Sample Questions to Ask at Your Interview

Before an interview, always prepare at least five to ten key questions to ask. Having no questions prepared sends the message that you have no independent thought process. Some of your questions may be answered during the course of the interview, before you are offered the opportunity to ask. If so, you can simply state something to the effect that you were interested in knowing about ..., but that was addressed during the interview. You could ask for additional clarification if applicable. Do not ask questions that are clearly answered on the employer's web site and/or in any literature provided by the employer to you in advance. This would simply reveal that you did not prepare for the interview, and you are wasting the employer's time by asking these questions.

Question Guidelines

Do not ask questions that will raise warning flags. For example, asking “Would I really have to work weekends?” implies that you are not available for weekend assignments. If you are unavailable, rephrase the question.

Avoid asking initiating questions regarding compensation, vacations, etc. You might seem more interested in paychecks or time off rather than the actual job.

Don’t ask questions about only one topic. People who ask about only one topic are often perceived as one-dimensional and not good candidates.

After asking a question, listen to the answer. Don’t just ask a question to ask a question, show interest and enthusiasm about learning the answer. Body language is a good indicator of being interested or uninterested.

Sample Questions

	Who will I report to?
	Where do you see our division/company in the next five years?
	Can you please tell me how your career has developed at XYZ Company. Would someone entering the firm today have similar opportunities?
	Can you describe for me what a workweek is really like as a salesperson with XYZ Company?
	What characteristics best describe individuals who are successful in this position?
	Does the position offer exposure to other facets of your organization?
	How will my performance be evaluated? How often?
	How would you describe the organization’s culture/ environment?
	What makes your organization different from its competitors?
	What industry-wide trends are likely to affect your organization’s strengths and weaknesses?
	How would you describe your organization’s personality and management style?
	What other positions and/ or departments will I interact with most?
	Could you explain your organizational structure?
	What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
	What is the company's policy on providing seminars, workshops, and training so employees can keep up their skills or acquire new ones?
	What particular computer equipment and software do you use?
	What kind of work can I expect to be doing the first year?
	What are the opportunities for advancement within the company?
	Do you have a written job description that I may review?