Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Questions for you to ask during the interview

Often during the interview, especially at the end, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions.  You can use this opportunity to show how well you have researched the company. People who have researched the company, its direction, and the industry are well prepared and will stand out in the interviewer's mind. The amount of time you spend getting to know the company will translate into a perception of interest and enthusiasm. It will also help you to correlate your skills to the position in question. Your knowledge of current events will prove to the employer that you are a curious will-informed professional who keeps on top of the latest happenings, which may impact your profession. Other questions are:

• As you look at those who have succeeded at this company, what characteristics do you see they share common?
• Why is your firm one of the best to work for; what separates your firm apart
  from the others?
• What are the opportunities your organization (or industry) is facing? 
• What are the challenges your organization (or industry) is facing?
• What would you expect out of me over the next 3 to 5 years and what do you
  view as a "stretch"?
• What has changed the most in your Firm since you joined?  What do you think
  you would say if I asked the same question five years from now?
• What have you found most rewarding about working at the company?
• What kind of training do you give?
• What are the company's plans for future growth?
• How would you describe the corporate culture?
  
• What percentage of my time would be spent in the various functions you described that this job involves?
• Is it organizational policy to promote from within?
• What is a typical career path for people in this position?

Questions to ask AFTER an offer has been extended

These are helpful questions when deciding whether or not to accept an offer.

• What kind of insurance policies do you offer?
• How much vacation time would I receive in the first year, second year, etc...?
• Do you pay for overtime?
• Do you pay for continuing education?
• Do you provide programs for working mothers?
• What is the salary? Bonuses, etc...
• Do you pay for review courses and test materials for professional examinations?