You probably know that you should not ask what the salary is and if you are going the get the job. But do you know that by asking some good questions, you can present yourself as a well-prepared candidate, and also gain valuable information that will help you answer some future questions?

Prepare questions in several categories and ask them early-- and throughout-- the interview. That way, you will find out valuable information as you go. You will be able to tailor your responses and illustrate examples that fit the job.

• Questions about the job
• Questions about the company
• Questions about the manager and coworkers
• Questions about the customer (internal and/or external)

The Job

• How would you define success in this position after six months? (You may hit a hot button that will give you more free information that you can use to sell yourself.)

• What are the most important skills and abilities that a person would need in this job to be successful? (If you possess any of these skills, be ready with examples to prove it.)

• What is the toughest challenge in this position, in your opinion? (Listen closely for the downsides. If you have strengths that will overcome these obstacles, be ready to illustrate how you’ve used them to your advantage in the past.)

• What happened to the person who had this job before? (If the person was promoted, or fired, ask why.)

The Company

Check out the company online and prepare some specific questions:

• I see that you have recently merged with ACME. How will this affect your department?

• I noticed that the company sells widgets in South America. I speak Spanish. Would that be something that I could use in this job? (Ask questions that position you to sell yourself.)

• How would you describe your corporate culture?

The Manager and Coworkers

• How would you describe your management style?

• What are your pet peeves?

• How would you describe the coworkers this person would work with? Did anyone on the team apply for the job? Are there any problems on the team?

Internal/External Customers

• Which departments will this person have the most interaction with?

• Are there any issues between departments that you would like this person to work on?

• (If you are a final candidate) Will I have an opportunity to talk with someone who does this job/or someone with whom this person interacts?

[From an article by Joan Lloyd

Joan Lloyd has a solid track record of excellent results. Her firm, Joan Lloyd & Associates, specializes in leadership development, organizational change and teambuilding. This includes executive coaching, 360-degree feedback processes, customized leadership training, conflict resolution between teams or individuals, internal consulting skills training for HR professionals and retreat facilitation. Clients report results such as: behavior change in leaders, improved team performance and a more committed workforce.

Joan Lloyd has earned her C.S.P. (certified speaking professional) designation from the National Speakers Association and speaks to corporate audiences, as well as trade & professional associations across the country. Reach her at (800) 348-1944, mailto:info@joanlloyd.com, or www.JoanLloyd.com]