How to Ask and What Questions to Ask to the person interviewing you

What questions are appropriate to ask an interviewer. How to make a great lasting impression.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Spend some time thinking of what you need to know about this job or company. You don't want to walk away feeling like there were things you wish you would like to know within reason, so that if you are offered the job you will even know if you want it. Make a list of questions and bring them into the interview, they will be impressed that you put thought into this. Do NOT ask all of your questions but you want at least 5 written down in case they cover some of it in the interview.

2. When you ask the questions it is important for you to have a response. An example Question-What type of a person are you looking to hire for this position. Interviewer says-Someone who has high energy. You should not just say-Ok! This will NOT get you the job. Say something about when you had to have energy on the job. Don't tell them that you have ADHD and plenty of energy this is NOT what they want either. They are looking for positive energy to get a job done.

3. Ask-Can you describe what a typical day would look like and what are the biggest challenges of this position?

4. Ask-What are the traits and skills of people who are the most successful within the organization? Or you could ask it this way-What are the most important skills for the job?

5. Ask-Can you tell me more about the interview process?

6. Ask-Why is this position available? Or Is this a new position? Or How long has this position existed?

7. Many questions you could ask really depend what type of job you are applying for please keep this in mind. Asking questions about wage is not always a good thing but for some jobs is would be appropriate.
   The following two questions would not be asked if it is a well known company where the staff are very public. Example-REI is known for sports gear it's pretty easy to know the culture is.
   What is this company's culture? (Ex: Is it rigid and formal or relaxed and flexible?)
   What are the current problems facing the company (or my department)?

8. Again write out your questions and ask yourself if you left the interview would you had a better understanding of the job or company by the questions you asked. Remember don't go crazy asking all 5 questions but you want to look like you care about the job and the company.

[mayreach]

on 4/20/2009 Thank you for your advice. I am seeking employment now so this will come in helpful.

[slowwalker]

on 4/3/2009 Very helpful! Thank you!