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.

What are the next steps in the hiring process? Most interviewees make the mistake of leaving the interview without a sense of what to expect next. Ask this key question while you still have the attention of the interviewer. Find out if you'll have to meet with more people, agree to any kind of skill-based or psychological test or submit to a drug test and background check.

You should also ask if other people are being considered for the position, and where the company is in the hiring process. Be sure to inquire as to when you can expect to hear from someone about the next steps. Offer to call your contact in an agreed-upon timeframe. The more you can glean from these answers, the less chance you will become frantic or frustrated because of uncertainty.

It's advisable to ask about the company culture. You can say, "I know that you must determine if I'd be a good fit for your culture. Similarly, I want to make sure that this is a good match for me. I have a few questions about the philosophy and practices of the company that I hope you won't mind addressing."

Among the questions to ask:

By asking questions that show clear insight into the company's initiatives and goals, you are demonstrating to a potential employer that you will fit right in, that you understand the workplace culture and that you are ready to go to work. You're also gaining valuable information that will help you decide if you want to accept a forthcoming offer.

Tory Johnson is the workplace contributor on "Good Morning America" and the CEO of Women for Hire. To connect directly with Johnson, visit www.womenforhire.com.