Coming Back With Creative Questions at the End of the Interview

As a recruiter, I am always impressed by candidates who have questions of their own to ask—and I consistently receive feedback from hiring managers all over the country who feel the same way. The candidate who’s asked, “So, do you have any questions?” at the end of the interview better come up with something. One who answers, “No, I don’t think so,” is going to get a big negative mark against them in the hiring decision. Companies want candidates who have critical thinking skills, as well as candidates who are knowledgeable and interested in the job. The questions you ask demonstrate these things. Not having questions of your own to ask sets you up as a candidate who’s passive, won’t work very hard, and isn’t all that interested in the job—even if you are. General Questions: * What you are looking for in a candidate? * What qualities did the last person you hired have? * Why is this position open? * What was it that you think kept that person from being successful? * What are the tasks in this job that will make someone in this position successful? * How do I rank among the other candidates? * Can you tell me about the company’s culture/mission/philosophy? * What do you like best about working for this company? * What are the next steps? * When do you expect to make a decision? * Do you have any reason why you would not consider moving me forward during the (hiring) process? * Are there any other folks who will be interviewing me later? * What’s a typical day like? * What stops most employees from being successful? * Are there any more questions you have for me? * Do you see how my past experience translates well for this position? Questions for sales jobs: * Which product line of yours is your lead line? (i.e. the one that everyone should buy) * Which product line should they probably not buy? * How does the travel program work?.