How to Ask About the Chain of Demand

Corporation always have a Chain of Demand. During your interview you want to inquire about this. The Chain of Demand represents the levels in an organization. You can look at it like a tournament bracket. Team X plays team Y and the winner then plays team Z. This will help you understand the organizations structure. It is important to know where you stand in this bracket. Do you fall in this particular organizations bracket? What is your place on this organizations totem pole?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. A lot of organizations would like you to believe everyone is on an equal playing field. This is a pleasant approach but it does not give you the answer you are looking for. When looking for employment you want to set yourself up for success. So where on the ladder is the position you are applying for? Do you fit in the middle? Or, are you at the very bottom?
2. Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with being at the bottom of the latter. It is just something that you need to be keenly aware of. No matter where you fall in the organizational structure you want to find out who will be your immediate supervisor. Asking who you are going to report to will help you in the decision making process. I find that when working for someone that you admire and respect the work day is usually a lot easier. This way you are comfortable taking constructive criticism from this individual.
3. Getting to know an organizations structure helps in seeing how and why the company works the way it does. Knowing is half the battle. Of course, when we know who we will be working with, and who we will be working directly under, we feel more comfortable with the situation. You should always strive to be well informed on who you will be working under, and where you will be on the chain of demand.