1. 1. What challenges does the person in this position face?
This question shows that you don't have blinders on in the excitement about a new job; you recognize that every
job has difficult elements and that you're being thoughtful about what it will take to succeed in the position.
2. Can you describe a typical day or week in the position?
This question shows that you're thinking beyond the interview and that you're visualizing what it will be like to do
the work itself. This is different from many candidates, who appear to be focused solely on getting the job offer
without thinking about what will come after that.
3. What would a successful first year in the position look like?
Asking this shows that you're thinking in the same terms that a manager does—about what the position needs to
contribute to the team or company to be worthwhile. You'll also sound like someone who isn't seeking to simply do
the bare minimum, but rather to truly achieve in the role.
4. How will the success of the person in this position be measured?
This question is similar to the previous one, but it will also give you more insight into what the manager really
values. You may discover that while the job description emphasizes skill A or responsibility B, the manager actually
cares most about skill C or responsibility D.
5. How long did the previous person in the role hold the position? What has turnover in the role generally been
like?
If no one has stayed in the position very long, it might be a red flag about a difficult manager, unrealistic
expectations, or some other land mine.
6. How would you describe the culture here? What type of people tend to really thrive, and what type don't do as
well?
If the culture is very formal and structured and you're happiest in a more relaxed environment, or if it's an
aggressive, competitive environment and you are more low-key and reserved, this job might not be a comfortable
fit for you. You'll spend a large portion of your waking life at your job, so it's crucial to make sure you know what
you're signing up for.
7. How would you describe your management style?
Your boss will have an enormous impact on your quality of life at work. While you can't always trust managers to
accurately self-assess, you'll at least get some insight into their style by what things they choose to emphasize in
response to this question.
8. Thinking back to the person who you've seen do this job best, what made their performance so outstanding?
Most managers' ears will perk up at this question, because it signals that you care not just about being average or
even good, but truly great. This is the question managers wish all their employees would ask.
9. Are there any reservations you have about my fit for the position that I could try to address?
This is a great way to give yourself the chance to tackle any doubts the interviewer might have about you, as well as
for you to consider whether those doubts might be reasonable and point to a bad fit.
10. What is your time line for getting back to candidates about the next steps?

2. Always wrap up with this question, so that when you go home you know what to expect next. That way, you won't
be sitting around wondering when you'll hear something.
Additional Interview Questions to Ask the Employer
2. How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?
3. How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?
4. Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?
5. What is the company's management style?
6. Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him/her?
7. How many people work in this office/department?
8. How much travel is expected?
9. Is relocation a possibility?
10. What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?
11. What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
12. How does one advance in the company?
13. Are there any examples?
14. What do you like about working here?
15. What don't you like about working here and what would you change?
16. Would you like a list of references?
17. If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?
18. What can I tell you about my qualifications?
19. When can I expect to hear from you?
20. Are there any other questions I can answer for you?
21. What do you see ahead for your company in the next five years?
22. How do you see the future for this industry?
23. What do you consider to be your firm's most important assets?
24. What can you tell me about your new product or plans for growth?
25. How do you rate your competition?
26. What happened to the last person who held this job?

3. 27. What were the major strengths and weaknesses of the last person who held this job?
28. What types of skills do you NOT already have onboard that you're looking to fill with a new hire?
29. The department Asking about your department's workers and role in the company can help you
understand more about the company's culture and hierarchy. Stanford suggests asking:
30. What is the overall structure of the company and how does your department fit the structure?
31. What are the career paths in this department?
32. What have been the department's successes in the last couple of years?
33. How do you view your group/division/department? The job's responsibilities To avoid any confusion later
on, it pays to gain a solid understanding of the position. FGP International's Eddie Payne recommends
inquiring:
34. What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this job?
35. What are the skills and attributes you value most for someone being hired for this position?
36. Where have successful employees previously in this position progressed to within the company?
37. Could you describe a typical day or week in this position? The typical client or customer I would be dealing
with? The expectations To determine how and when you will evaluated, Payne recommend advises asking:
38. What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be addressed in the first three
months?
39. What are the performance expectations of this position over the first 12 months?
40. How will I be evaluated at XYZ company, and how often?
41. The next steps At the end of the interview, don't forget to ask:
42. What are the next steps in the interview process?
43. What do you like best about working here?
44. What goals do you expect the person who takes this job to achieve?
45. How is performance rewarded and recognized?
46. What is the next step in this process?