Your Turn to Ask Questions - Part 1

Going on interviews can be kind of nerve raking to many, and because of that, we often look back at the things we wish we had asked or said. In almost all cases, at sometime during the interview process, usually near the end, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions you would like to ask. Often times little to nothing is asked at this point, either due to lack of knowing what to ask, or fear of doing too much speaking. I'd like to offer you some potential question you might wish to ask, and hopefully these may give you food for thought of other related and more specific questions you hadn't thought of. Be better prepared when going on your next job interview.

"How would you describe the responsibilities or a typical day/week in this position?" - This is a legitimate question if you are interviewing for a position that maybe is not exactly like one you have worked before. This will give you a little idea what you can expect if hired. Of course this question is of no good if you are being interviewed by an HR person and not someone intimately familiar with your position.

"Is this a newly created position, and if not, how did the last employee function in the position, and where did they move on to?" - If the position is a new one, there may be no major precedent set for what your total responsibilities will be. If it is just filling a vacant position, then inquiring about the former employee and their current status may help you to access (1) why the position is vacant - did he move up the ladder - is advancement an option from this position? (2) did the last employee not function well in the position, and what could be done to better accomplish the tasks related to the position.

"To whom does this position directly report to, and if I am offered the position, will I get to meet them?" - If you have not already met the direct supervisor you will be reporting to, ask to do so. This could give you a better opportunity to ask these type of directly related questions to them.

I will cover some additional questions in the next part of this series, but would now like to look at a couple of questions you should NOT ask.

"What exactly does your company do?" - This is something you should fully know well before entering for an interview. Do the research, know the company, understand as much as you can before going in.

"How long after starting will it be before I can take vacation?" - Wording a question like this is bad enough, but the implications it can put out there are worse. If you wish to understand the issue of vacation, listen, read or ask about the entire benefits package that comes with the job. That should explain how much vacation you get, how it is accrued, and how long before a new employee qualifies for it. If not, ask for more details only after you have been seriously offered the position.

Have you ever asked a blundering question your regretted? Have you ever looked back and wished you had asked something you hadn't? Share your experience below.

Jeff McCormack resides in Virginia Beach, VA. where he works as a web designer by day. In his off time he is a husband, father, mail order book store manager, and musician. Aside from being a freelance writer for this Education Jobsite blog, he also seeks to assist in career choices and information by contributing to other Nexxt blog sites.