Question types to ask HR rep during interview

CFA General
#1

Hey: I have sell side ER phone interview with an HR rep tomorrow. I got the interview mainly by doing a little phone/email networking with a VP & Associate. They forwarded my resume to HR. What sort of questions should I ask HR? Culture? I’m good with formulating intelligent questions for finance professionals, but I’m not as good with HR. Thanks in advance. I really want this job.

#2

Ask about paid vacation time, benefits, how long they think it’ll take you to bang the “office s1ut” (there’s always one), and if the bathrooms are clean. Once thats out of the way, maybe you could ask about the culture? valuation methods? maybe about how the decisions were made to buy the positions in their portfolio? what responsibilities you might have if given the job? what sort of work or reading you could do that would expedite you learning their investment philosophy?

#3

“what responsibilities you might have if given the job? what sort of work or reading you could do that would expedite you learning their investment philosophy?” sounds good - I already got the office slut scoop from the vp.

#4

what skills or traits to the top senior analysts have that helped them get to their positions within this firm…

#5

I would love to ask: hey did your mom drop you when you were a baby? this pretty much can be asked to 99% of HR people out there.

#6

PeteyPete Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > > valuation methods? maybe about > how the decisions were made to buy the positions > in their portfolio? what responsibilities you > might have if given the job? what sort of work or > reading you could do that would expedite you > learning their investment philosophy? are you kidding? You want to ask a HR person these questions? Their finance knowledge level is mediocre at best.

#7

I agree with Peteypete. I always ask about the office s1ut.

#8

I just ask very general questions about the firm and the group (strategy for the near future? group expanding a lot?, etc.).

#9

I would ask about the hierarchy (ie. names, positions, roles) - they usually know about that, then you can get a blueprint of who is the decision maker, and who to push buttons with. After that, get on good terms with them, don’t get too deep about anything finance related (unless asked) and just make a good impression and keep the contact. Hint (implied above): I don’t mean just ask about the hierarchy, but blend it into conversation.