So when the tables are turned and the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for me?" take advantage of this opportunity. It's the best way to determine if you'd be happy working for this employer, and whether your goals are aligned with theirs.
"The very process of asking questions completely changes the dynamic of the interview and the hiring manager's perception of you," says Teri Hockett, chief executive of What's for Work, a career site for women. "Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to discover details that you might not have otherwise unveiled."
Amy Hoover, president of Talent Zoo, says there's another reason you should always prepare questions. "It's expected – and if you don't ask at least two questions, you will appear disinterested, or worse, less intelligent and engaged than a prospective employer would like." Therefore, you should have at least four questions prepared in case your original two are answered through the course of the interview.
Here are a few suggestions:
Who do you think would be the ideal candidate for this position, and how do I compare?
Is this position new? How has this position evolved?
Who do you consider your major competitors? How are you better?
Beyond the hard skills required to successfully perform this job, what soft skills would serve the company and position best?
How would you describe the company's culture?
What do you like most about working for this company?
Can you give me an example of how I would collaborate with my manager?
What are the challenges of this position?
If you were to hire me, what might I expect in a typical day?
What have past employees done to succeed in this position?
What type of employee tends to succeed here?
What qualities are the most important for doing well and advancing at the firm?
How do you evaluate success here? Is there anything else I can provide to help you make your decision?
Is there anything we haven't covered that you think is important to know about working here?
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