a business owner would react and you received what you asked for.

Also, those that know me well know there is no grey area, it's black and white, no pussy footing around, no fake responses.

I did not mean to offend you, but you asked.

[stephy]

I sense a tremendous amount of Passion, from Bob and Ryan..........

Interesting stuff, With the climate of our industry, finding and retaining Quality employees I think many of Ryan's questions are valid, but perhaps in a follow up interview for a supervisory posistion...Hang in their furnace Guy.

Bob, we have never meet, we are 1200 miles apart, but, I bet you can tell a BS'er before he gets outta his car...:D

Stephen

[HeyBob]

You need to evaluate your thought process on this...


I really don't need to evaluate my thought process in any way shape or form. I offer what I offer, my employees get the best in tools, vehicles, uniforms, health insurance, vacation as well as their pay scale that I or anyone else can offer in the area I am in.

I know without any doubt that any man that has been with me in excess of 18 months will vouch for that. FWIW I have 5 employees that have been with me in excess of 5 years, 4 in excess of 8 years.

I am also not an easy guy to work for, but it's my opinion that the employers that are easy going pushovers may not be as successful that they can be.

For once in a very long long time, it's an employers market and now we are shopping the people looking for jobs, not them shopping us.

Ryan, if the competition is seeking you out then you may be an exceptional tech, congratulations, but remember, during the interview process a prospective employer is going to be sizing you up one side and down the other, most guys will agree that they are not as outspoken as I am, also it's to your benefit to know the employers thought process weather they speak their minds or not, after all that's what you wanted to know.

[HeyBob]

Bob, we have never meet, we are 1200 miles apart, but, I bet you can tell a BS'er before he gets outta his car...:D

Stephen

Maybe 80% of the time I can........:D :D

[HeyBob]

Again, I restate: The reason I would want to ask questions in an interview is to show the owner that I am interested in understanding where his business is and where he wants it to go, that I am not afraid to say that I fit into or don't fit into that picture out of respect.


Just don't do that on the first interview, you will be committing suicide.

[ryan_the_furnace_guy]

I did not mean to offend you, but you asked.
Well you did Bob. You did. I asked for your opinion on those questions. Not for your opinion on me. There is a difference. I am alright with me. That is all that matters. It's just that I am the opposite of what you described as those people who "were interviewing you" Bob. I am sorry that you had those experiences. But it has tainted your view on this subject. I am the most technically proficient and dependable technician at my current place of employment. And I am also very underpaid by comparison of my counterparts. It has never been just about money with me. It's always been about bettering myself as a person and as a technician. I always put the company first. I am smart enough and thoughtful enough to understand that if the company ain't doing well that nobody is doing well. That's why your analysis of me cut so deep because nothing could be further from the truth. I ask for NO special considerations from my employers. In fact I eat a ridiculous amount of $hit sandwiches that no one should have to deal with...ever. I was completely shocked at the level of your animosity towards someone who would ask careful questions of a potential employer. Shocked. Your view is that this person is trying to belittle you, con you, work you over, control you, take over your company, run your show, and get all that they can for as little as possible. My intent was to show that I am a professional who not only cares about me, but cares about your company and what you want it to become into the future. To make sure that I can uphold your level of standards and fit into your company as a productive employee that will benefit both you and I. It is hard to understand why you would take such a stance considering the facts here: I am trying to better myself so I appear more professional in an interview, I care about your plans for your company, if I don't fit in I won't accept the job. And somehow you find that offensive!?!? My god man, I hate to say it, but all indications suggest that you have a severe inferiority complex. Considering that your first reaction is one of such defensiveness and animosity towards someone who only means you the utmost respect and consideration. I sure would hate to show up on your door singing Christmas Carols! Bah humbug Bob, your half-ass apology for summing me up over the internet and then justifying it with "but you asked" is not accepted.:mad:

I am done with this subject. Thanks all.

[ARPA]

WOW,


Been on the sidelines for this thread, but figured I’d add my two cents..

Business is business, is how the saying goes and how you would fit in to my business, the way I have it set up, is the only thing that matters to me.

As of last week I employ over 80 people, from maintenance custodians to CPA’s and Controllers to techs in Iraq, Afganistan, and techs that must be able to travel all over the world. So I figure I can say what turns me off in an interview and what I look for.

It’s my business, and I hire who I feel would fit in. You have to remember that. Interviewing for a helper, a service tech that you want to be able to go in a van and diagnose, to a lead tech that can take the bull by the horns, well, I expect them to ask different kinds of questions.

For a successful interview, you should already know as much as you can about the company that is interviewing you. It’s easy. Be at a few supply houses in the morning, see one of their vans, and ask the tech in it your questions. Most will tell you the truth.

Nothing would turn me off more than on an interview if I felt that I was being interviewed, up to a point now, that would be over the top, such as do you use credit cards, do you have accounts all over, do you use GPS, etc, etc.

I do expect you to ask what the job entails, pay structure, benefit structure, room for advancement. These types of questions.

Of course this can all change if we “hit it off”…..

I will chit chat with you to see how you interact. As you will be representing me in the field with my customers.

Someone that comes over as a prima donna or know it all would turn anyone off. Asking a ton of questions in the first interview, well, just would not go over to well. By your level of experience, it would all depend on what job I had available if you were hired. I would always wonder in the back of my mind what you were really up to. Sorry, but it’s a fact, once you have interviewed people, hired them, fired them and promoted others, it gets to be that you just do not want to take the chance on someone that asks those types of questions…… right off the bat.

Now, if all goes well, and the job available calls for a second interview, that is different, as second interviews are made for the more senior of techs and I expect them to be more “aware” of what it takes and ask more direct questions.

You stated that you are alright with you, well, you have to be able to put that feeling across to me so that I can see it, without making yourself look like no one is any better than thou and being a hipocrit, and seeing the questions that you wanted to ask a potential new boss right at the first interview would, IMO, turn any interviewer off.

[HeyBob]

to say it, but all indications suggest that you have a severe inferiority complex.
I am done with this subject. Thanks all.


I definitely do not have an inferiority complex in any way shape or form.

Egotistical, arrogant, obtuse, hard nosed SOB, yea, but not inferior at all.

Good luck with your new venture. And I really mean that!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[HVAC9900]

And as a matter of fact, the company that I am interviewing with has a definite interest in management/supervisor positions for new hires. So maybe he would be somewhat impressed that I actually cared about how his company runs and more specifically what he expects from his employees...no?

Overall I agree with your questions very good list, I use a lot of them myself- would suggest identifying the 10 most important and general. Use the rest on subsequent interviews.

As far as them alluding to a mgmt position, see if they will put it in writing- before you sign on- and ask how many techs have advanced to mgmt in the past.
If they suddenly become forgetfull, or in any way evasive, you have your answer...
These guys love to BS about all sorts of stuff, whatever you want to hear to hire you ,as I am sure you are well aware of .

[cg2]

Definitely dump the ladder question, that makes no sense at all.

As far as guys wanting it all and now, is that something new??

[acmanko]

I had one man I worked for, he ran a tight ship and did excellent work. paid good and gave decent benefits. His nephew worked for him also and he always told me. "My uncle likes you because you can do the work and make everything look good and use proper techniques, but what he likes most is the fact that you can stand flat footed and lie without flinching.