Here are six questions you should consider asking the Interviewer during your interview. Consider writing these down on a small slip of paper and take the list with you into your interview:

1. What happened to the person who previously did this job? (If a new position: How were the duties and tasks done in the past?)

Why ask: You need to know any problems or past history associated with this position. For instance, was your predecessor fired, did he/she resign, or was he/she promoted? It could be a clue to whether or not this is this a temporary position. The answer could tell you about management's expectations and how the company is gearing to grow.

2. Why did you choose to work here? What keeps you here?

Why ask: Although you may like this company, you're an outsider. You need to find out what an insider has to say about working there. Who better to ask than your interviewer? This also forces the interviewer to step out of their official corporate role and answer personally as an employee and potential coworker.

3. What is the first problem or action item the person you hire must attend to?

Why ask: If it didn't come up during the interview, this question is a critical way to find out what is expected of you. You need to be on the same page as your new manager, as well as be clear on what the initial expectations are and that you can deliver. What you don't want is to allow yourself to be misled about the job’s requirements and end up overwhelmed and over your head after the first week on the job.

4. What can you tell me about the individual to whom I would report?

Why ask: It doesn't matter how wonderful the company might be; your time will be spent working for a specific manager. You need to find out who this person is and what kind of manager he/she is -- earlier rather than later, before personality clashes develop. If you're an independent type used to working through solutions on your own, for instance, you'll chafe when you find you're being supervised by a micromanager. On the other hand, you need to know that you can go to this manager if you have questions or need to understand the process to get things done? Is he/she good with people? Well organized? Respected by others? well suited for the position? A good leader?

5. How is the company doing financially this year?

Why ask: You need to know about the future of the company you plan to spend several years of your life working for. It doesn't have to be this exact question. For example, you might want to ask about the company's future plans for new products and services or any planned market expansion. How does this company fare against its competitors? You may also want to ask if the company has recently had to lay off staff and why? Does the company plan to outsource jobs overseas? This line of questions also shows that you've done your homework and are serious about this company.

6. What's our next step?

Why ask: This is your closing and the most important question to ask at the end of the interview. You need to know what happens after this point. Many books advise asking for the job now, but most people may feel too intimidated to bluntly do so. And with more candidates already scheduled for interviews, the company is not likely to make you an offer yet. You may also need to do some additional research on the company, making it too early to ask for the job.

A good compromise: Take the lead and offer to follow-up. You'll also be able to gauge the company's enthusiasm with the answer. Ask for a business card and ask for your interviewer’s direct phone number and the best time to call.

As a job seeker, the key to a good interview is to find out as much about your potential employer as possible. Asking these six questions will not only make you appear more committed as a candidate, but will also give you better insight into both the challenges and opportunities that may lie ahead for you.

Back to Practice Interviewing

Next 3. Prepare an Interview Folder
4. Your Personal Dress Code
5. Planning Your Time To Get There
6. During The Interview
7. Exiting Gracefully
8. Post-interview Follow up

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