March 14 is not only Pi Day, but also International Ask a Question Day.

Have you ever been in an interview and at the end they asked if you had any questions? Did your mind go blank? Did you prepare questions? You should have! Not asking questions makes you look disengaged and uninterested.

PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE! Before the interview, write down a list of questions. View this is as a chance to find out if this position is right for you too.

So, what are some good questions? I’m glad you asked.

  1. My personal favorite is “How would you describe a day in the life in this position?” This question gives you insight to what a typical day at the office would be like. It helps you to determine if this would be a cultural fit and if it matches your skill set.
  2. “What is the management style like?” Many of us have worked for a boss we didn’t like a time or two. What qualities didn’t you like? Why? What qualities do you like? Does their answer fit what you work best with?
  3. “What qualities would the ideal candidate have to advance in the company?” This shows you’re looking to stay with them for a long time!
  4. “Do you have any hesitations about my resume?” This one usually catches the interviewer off-guard! Hopefully, if they have any reservations, they’ll let you know and you can view them as growth opportunities.
  5. “What are the biggest challenges of this job?”
  6. “What is your favorite and least favorite part of the job?” This allows the interviewers to sell their company.

Now that we’ve gone over some good questions to ask, how about bad questions?

  1. NEVER, I repeat, NEVER ask about salary, vacation, insurance, etc., especially during the first interview, unless specifically asked about it. The purpose of interviewing is so you can show the company how hiring you will benefit them, not how they can benefit you.
  2. Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” Usually, these questions can be answered by a quick look at their website (which you should have looked at already, by the way!). Also, one word answers to questions don’t allow for a dialogue to happen between you and the interviewer.
  3. Don’t ask questions about the same topic over and over again. For example, don’t keep asking questions specifically about your boss. It may come off like you have a problem with authority.
  4. Don’t get too personal. A recruiter is there to help you, not to date!

I hope you found this helpful and that you will use these questions for your next interview.