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It's your turn! As your job interview comes to a close, one of the final questions you may be asked is, "What can I answer for you?" Your interviewer will expect you to have some inquiries. Not asking any questions could make you seem unprepared or disinterested, so take the time to have some questions of your own ready to ask the hiring manager. <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-2" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html "> Asking questions can also give you the opportunity to further highlight some of your qualities, skills, and experience. Asking very specific questions when you respond will allow you to impress your potential employer with your knowledge and interest in the industry while also determining if this is the right job for you. </div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-3" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"> <div id="mntl-block_3-0" class="comp mntl-block"> <div id="billboard2-sticky-dynamic_1-0" class="comp billboard2-sticky-dynamic billboard-sticky--sc scads-to-load right-rail__item billboard-sticky scads-stick-in-parent scads-ad-placed" data-height="600"> <div class="spacer"> <div id="billboard2-dynamic_1-0" class="comp billboard2-dynamic mntl-gpt-dynamic-adunit mntl-gpt-adunit gpt billboard dynamic" data-ad-width="300" data-ad-height="600"> <div id="billboard2" class="wrapper" data-type="billboard" data-pos="btf1" data-priority="3" data-sizes="[[300, 250], [300, 600], [300, 601], [160, 600], [300, 251], [2, 1], "fluid"]" data-rtb="true" data-targeting="{}" data-google-query-id="CO7Y0pupxd0CFcE44AodzAACbA"> <h4 id="google_ads_iframe_/479/thebalancecareers/balcar_job-search/billboard2_0__container__"><strong>Make a List of Questions to Ask at the Interview</strong></h4> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-5" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html "> Plan ahead and have interview questions of your own ready to ask. You aren't simply trying to get this job - you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this company and the position are a good fit for you. Asking questions is a great way to dig into the company culture and the specific day-to-day responsibilities of the job so that, should you be hired, your first week or so in the position won't be accompanied by any major surprises. <h3 id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-11" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-heading"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text">Best Questions to Ask the Interviewer</span></h3> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-12" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html "> Here's a list of suggested questions to ask the interviewer so you can ensure the company is a good match for your qualifications and interests. </div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-14" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html "> <ul> <li>How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?</li> <li>How would you describe a typical day in this position?</li> <li>Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?</li> <li>What is the company's management style?</li> <li>Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him or her before making my final acceptance decision?</li> <li>Why is this position available?</li> <li>How many people work in this office/department?</li> <li>How much travel is expected?</li> <li>Is relocation a possibility?</li> <li>What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?</li> </ul> </div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-15" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"> <div id="mntl-block_7-0" class="comp mntl-block"> <div id="billboard5-sticky-dynamic_2-0" class="comp billboard5-sticky-dynamic billboard-sticky--sc scads-to-load right-rail__item billboard-sticky scads-stick-in-parent scads-ad-placed scads-ad-placed-slot-unloaded" data-height="600"> <div class="spacer"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-16" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html-sliced "> <ul class="html-slice"> <li>What are the prospects for growth and advancement?</li> <li>How does one advance in the company?</li> <li>Are there any examples of a career path beginning with this position?</li> <li>Would you like a list of references?</li> <li>If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?</li> <li>What can I clarify for you about my qualifications?</li> <li>When can I expect to hear from you?</li> <li>Are there any other questions I can answer for you?</li> <li>Do you have any reservations about my qualifications?</li> <li>Do you have a policy for helping new members of the team get on board?</li> </ul> </div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-17" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"> <div id="mntl-block_8-0" class="comp mntl-block"> <div id="billboard6-sticky-dynamic_1-0" class="comp billboard6-sticky-dynamic billboard-sticky--sc scads-to-load right-rail__item billboard-sticky scads-ad-placed scads-ad-placed-slot-unloaded" data-height="600"> <div class="spacer"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-18" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html-sliced "> <ul class="html-slice"> <li>What are the biggest challenges of this job?</li> <li>What's the most important thing I should accomplish in the first ninety days?</li> <li>How would you describe this company's values?</li> <li>How has the company changed over the last few years?</li> <li>What are the company's plans for growth and development?</li> <li>What are the biggest rewards of the job and working for this company?</li> <li>What is the best part of working for this company?</li> <li>What's your least favorite part of working here?</li> <li>What type of background do you feel would be best suited for success in this position?</li> </ul> <h3 id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-22" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-heading"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text">General Guidelines for Asking Questions in an Interview</span></h3> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-23" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html "> <strong>Avoid "Me" Questions</strong> "Me" questions are those that put yourself ahead of the employer. These include questions about salary, health insurance, vacation time, work hours per week, and other concessions. During an interview, you are trying to demonstrate to the employer how you can benefit the company, not the other way around. Once you are offered a position, you can begin to ask what the company can do for you. </div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-24" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"><strong>Ask One Question at a Time</strong></div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-25" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html "> Avoid multi-part questions; they will only overwhelm the employer. Each question should have one specific point. </div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-26" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"><strong>Avoid "Yes" or "No" Questions</strong></div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-27" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html "> Most questions with a "yes," "no," or another one-word answer could likely be answered by searching the company's website. Instead, stick to questions that will create a dialogue between yourself and the employer. </div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-28" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"><strong>Ask Questions About Multiple Topics</strong></div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-29" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html "> Avoid asking questions about just one subject. For example, if you only ask questions about your manager and his managerial style, the interviewer may assume you have an issue with authority figures. </div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-30" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block">Ask questions about a variety of topics to demonstrate your curiosity and interest in all aspects of the position.</div> <div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-33" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html "> <strong>Don't Ask Anything too Personal</strong> While it is a good idea to try to establish a rapport with your interviewer, do not ask personal questions that are not public information. For example, if you see a college banner on the employer's wall, you can certainly ask if he went to that college. However, avoid overly personal questions about the interviewer's family, race, gender, etc. </div> <h3 id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-35" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-heading"><span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text">Questions NOT to Ask at a Job Interview</span></h3> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-36" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html "> There are some questions that you should avoid asking, since they won't present you in a positive light. </div> <div id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-38" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html "> <ul> <li>What does this company do? <em>(Do your research ahead of time!)</em></li> <li>If I get the job, when can I take time off for vacation? <em>(Wait until you get the offer to mention prior commitments.)</em></li> <li>Can I change my schedule if I get the job?<em> (If you need to figure out the logistics of getting to work, don't mention it now.)</em></li> <li>Did I get the job? <em>(Don't be impatient. They'll let you know.)</em></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div>

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