Coming Back With Creative Questions at the End of an Interview

As a recruiter, I am always impressed by candidatesWhen do you expect to make a decision?
who have questions of their own to ask-and IDo you have any reason why you would not consider
consistently receive feedback from hiring managers allmoving me forward during the (hiring) process?
over the country who feel the same way. TheAre there any other folks who will be interviewing me
candidate who's asked, "So, do you have anylater?
questions?" at the end of the interview better come upWhat's a typical day like?
with something. One who answers, "No, I don't thinkWhat stops most employees from being successful?
so," is going to get a big negative mark against them inAre there any more questions you have for me?
the hiring decision.Do you see how my past experience translates well
Companies want candidates who have critical thinkingfor this position?
skills, as well as candidates who are knowledgeableQuestions for sales jobs:
and interested in the job. The questions you askWhich product line of yours is your lead line? (i.e. the
demonstrate these things. Not having questions of yourone that everyone should buy)
own to ask sets you up as a candidate who's passive,Which product line should they probably not buy?
won't work very hard, and isn't all that interested in theHow does the travel program work?
job-even if you are.The more research you do on the company and the
General Questions:job before your interview, the easier it will be to come
What you are looking for in a candidate?up with questions to ask. Naturally, your questions will
What qualities did the last person you hired have?be more detailed and they will show that you have
Why is this position open?done your homework, and that's a very impressive
What was it that you think kept that person fromquality in a candidate. You'll come across as a hard
being successful?worker who's also creative, insightful, and engaged.
What are the tasks in this job that will make someoneThe questions you ask will allow you to "get inside the
in this position successful?hiring manager's head," so that you can tell what
How do I rank among the other candidates?they're really looking for, and what they want to hear,
Can you tell me about the company's culture/missionso that you'll have a more successful interview.
philosophy?Your questions also do the critical job of uncovering
What do you like best about working for thisany issues the hiring manager might have with you, so
company?that you can correct any problems before you leave.
What are the next steps?