10 Questions to Ask in Your Next Interview

Ask a few of these gems and blow past the competition.

CON: You Could Miss Out on a Valuable Experience - Many employers value hands-on work experience and proven success more than multiple degrees. Continuing school, especially if you go directly from undergrad, rather than working in your field first, can make you an expensive entry-level worker if you haven’t actually worked. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Getty Images)

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Ask Away - You’re up for a new job, and you’ve practiced responses for all the standard interview questions you know will come up, like: “What’s your biggest weakness?” and “Where do you see yourself in five years?” But what about the questions you need to ask? This time, when the interviewer asks if you have any queries, ask a few of the gems below and blow past the competition. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel What does a typical day or week in this position look like? A job description is great, but it doesn’t say if you’ll be expected to juggle five major tasks each day, or just how much time you’re expected to travel for client meetings. The answer can reveal major info that will be key to managing your time in the position. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Getty Images)

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What attributes do I need to be successful in this position? - This question moves you beyond the relevant skillset (i.e.: can write a press release, or has management experience) and into the land of intangible qualifications. Is the hiring manager looking for an employee who can handle difficult personalities? Someone who would rather skip her own birthday than miss a deadline? Now’s the time to find out. (Photo: Apostrophe Productions/Getty Images)

What are the crucial things you’d like to see accomplished in the first 30 and 60 days on the job? - It’s hard to meet expectations if you don’t know what they are. Find out if you’re expected to pull in a new account your first week, or if they’re more concerned with you learning everyone’s names. (Photo: blackred/Getty Images)

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What are the crucial things you’d like to see accomplished in the first 30 and 60 days on the job? - It’s hard to meet expectations if you don’t know what they are. Find out if you’re expected to pull in a new account your first week, or if they’re more concerned with you learning everyone’s names. (Photo: blackred/Getty Images)

What are some challenges that will face the person who fills this position? - Perhaps the company is in the middle of a lawsuit that will make it hard for you to fundraise for the philanthropic foundation, or the big boss used to work in your department and will likely scrutinize your work a bit more than most. What you uncover here could make you reconsider if you even want the job! (Photo: Getty Images)

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What are some challenges that will face the person who fills this position? - Perhaps the company is in the middle of a lawsuit that will make it hard for you to fundraise for the philanthropic foundation, or the big boss used to work in your department and will likely scrutinize your work a bit more than most. What you uncover here could make you reconsider if you even want the job! (Photo: Getty Images)

Back to School? - Half your friends have enrolled in grad school, and now you’re wondering if you should return to the classroom. But is another degree the key to advancing your career? Here, the pros and cons of going back to school. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel  (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Getty Images)

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Are there opportunities for advancement or professional development? - This lets your interviewer know that you’re both upwardly mobile and interested in staying with the company for the long haul. And if you can get company-sponsored professional development — whether via gratis industry organization memberships, occasional skill-refresher courses, or tuition reimbursement for a master’s degree program — you’ll gain skills you can use there and at your next gig. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Getty Images)

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What metrics will be used to evaluate performance? - This is key, as it will let you know how you’ll be judged. What if you think they want you to double the client roster, but they really want you to focus on growing existing relationships? The day of your annual review is much too late to discover what hurdles you’re expected to clear. Find out now. (Photo: Michael DeLeon/Getty Images)

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What metrics will be used to evaluate performance? - This is key, as it will let you know how you’ll be judged. What if you think they want you to double the client roster, but they really want you to focus on growing existing relationships? The day of your annual review is much too late to discover what hurdles you’re expected to clear. Find out now. (Photo: Michael DeLeon/Getty Images)

3. You Think About Them During Your Most Busy State - The surefire way to know that you've found the one is when you just want to talk to them even when you're at your busiest. We wouldn't suggest calling them while on the job, though. (Photo: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images)

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What do you like most about working here? - This question lets you see the company through an insider’s eyes, without getting too personal. You might find out that the cafeteria is amazing, that they offer a free shuttle to the train station, or that the boss frowns on working late. (Hey, it could happen!) (Photo: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images)

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How does this team support the company’s current big-picture goals? - This question not only shows that you view the job holistically rather than just as your personal paycheck, but that you’re interested in how your department moves the entire business forward. In short, it shows that you are a team player, and every manager wants someone who considers the big picture. (Photo: Troels Graugaard/Getty Images)

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Make Nice With Your Boss - Y’all don’t need to be besties, but setting a regular time to meet semi-casually is a solid way to invest in your relationship. A standing monthly lunch is a great place to start.  (Photo: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images)

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Is the work environment primarily collaborative or independent? - It’s important to find out about the department’s work style. If you prefer to put on your headphones and handle your business, you might not enjoy — or thrive in — a company where you’re expected to meet with your team for two hours every afternoon to brainstorm. (Photo: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images)

Close Strong - Closed mouths don’t get fed, so don’t let all your excellent flirting techniques go to waste. While it would probably be ideal for him to ask you out then and there, if you’re genuinely interested and he’s been reciprocating your signals, don’t be afraid to ask for his number. Or put yours in his phone and make it clear that you’d like to get together soon. Either way, don’t walk away without encouraging next steps. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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What are the next steps? - This is the one question everyone always remembers to ask — 10 minutes after they leave the interview. Find out if there will be subsequent rounds of candidate meetings and by when they hope to fill the position. You’ll save yourself a ton of worry if you know they won’t be calling about their final decision until after Donna in HR returns from her maternity leave at the end of the month! (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)