Uhhh, I have to ask job interviewers questions? What should I ask?

Many people get so excited and stressed out about preparing what they're going to TELL an employer that they don't realize the value of ASKING an employer some great questions.

When I was a hiring manager, I remember the candidates who asked genuinely interesting questions about my company. It gave me insight to their way of thinking and was proof that they had enough presence of mind and confidence to develop some good questions.

The more interesting candidates are the ones I asked back for a 2nd interview, and then hired.

First, let me say that you should NEVER, and I mean NEVER ask about benefits or salary on the first interview (or phone screen). That's the equivalent of going on a first date and asking about the size of the engagement ring. You're just not at that point in the relationship where that's relevant. I have IMMEDIATELY disqualified candidates who asked me that question too early. It demonstrates to me that the candidate is just in it for what they can get from me. Not attractive.

So in coming up with your questions to ask, here's a few that I wish candidates would have asked me more often:

"I see from your website that you do (produce, make, etc.) X, I did a little more digging and found another company Y who seems to do something similar? Are they a major competitor?"

'I have experience in this market with this specific problem (fill it in here), it looks like your industry (market), could be facing the same challenge, but you would know much better than I. What do you think?"

"How does your company differentiate themselves in this market?"

"What challenges has this department faced in the past year?"

"What do you think would be the most challenging thing for me to learn in this role?"

"What qualities in a new hire would NOT work in this position?"

"What is your time line for hiring for this position?"

"What is your biggest concern about my background or experience?"

"What did you see on my resume that looked like the best match for this position?"

"Who are the "customers" that I would be working with? What other departments does this one interface with (work with)?"

"How would you describe your managerial style?"

These questions also serve the dual role of giving you information to decide if you even want the position. You may be desperate for a job now, but getting into the wrong position and then getting let go from it, can be more drama than you're really looking to take on.

Also: No matter HOW many people you interview with at a company--ALWAYS ask questions. I was amazed by the job seekers who threw away the opportunity to get different perspectives on the more opinion-related questions by saying "no, no questions, I already asked everyone else." Ask everyone questions. Will the interviewers compare notes after you've gone, Yes. But asking for a different perspective on a question you've already asked someone else gives you even more insight into the workings of the company, and who couldn't use more insight?