9 Interview Questions You Should Be Asking

2012-03-29
From: MSN Careers
When interviewing, many candidates don’t realize that the questions they ask are just as important as how they present themselves and the answers they give. Failing to ask questions shows a lack of genuine interest in the job. Asking foolish questions indicates the candidate didn’t do enough research before the interview. Making either mistake can cost a candidate the job offer.
Heather Krasna, author of quotJobs That Matter: Find a Stable, Fulfilling Career in Public Service,quot advises job seekers to prepare a list of questions before the interview, much as they’d create a list of talking points that address the value they offer the employer.
quotEvery interview is different. Some interviewers will only give you the chance to ask two or three questions. Others will ask again and again if you have any questions, so prepare more questions than you think you will need in case this happens,quot she says.
Developing a list of questions to ask is problematic for many job seekers. In her book, Krasna offers the following suggestions and explains why such questions can give candidates a much-needed edge:
1.quotWhat are you seeking in the ideal candidate for this position?quot
This question allows you to counter by adding any particular skills or qualities that you have left out in the interview, but that the employer thinks are important.
2.quotHow would you describe your management style?quot
When you are being interviewed by a hiring manager to whom you would report, this is a great question for gathering insight into whether you might get along.
3.quotCan you give me some examples of the types of projects I may be working on?quot
If the job description was a bit vague on the types of assignments you would be doing or if you are otherwise unclear on this point, this question is essential.
4. quotWhat do you like best about working for this organization?quot
This question not only gives great insight into the culture of the organization, it also makes the person answering the question feel good. In addition, if the person answering can’t come up with something good to say, this is a red flag about the place where you might be working.
5.quotHow did this position become available?quot
This question is a bit pushy, but it is important if you do not know how the position opened. Is the organization expanding? Or did the last person leave, and can you subtly find out why?
6. quotWhat would you like to see happen six to 12 months after you hire a new person for this position?quot
This question is akin to quotHow will I be evaluated?quot or quotHow do you measure success in this role?quot It can also clue you in on whether the expectations for the job are realistic.
7. quotWhat resources are available for this position?quot
This question addresses thetechnology, staff orbudgetresources you will have and gives many insights into whether the organization is being realistic about what you can accomplish given the resources available.
8. quotIs there anything you are still wondering about my candidacy that might keep you from offering me the position? Is there anything further I should clarify?quot
This question shows you are open to feedback or critique and also tells the employer you want every opportunity to reassure him or her that you would be a great employee.
9. quotWhat is the next step in the process? May I have your business card?quot
The final question can help relieve your anxiety after the interview because you at least have some clue about how long it will be before the employer gets back to you. Ask for business cards from each person interviewing you so you can send thank-you notes.
Krasna adds that there are also questions candidates should steer clear of asking during the interview, including inquiries about salary, scandals and office politics, and personal questions about the interviewer.

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