Questions To Ask In An Interview

General rule:  Ask questions that show your interest in and understanding of the position and the employer’s mission or product, your potential fit, and your ability to do the job. Questions about salary, benefits, or promotion possibilities should be saved until offers are imminent. Your job is to impress them about what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.

1. Why is this position open?  (Replacement, new job?):
   • If replacement, why did the person leave?  How long were they in the position?
   • If replacement, how long has the position been open?
   • What is the typical tenure of the people who have occupied this position in the past?
2. How would you describe a typical day for the person in this position?
3. To whom does this position report directly?  To whom does he/she report?
4. What are the backgrounds of the people who would be my colleagues?
5. How long have my colleagues been here?
6. How would you describe the working relationships among the staff?
7. What are the top 3 to 5 objectives within the first year for the person hired?
8. What is the biggest challenge facing the person hired?   
9. What type of orientation process would the new person receive?