Interview the Interviewer; Great questions to ask...

An interview is a two-way process, and as a candidate it is always tricky, especially at the end, when the interviewer has asked all of their questions, and now turns to you and says "Is there anything you'd like to ask me?".  Your preparation before you walk into an interview, could be the difference between you getting hired or not.  

My advice is to write a list of at least 10 questions, and expect that ALL of your questions will be answered, before you get a chance to ask them.   There is no greater turn-off as an interviewer than a candidate who says "No. I think you've answered all my questions." This shows a lack of curiosity, and lack of interest in the job. 

Here are a few questions to add in that you could ask at an Interview:-

- What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
- Why do you like working here?  What is really fantastic about this company? 
- Who will review my performance and how often? 
- Tell me about the best member of the current team and what makes them successful?
- Could you describe your company culture & the type of employee who fits well with it?
- How much opportunity will I be given for personal development and upskilling?

Make sure that you demonstrate interest in the answers, rather than just rattling off a list for the sake of having questions.  Even though some of your questions may be answered during the process, you can always ask the interviewer to expand on an area that came up during the interview, and having some like the above ready for when you get to interview the interviewer.    

It is also useful to know what kind of questions to avoid, these include:- 

- How much will I get paid and what additional benefits do you offer?
- Why did the last person leave?
- How quickly will I get promoted?
- What are the working hours, and how much holiday will I get?

These are all great turn-offs for your interviewer, leave the questions related to benefits, salary and contract to the employer to bring up. Your motivation for the job will be poorly demonstrated by asking questions like this.  Also, make sure that you don't ask questions that could easily be answered from the company's website.  This demonstrates a lack of research, and again a lack of interest in the position.

Remember, you have to make the right choice about the company you work for, in the same way that the interviewer has to make the right choice when hiring, so getting a really clear idea about what will be expected and why they are an employer of choice is an important part of the interview process.