I have two job interviews tomorrow and while I am usually a good interviewee (is that a word?) as I have not been on an interview in awhile I am trying to be as prepared as possible. I have found in the past that if you have no questions to ask not only are you ill informed, but the interviewer perceives you as not having thought about the job and not really interested.

So, this is the list I have so far and was wondering if you guys had any input and additions of important info i may have forgotten.

I have not put any questions regarding benefits as they are so extensive (and worth taking the job for) that they have an entire website devoted to the subject.

Do shifts rotate?
Do you work on weekends?
Is overtime available or required?
Hours per shift?
Meal and break times?
Designate break area?
Meal provided? (common in food service)
Meal discounts?
How many employees do same or similar job?
Uniform required?
Do you provide and/or launder?
Secure place for personal items?
If locker, do you provide lock?
Rate of pay increases?
Is it automatic after certain time or by merit?
Pay frequency? Weekly, bi-weekly
Where do you park?
Is sticker required?
Cost?

That is all I have so far. I may think of other things, but could use your help!

Google the company so you are aware of some facts about them. (sounds like it is a known company though) Prospective employers like to know you 'know' something about where you want to work. Good luck with the interview.

Is your photography business not lucrative for you that you are looking for another job? Just wondering because the smaller photographers here have seen a boom in business.

Kristil, Sounds like a well thought-out list. GOOD LUCK!

Actually, this is at the University where the frat house was. In my younger days I worked for them in the patient and doctor billing department for 8 very long years (and NO I would not go back to that job if it meant the difference in living in a cardboard box under the bridge!!!HATED IT!!). Then I worked for 12 years at the frat houses.

I probably know more about that place than whoever will be interviewing me!!

I did however look at the websites regarding the specific cafe locations, their hours and menu. I could almost tell them verbatim what their menu is for each of the applicable locations and it is all things I am comfortable with. A while back I came across photos from my bakery days showing examples of the decorated cakes I produced and assuming I can find them again I may put them my notebook to show off.

My personal photography business has pretty much came to a stand still over the summer. Even when DH was alive I never did my business full time, but crammed it in between my regular job duties. I had to drop my only paid source of advertising, because it meant the difference in paying the electric bill or advertising that has lead to little to no business over a 3 year period.

Unfortunately in my area there are 3 major schools that crank out photography students on a regular basis and anybody and everybody who has a half way decent camera is advertising themselves as professionals and offering ridiculously low prices for their services. Since I work as a mobile studio my recent bought of dizziness has hampered my ability to offer to go to anyones home or the park as I could not be sure that on the designated day I would be able to get there.

And to add to it the very portrait studio I work at part time sells $10 packages with a huge amount of prints that I can't possibly beat! The people that advertise on places like craigslist are the ones that just got a new camera and advertise they will do an entire 8 hour wedding, full editing of all photos and all photos on disc for $100. People around here don't seem to care about quality, they just care about cheap!!!!!!

I however am not giving up or giving in. I still advertise word of mouth and pass out lots of business cards. When I get back on my feet financially I will start back stepping it up again.

I don't have anything to add to your list of questions, but want to wish you good luck on the interviews. Will keep my fingers crossed for you.

Kristil - I agree ... your list is very thorough! Best wishes on your interview!

I thought of another question for the bakers position...

What time off is there due to student breaks at Christmas and Spring Break?

The bakers position is located in a primarily student cafeteria where during breaks it runs on a skeleton crew. It is basically the same schedule as the frat house had, ending in May. So, I need to be sure what breaks there are.

The other position is year round, being in the medical center/hospital.

Even so, I am thinking the bakers position would be a better fit for me, seeing I like baking more than cooking. I don't know the shift hours as of yet, but know that the grill cook position is 11am-7:30pm and since I don't drive so well at night and in the event I needed to take the bus it would be late when I get home every day. Hmmm, have to think on that awhile.

Either way I plan to start stashing money in savings so even if I had the breaks off I would have money to live on and there is still the portrait studio as a back up. Oh, my!!! I just don't know!!!

Thanks for all the well wishes!

I just wanted to say your list is really detailed.

Good luck on both of your interviews, Kristil.

Phichef, - yes, "interviewee" is a word.

I would include some questions about what a typical day, week, month, and year are like, unless you already know. Make sure you know exactly what will be expected of you. Of course, most employers add "and other duties as assigned" to the description at the end, but you don't want to be surprised by what you might be asked to do.

These days, with so many people competing for interviews (be glad you have gotten a couple), you might inquire what it was about your resume that attracted their attention, and see if their answer can be used as a basis for putting your best foot forward. At my last interview, among other comments, the interviewers noted that neither my cover letter nor my resume had any typographical errors!

I have read that a certain interviewing technique is becoming more common: the "behavioral" question. Usually it is some variation of "What would you do if?" Sometimes it's a "What did you do in ______ situation in your previous job?" I have encountered those kinds of questions in the few interviews I've had. It's good to think ahead about what kind of answer you can give, rather than having to make a reply on the spot with little time to reflect.

As someone who's been jobhunting for a long time, I offer my heartfelt sympathy for your quest, and best wishes for a successful interview soon!

Thanks for the tips!! I was looking on here last minute to review as I am heading out shortly. I was already asked by the recruiter over the phone what was your best and worst job and why.

I seem to remember being asked before things like what was your greatest accomplishment at a job and what are your own worst traits.

I agree about being prepared. You only get to make that first impression once and stumbling and stammering to find an answer will put you quickly to the bottom of the pile. I have found that employers like when you think fast on your feet and can improvise and still get the job done when things go wrong!!

20 minute countdown til leaving!!