Don’t appear indifferent in your next interview.  It’s important to have a list of questions to ask the employer and/or recruiter you are meeting with so that they know you are engaged and interested.  It’s a fine balance though.  You don’t want to go overboard and make them feel like they are under fire.  So make sure to keep your list short and to the point.

Here are some example questions you can pick from:

  • Tell me about a typical day.
  • What does your training program look like?
  • What is your highest priority in the next six months and how will this position be apart of it?
  • If I were to ask your top person what he/she likes most/least about the company, what type of response would I get?
  • How do I compare with other qualified applicants?
  • Do you have any hesitations about me being successful with your company that I can clear up before I leave today?
  • Is this a new position?  If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?
  • What is the company’s management style?
  • What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
  • How do you envision this position supporting you?
  • What are the biggest challenges this position typically faces?
  • How would you define success for this position?
  • If you have to ask the salary question, try phrasing it like this, “While money is not my main motivator, I would like to understand your full compensation package?”
  • What is the next step and when can I hear from you?
  • I would love the opportunity to meet some of the people in the department.  Would that be possible?

And here’s a few of my favorites from Jacquelyn Smith over at Forbes:

  • What is the typical career trajectory for a person in this position?
  • What specific qualities and skills are you looking for in the person who fills this role?
  • What would you say are the three most important skills needed to excel in this role?
  • What is your ideal communication style with your staff?  Do you meet regularly with your team, rely heavily on e-mail, use status reports, or work primarily through other means?

To see her full list of questions to ask go here:  http://onforb.es/1e6cTib

I almost always ask the interviewer how they got started with the company and what they like most about working there.  People like to talk about themselves and asking questions shows you are genuinely interested in them.

And I always finish with the following question:

Do you have any concerns or questions about my work experience that I can answer for you before I go?

What types of interview questions do you ask?