8 questions you should ask during your job interview

Here’s what you should ask to impress your interviewer and show you’re a good fit for the job.

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MAYBE YOU’RE capable of having an acceptable answer for every question that the interviewer shoots your way, but if every other candidate does too, you’ll be easily forgettable.

To gain an advantage, you need to show the interviewer that you can ask the questions too.

In her book 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions, Vicky Oliver writes that she “learned the hard way to always come prepared with questions” at the beginning of her career.

“A successful job interview is simply a productive conversation. Sometimes, depending on the personality of your future employer, this conversation may seem somewhat one-sided. For these situations you should arrive with an arsenal of questions to ask — just in case.”

Here are eight questions you should ask the interviewer to win them over.

8 questions you should ask during your job interview

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Q1: What are some of the problems your company faces right now? And what is your department doing to solve them?
Why this works: Asking this type of question gets the "conversation ball" rolling, and your interviewer will surely have an opinion. Furthermore, their answers will give you insights into their personality, ambitions and will likely lead to other questions. (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: quinn.anya on Flickr/Creative Commons)
Q2: What type of employee tends to succeed here? What qualities are the most important for doing well and advancing at the firm?
Why this works: This question shows the interviewer that you care about your future at the company, and it'll also help you decide if you're a good fit for the position or not. "Once the interviewer tells you what she's looking for in a candidate, picture that person in your mind's eye. She/he should look a lot like you." (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
Q3: I noticed that you teach a night class at X. How long have you been teaching, and what are some of the things that you've learned from the experience?
Why this works: "You brought up the fact that your interviewer is an acknowledged expert in his field before he did." (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: roanokecollege on Flickr)
Q4: What are your plans for combating competition in the full-size pickup market?
Why this works: Asking this type of question shows that you've already done your homework on the company. "Ask questions that are simple, direct, and show that you've done you're homework without a great deal of elaboration. Your interviewer can't fail to be impressed and to take your job candidacy seriously. (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: fabrisalvetti on Flickr/Creative Commons)
Q5: Who would I be reporting to? Are those three people on the same team, or are they on different teams? What's the 'pecking order'?
Why this works: "Asking about the internal structure of a company or details about the specific job description can also help you position yourself as the ideal candidate. If you're going to be working for several bosses, it's important to understand the lay of the internal land, also known as the "pecking order." If you're going to be managing several people, it's a good idea to try to meet up with them." (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: bpsusf on Flickr/Creative Commons)
Q6: How do you handle new business pitches? Who gets involved in generating new business at this company?
Why this works: "Star performers are usually anxious to get involved to get involved in the new business effort, even if they are not technically on the new business team. When you ask about new business, you're signalling that you're an A player." (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Q7: I read your CEO's letter to the editor in Business Week. How did his insights about emerging markets impact your subsidiaries?
Why this works: Again, this proves that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the company. (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: sun dazed on Flickr/Creative Commons
Q8: I think it's pretty clear that I would love to work for you. So tell me, what are my next steps?
Why this works: "You've tossed out a "feeler" to your interviewer. If he still has any unresolved questions or nagging concerns about you, he'll tell you." (Source: 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Image: bpsusf on Flickr via Creative Commons)

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News in 60 seconds

8 questions you should ask during your job interview

Q1: What are some of the problems your company faces right now? And what is your department doing to solve them?

Q2: What type of employee tends to succeed here? What qualities are the most important for doing well and advancing at the firm?

Q3: I noticed that you teach a night class at X. How long have you been teaching, and what are some of the things that you've learned from the experience?

Q4: What are your plans for combating competition in the full-size pickup market?

Q5: Who would I be reporting to? Are those three people on the same team, or are they on different teams? What's the 'pecking order'?

Q6: How do you handle new business pitches? Who gets involved in generating new business at this company?

Q7: I read your CEO's letter to the editor in Business Week. How did his insights about emerging markets impact your subsidiaries?

Q8: I think it's pretty clear that I would love to work for you. So tell me, what are my next steps?