Your interviews should be a two-way conversation. You must ask questions and take an active role in the interview. This demonstrates the importance you place on your work and career. Asking questions gives you a chance to demonstrate your depth of knowledge in the field as well as to establish an easy flow of conversation and relaxed atmosphere between you and the interviewer. Building this kind of rapport is always a plus in a interview.

Remember, you are not just there for the interviewer to determine if you are right for the position but your questions can help you determine if this job is right for you. Some of your questions should evolve from research you've done on the company in preparing for the interview. Following are some guidelines for your questions as well as some examples.

-   Don't cross-examine the employer.
-   Ask questions requiring an explanation. Questions that can be answered
    with a "yes" or "no" are conversation stoppers.
-   Don't interrupt when the employer is answering YOUR question.
-   Ask job-relevant questions. Focus on the job--the company, products,
    services, and people.
-   Prior to the interview, write your list of Interest Questions and take them
    with you.
-   Ask about your potential peers, subordinates, and superiors. Take notes.
-   Ask the employer how he/she got where they are today.

A. Interest Questions
"Why do you want someone for this job?"
Force the interviewer to explain why this job can't be done by one of his current employees. The answer may give you a valuable job description.

B. Job Satisfaction Questions
Ask questions that relate to the responsibilities, importance and authority of the position as well as those investigating the rewards for a job well done and the long-range career opportunities.

C. Past Performance Questions
"Why isn't this position being filled from within the company?"
"How many people have held this job in the last five years?"
"Were they promoted or did they leave the company?"
"How did you get started in the company?"
"What are examples of the best results produced by people in this job?"

D. Additional Questions
"What would my responsibilities and duties be?"
"What are the most difficult aspects of the position?"
"Describe a typical day on the job?"
"Describe the department's/company's growth in the next 2 years?"
"What is the philosophy on training and development here?"
"Has there been downsizing within the company? How is it handled?"
"How do you think I'd fit into the job and into your organization?"
"What projects would I be involved in now? In the future?"
"Who would I be working for and with?"
"What is the person doing who used to hold this position?"
"When would you need me to start?"
"May I see my work area?
"May I meet some of my future co-workers?"
"What makes a person successful in this company?"

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