Are You Asking the Right Questions?

Heading into a job interview, you probably know exactly how to respond to common interview questions, but you should also be prepared to ask the right questions when the interviewer turns the tables. Consider these seven questions to ask at your next job interview.

1. "Why Is the Position Vacant?"

Finding out if the previous employee left on good terms or was promoted to a new position gives you some insight into the company culture. If you're interviewing for a newly created position, job duties typically aren't set in stone; prepare for a trial and error period.

2. "What Do You Expect the Person in This Position to Accomplish in the First Three Months?"

It's important to know what expectations the company has for new employees. The hiring manager's response to this question lets you know whether you're expected to jump right in or sit through weeks of orientation and training.

3. "What Is an Average Day Like in This Position?"

Find out what any given workday may be like and what the organization expects you to accomplish daily. If the supervisor of the position is on the job interview panel, you can get a good sense of how well he knows the job.

4. "What Skills and Qualities Are Necessary to Be Successful in This Position?"

The job posting may give you a good sense of what qualifications are necessary for the job, but asking this question in the job interview may get you a more direct answer. Find out exactly what the organization is looking for in a candidate so you can emphasize how well you meet the company's needs.

5. "What are the Top Traits of the Most Outstanding Performers in Your Organization?"

Ask this question during the job interview to determine what traits are valued by the company. This gives you some insight into how to be successful if you land the position.

6. "What Do You Like About Working Here?"

This insightful question lets you get a genuine answer from the interviewer regarding what he appreciates about the organization. His answer may also provide a sense of the company's values and how they fit with yours.

7. "What Percentage of New Hires Are Recommended by Current Employees?"

This thoughtful question helps you determine how satisfied current employees are with the organization. Employees who love their jobs are more likely to recommend the organization to their friends, family and other associates.

The questions you ask at a job interview are equally as important as the questions you answer. Asking the right questions shows that you are interested in what you can do for the organization, demonstrates that you are in tune with the company's needs and gives you a better feel for whether the job is a good fit for you.

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