When you're preparing for your next interview, chances are you'll prepare for the questions you have to answer. But, how much careful thought are you giving to the questions you have to ask? The questions you ask can be just as powerful as the answers you give, and can often be what set you apart from your competition. You must ask intelligent questions. Here's how to go about it, and a few powerful examples that can work in any situation..

Asking powerful questions can show you for the superstar you are - someone who can step in, hit the road running, and bring the right kind of attitude and expertise. Not asking questions, or asking poor questions, tells them something very different, such as…

• I don't really care much about the company - I just want a job, any job
• I don't communicate well
• I'm intimidated and just want to get out of here
• I haven't really prepared or thought about this much…but I hope you like me anyway

Unfortunately, job seekers who don't ask questions, or ask the wrong questions, often remain job seekers.

Why you MUST take advantage of the opportunity to ask good questions

This is your chance to help shape the interview, steer the discussion toward where your strengths lie, tell stories that really demonstrate your suitability - it's your chance to make certain that you get a chance to say what you want to say and to root out what they are really looking for (which may not be so obvious in the early going).

Remember, you are also interviewing them to find out if the company and position are the right fit for you, and good questions are the key. Ask about the culture in the company/department, performance expectations (after 6 months / 1 year), how most careers progress from this position, etc.

When to Ask Them

Most interviews will end with the phrase "So, do you have questions?", and obviously this is the time to have a few ready.

However, you have to remember that the best interviews are also "conversations", so feel free to occasionally ask a question during the interview. For example, if they ask a question about something you'd like to learn more about, feel free to follow your answer with a question ("Yes, I am familiar with the new regulatory standards…the next 6 months should be very interesting. How do you see the new requirements impacting this area?).

Questions to AVOID

There are good questions, and there are bad questions. Here is a list of the types of questions to avoid at all costs:

• The obvious things that you should already know before you arrive ("So, what does your company do?")
  
  
• Questions regarding salary, benefits, vacation time, etc. - wait until there's an offer on the table
  
  
• Questions beginning with "Why…?"- they usually come off as confrontational or requiring the interviewer to defend something.
  
  
• Anything that might appear to limit your ability to fit in or do the job, such as "Do I have to travel much?", "Is there any possibility to job-share in this position?", or "Do I really have to work weekends?"

Advanced Questions

Wherever you can ask questions specific to the job or the company, go for it. But consider also questions like the following, which can be very powerful and apply to virtually any position:

"What would outstanding performance look like in this job?"

This question makes you look like you want to exceed their expectations, and their answer can give you valuable information as to what those expectations are

"What is the most important thing I can do to contribute within the first 90 days on the job?"

Says that you want to make a difference and you're motivated, and again gives you insight into where they really need a hand

"When you think of the people who are or have been most successful in this position, what was it they brought to the table?"

Again, clues to what makes a person successful in the role (which you can then demonstrate you have)

"Are there any questions in your mind as to my ability to step in do this job?"

A very bold question, yes, but one that cuts to the chase and asks them to address any doubts they may have. If they give you any, you get a chance to address them. If they give you none, move on to your powerful closer.

One of the Best Questions You Can Ask…Period!

"I'd love a chance to show you what I can do. Can you give me an example of a situation you're facing right now, and we can spend the next few minutes working through it?"

In other words, instead of talking in vague generalities, show them you mean to perform by asking them to put a live problem on the table, and then roll up your sleeves and knock their socks off. You can even then ask to be reviewed like an employee.

What better way to demonstrate your expertise, your willingness to get in and get your hands dirty, and your confidence? All in all, a pretty good picture of what you're going to be like on the job.

Last Thoughts

Make certain you are asking questions the interviewer can answer. If you are in the first round of interviews with the HR person, they may not know the technical details of the position, so make certain that the questions you prepare are ones that the interviewer -whomever it is- are in a position to answer.

Also, remember that you don't want to sound like you are interrogating them. Questions can be powerful, but they can also be overdone. If you have a number of questions, pepper them throughout the interview and save a few powerful questions to close with.

Many people think that "Do you have any questions" signals the end of the interview. Don't fall into that trap. Treat the question like an opportunity to kick the interview into its next gear - where you begin to shine above your competition.

Best of luck!

© 2003 Ross Macpherson

About the Author

Ross Macpherson is the President of Career Quest, a Certified Professional Resume Writer, and a Career Success Coach who has helped thousands of motivated professionals advance their careers. To receive more valuable career advice, sign up to join his monthly newsletter "Career Quest Café" by visiting www.yourcareerquest.com.