Questions to Ask Your Interviewer

Overview: Most interviews are an 80/20 proposition. About 80% of the time they ask you questions and you respond. About 20% of the time you ask them questions. The best outcome is you have a conversation with the interviewer where you drop natural questions in during the interview. The traditional approach is where you answer their questions and at the end of the interview they ask if you have questions. Below are some questions to ask an interviewer: 1. What are the specific job duties for this job? 2. Can you give me a detailed job description for this position? 3. Can you describe the kinds of assignments I can expect during the first six months on the job? 4. Who would I report to? Can you tell me something about them? 5. How soon will you make a decision and how will that be communicated? 6. What is the next step in the hiring process? 7. Can I have your business card (helps to get info right for a thank you and further contact)? 8. How does the company approach continuing education (tuition reimbursement)? 9. Why is this position available? 10. What do you see as the future for this company (or department)? 11. What are the current challenges youre facing? 12. What is a typical career path for someone coming into the company in my position? 13. What do you like best about working for this company and your job? 14. What is the process for evaluating people once on the job (performance reviews)? 15. Do you mostly fill positions from inside or outside? 16. Are there any qualities youre looking for in a candidate we havent talked about? 17. Is there a formal or informal dress code? What is typical? 18. What are the most needed skills in this position (an ideal candidate)? 19. Is this job more independent or team oriented? 20. What would a typical day look like for me on the job?

Ronald G. Johnson (2010)

21. Is there opportunity for global experience?

Note: These are not the only questions you can ask, others will make sense as you go through an interview. Keep the questions focused on the job duties continuing to sell how you will make a great organization fit or match.

What Not to Ask (until later): Questions about salary, perks, office computer, expense accounts, etc. are not appropriate until youve been made an offer. Once you have an offer, then you can address more personal questions.

Ronald G. Johnson (2010)