Ask a Recruiter: The Inquisition

A job interview is meant to help your prospective employer get to know you; sometimes it comes in the form of a free-flowing conversation and other times it feels more like you're sweating under the hot light of a police interrogation.  Either way, it's extremely important that you don't walk away without asking a few questions of your own.

Why do I need to prepare questions if they are interviewing me?

• There are important questions that won't be addressed no matter how good your interviewer is; it's your job to protect yourself by not only ensuring that this is a good place to work but that it's a good fit for you in terms of values and culture, that you're making a sound business and financial decision and that the situation you are walking into is truly what you've been told it is
• It demonstrates that you're thoughtful; that you have an interest in the organization and that you have done enough research to engage in a conversation about their business
• It can save your interview (keep reading) 

But what do I ask?

• Ask questions about who you'll be working with and what has made those individuals successful; ask questions about the territory, clients or product; don't be afraid to demonstrate what you have learned about the company's financial situation--especially if you have concerns; ask about the long term goals of this position and how you will contribute; ask about training and what you should accomplish in the first 3-6-9 months
• ALWAYS ask about next steps and make sure they don't have any additional questions for you before you leave; ask if the interviewers have heard anything about your background that may keep you from moving forward/what their concerns are (the answers might surprise you and you'll be relieved to have the opportunity to address them) or ask what they envision as your greatest challenge