Questions You Should Be Asking in the Interview

While a job interview may feel like a one-sided interrogation, it's also an opportunity for you to find out more about the employer. The right interview questions can provide invaluable information about whether or not the job is the right fit for you. Keep these four questions in mind when you go to your next job interview.

1. Is This a New Position?

Asking about the origins of the open position is one of the most important things to do in a job interview. The employer's answer can offer a variety of insights about the company. A new position indicates growth or reorganization, which is a positive sign of longevity. If the position is not new, you can ask why the previous employee left. An evasive or negative answer can be a sign of internal strife or disorganization. As a follow-up question, you can also ask about how the job has evolved over time.

2. What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

In some jobs, every day looks the same. In other positions, every day is filled with twists and new challenges. When you are aware of the typical schedule and dynamics of the position, you can judge whether or not it is a good fit for your personality and professional style. The daily schedule can also flesh out the job description and help you understand which duties are the most time-consuming. If your skills do not fit the most important tasks, you can feel confident rejecting the job.

3. In the Past, What Skills and Qualities Have Helped Employees Succeed in This Position?

This question helps you determine if your intangible abilities and personality are a good match for the job. After all, the qualities that are essential to success cannot always be quantified in a job description. Listen closely to the employer's answer to pick up on hints that can help you succeed in the job interview. If he mentions that the most successful workers have been outgoing and informal, for example, you can adjust your delivery accordingly. Be sure to ask about past employees rather than the skills and qualities themselves. In doing so, you can direct the employer's focus from you and allow him to speak more openly.

4. How Long Do Employees Typically Stay at This Organization?

During a job interview, you may interact with three or four people and get a general sense of the atmosphere. Asking about the typical length of employment can give you insight into the heart of the company culture. If employees stay for multiple years and transition through multiple positions, it indicates that the company values job satisfaction and provides a positive environment. A company with high turnover is not necessarily bad; it may simply indicate a younger, more mobile workforce or a short corporate ladder. Both scenarios can help you determine whether or not the position and prospects fit into your career plans.

A job interview is more than a chance for the employer to pepper you with interview questions. It is also a chance for you to ask questions of your own. By asking about key cultural and practical factors, you can make a more informed career decision.

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