It is important to ask questions in the employment interview. Preparing relevant questions reflect your maturity and depth of interest. It provides pertinent information in which you may make wise employment decisions. Don’t accept a position unless satisfied with the answers you receive to your critical questions.

Following are four general categories of questions which may be appropriate in an interview. Generally, inquiries on salary or focusing on benefits should be avoided until you receive a job offer.

1. What future changes do you see for this company?

2. What significant changes has the company experienced in the past year?
3. What is the greatest challenge, from your perspective, that the organization faces during the next year?
4. What do you see as the biggest areas of needed improvement within the company?
5. Who are your major competitors?
6. What differentiates your company from your competition?
7. What kind of advancement opportunities does your organization offer?
8. In what ways does this company value its employees?
9. On average, how long do most employees stay with this company/in this position?
10. Can you explain the kinds of in-house training your company offers?

Details on the Personality and Culture of the Organization:

11. Can you tell me about the company’s management philosophy?
12. How would you describe the corporate culture?
13. What is the relationship of this organization with the local community?
14. What brought you to this company, and how long have you been employed here?
15. What do you wish you knew about the company before you started?
16. Tell me a little about my co-workers and the people I will work with most.
17. Will I have an opportunity to talk with other employees about this job and organization?
18. Was the position filled previously, and if so, why is it open now?

Specifics of the Job:

19. What training would I receive if hired?
20. How much responsibility will I have?
21. How much freedom am I given to solve problems with my own methods?
22. What support systems are available to help new employees succeed?
23. How will I be evaluated in my job? How often?
24. Who supervises this position? Would you please describe to me their management style?
25. How does this position relate to other segments of the organization?
26. What would be my most important duties and responsibilities?
27. What types of projects would I be involved with?
28. What have been the major problems (barriers to reaching department goals) in the past?
29. What will be the major challenges for the person who is hired?
30. How much travel, evening or weekend work is expected?

Skills Needed to Survive and Succeed in the Company:

31. What skills are you looking for in a person to fill this position?
32. What would you expect me to accomplish if I were hired?
33. How would you describe the most successful employees in your company?
34. What can I do within the first two years to help ensure my success within the company?
35. What feedback has been given to your company by new hires?
36. What type of managers seem to do well in this organization?
37. What is the career path for a person who is successful in this position?

Closing Questions:

38. When do you anticipate making a decision about this position?
39. How should I follow-up with your regarding this interview?