Four Questions to Ask at Your Next Interview

During almost any job interview, there comes a moment when the person conducting the interview asks if you have any questions for them. It's a moment that many eager job seekers dread. In spite of having answered all sorts of questions about their previous work history, their strengths and weaknesses and how they work with others, something about this particular question makes people feel like they're being put on the spot.

I can't tell you how many times I have breezed through an interview, created rapport and felt that things were going great only to freeze up when they asked if I had any questions. Instead of asking thoughtful questions that clearly demonstrated my sincere interest in the job, I would say, “No, no. I think you covered everything.” Then, I would walk out and by the time I made it to my car, I would be shaking my head and kicking myself for not having asked any questions at all. I'm not shy at all, so reacting like a deer caught in the headlights just isn't like me. I have this theory that after going through all of the interview question and answering anything thrown my way, I just get question fatigue. By the time it's my turn, I just can't think straight anymore.

It seems that I'm not the only one who has experienced this. However, asking questions is the best way to express your interest in the company, to demonstrate that you have done some research about the job and also, it's your time to find out if the job is going to be a good fit for you. It's easy to forget that while you're selling yourself during an interview, the company is trying to impress you as well.

To combat this problem, it's very helpful to write down the questions you want to ask and bring the notes with you to the interview. This way, when you're put on the spot, you can look down at your notes and make sure you don't forget anything.

To help you get started, here are four questions you should always ask at your next interview:

1. How would you describe the company's culture and philosophy?
    
2. As an employee, how can I exceed your expectations?
    
3. How can I help the company reach its goals?
    
4. What excites you about coming into work?

These questions allow you to find out more about what the company believes is important and lets you know, up-front, how employee success will be measured. As an added bonus, in order to answer them, the interviewer will have to attempt to picture you in the job. Be sure to listen carefully to their answer about what excites them about their job. If they don't have a clear answer or don't seem to be particular excited about what they do, it's definitely a red flag. If the hiring manager hates his job, how do you think the other employees feel?

Asking questions is the best way to learn more about the job, to show your sincere interests in the company and to impress a hiring manager. What do you think? Do you typically ask questions at the end of an interview? What other questions do you think are important? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

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