What to Ask at Your Interview

Good questions will differentiate yourself from the pack

I have found that a few well planned questions in the interview will make all the difference in getting "the close". It sends to the interviewer that you are prepared and that you work smarter not harder. You also might want to limit the amount of questions, quantity does not equal quality.

Mike of PA @ Dec 04, 2008 11:46:31 AM

Wonderful Questions

Alison, I am actually looking forward to the interview now that I have some different questions to ask than the normal ones. I have my interview tomorrow morning and thank you for the information!

Katie Fiondella of MA @ Sep 15, 2008 16:40:45 PM

how do i choose the right career

I am a 28 year old Cust Serv Rep. I want to choose a career in education. I always believe that i should go for careers that i know i would difinately get a job as soon as i leave University. However, i want to change my career but i dont know what i want to do. How do i choose the right career?

Tameka Birthfield-Mcknight @ Jun 10, 2008 22:07:16 PM

Missed the MOST Obvious Question of ALL...

Hi Alison,...I am not being all smart-alecky here but the one question that is never asked is WHEN CAN I START?

I know many will say this is too aggressive, but what it will do is help the candidate uncover any hidden agendas that the interviewer might not be sharing, etc. And, of course, the interviewer will have to come clean with any objections about the candidate. So, why not get them in the open so you can respond.

GL HOFFMAN of MN @ May 29, 2008 16:30:04 PM

I asked about a "typical day"

I was completely blown off by the interviewer who proceeded to talk to me like I was a child "Oh, well, its just so varied there's really no such thing as a typical day"

That was obnoxious, but also really telling. I didn't get called back for another interview and I kind of think that question was why, but I also didn't want to work for someone who was so clueless about his employees that he didn't know what they did all day.

Admin Girl of OR @ May 29, 2008 13:22:30 PM

"Are there reservations ..."

Great questions! I'm always impressed when a candidate comes prepared with thoughtful questions. I especially like #9, "Are there reservations you have about my fit for the position?" Candidates who are candid, genuine and open to feedback score high in my book.

Totally Consumed of OR @ May 29, 2008 10:03:40 AM

writing the questions down

I don't think it's bad form to write them down at all! In fact, I tend to like it when I ask what questions a candidate has and they pull out a list -- it shows that they were prepared and thinking about it in advance. But really, either way is fine!

Alison Green of DC @ May 29, 2008 00:27:27 AM

GREAT Questions

Hey Alison would it be bad form to have these questions written down to ask? Or would a candidate portray better with a few key ones they can pluck from their brain?

Dataceptionist @ May 28, 2008 19:05:06 PM