Turn the Tables in a Job Interview

July 24, 2006 — -- Most people prepare for an interview by anticipating the questions they'll be asked and practicing their answers. But what happens when the tables are turned and the interviewer asks if you have any questions? For too many people, this is an unexpected twist.

When you're interviewing, it's always wise to be ready to ask questions that are specific to the company. Research the company ahead of time and be prepared to ask general questions about their operations as well as specific questions about your role.

There are also several key questions that you should ask in any interview, because they'll provide you with valuable insight about the opportunity. Here are a few things that are worth asking in any interview:

What are the biggest challenges you see in this position? This shows an interviewer that you're interested in going beyond the basics and that you are inquisitive and thoughtful. It also shows that you're not adverse to overcoming challenges and tackling them with gusto.

An interviewer will often reveal information that would otherwise have been difficult to ascertain. For example, he might let you know about specific projects that you'll be expected to tackle. Or she could let on that the various personalities in a specific division are difficult to work with. Whatever the response, use that information to address how you're ideally suited to rise to the occasion and handle those issues.

Why is this position vacant? The answer might be either benign or an eye-opener. The position might be new, which is great news, because it likely means the company or division is growing. Someone might have been promoted, which is positive because it's typically a sign that the company promotes from within. At other times the interviewer might let slip that they've had difficulty keeping someone because the manager is demanding and often difficult to work with. You'll want to know as much as possible, so take the opportunity to learn about what you might be stepping into in terms of culture and personalities.