What to Do when It's Your Turn to Ask Questions During an Interview

Do you have any questions for me? A job seeker's ability to prepare for and respond to that question can determine if an interview will be memorable or just mediocre. Many applicants spend time trying to anticipate the questions they will face and do their best to prepare for them. But they spend little or no time organizing their own questions and place little importance in them. Don't let your opportunity to ask questions pass - take advantage of the chance. Even if it's just an afterthought to the interviewer at first, arrive prepared and you're guaranteed to make a good impression.

While you should always do company and industry specific research, here are a few questions that you can use with almost any employer regardless of size, position, and industry. The goal of these questions is twofold. First, the questions are designed to show a strong interest in the business culture, the company's financial health, and the future direction and expectations of the organization. Also, the questions are intended to gain valuable information that you will want to know about the employer.

1. Tell me about the culture and values of the organization?

This is the most important question you can ask. If you only have time for one, ask this. It's the question most likely to elicit candor and the interviewer's own experiences as an employee. This information is vital to your assessment of the organization and you won't find it on a job description or on a company's website. If the answer is incomplete at first you may want to follow-up with a similar one such as "If I had to prepare myself for one thing unique to this work environment what would it be?" Sometimes the idiosyncrasies and customs of a company are keys to your happiness and success as an employee.

2. What products or services generate the most sales and have the biggest profit margin?