Asking the Best Questions At Your Next Interview

What types of questions should you ask?

When you are looking for a job, one of the most exciting, yet stressful parts is the job interview. Although there is lots of information on preparing for the questions an interviewer might ask, it's also important to ask the right questions yourself.

At the end of any interview, a hiring manager will ask you if you have any questions for them. Always, always have some questions. Don't take the easy way out by saying that you don't. Asking questions shows that you are interested and serious about the job.

So, what kinds of questions should you ask and how many?

According to the folks at Men's Health, you should come prepared with at least five questions, but no more than seven. Also, it's important to ask questions that give the interviewer the impression that you have researched the company and that you have given serious thought to the job opening.

Here are a few sample questions that can make a great impression and will give you important information as well.

What is the most gratifying aspect of the work you do for XYZ company? What’s your best advice to someone starting out at this company? - This question is a great one because it gives you a glimpse into the corporate culture and helps you understand what is most important to the hiring manager. Pay close attention to the answer and the advice they would give to someone starting out. Typically, this advice will give you information and tips on how to be successful in the position and lets you know what to expect when you get the job.

Could you describe your ideal candidate for this job? Why are these qualities important to you? - Even though the job posting probably listed the job responsibilities of the position, the posting aren't always written by the hiring manager. Asking this question will give you the chance to hear it from them and will provide you with a clearer idea of who they are looking for. Also, it can lead to another chance for you to briefly state how you fit in with what they want.

I’m sure you have a number of goals you’d like to achieve in the coming year. Do you have a particular one that is top priority? - Asking this questions shows that you are goal-oriented. Also, the answer will give you insight into what is most important in the position.

There are several questions that you shouldn't ask during an interview. Most of them are self-explanatory, but here are a few examples.

How many vacation days will I get?

Is there a chance of working remotely?

How long do most people stay in this position before moving on to better things?

The main thing is to avoid asking questions that give the impression that you are more interested in benefits or that you are hoping to move on to a better job as soon as possible.

What questions do you think are important to ask? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for Administrativejobsblog and Nexxt. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.