Turn the Tables: 10 Job Interview Questions You Should Ask | Inc.com

Anyone who's ever gone on a job interview can probably attest to the anxiety of being put on the spot as you attempt to sell yourself to a panel of would-be bosses. Preparing as best you can for the questions you will be asked is a must. As well-spoken and knowledgeable as you surely are, you need to give yourself an edge over the competition and show the company gatekeeper that you have what it takes to thrive as an asset in the organization.

Read on to find out how you can turn the tables on your interviewers and demonstrate your drive and dedication by asking some well-crafted questions of your own.

When?

In most interviews, there comes a time at the end when the interviewer will say, "Those are all the questions I have for you. Do you have any questions for me?" Now, if the interview has gone reasonably well up to this point, the temptation may arise to decline and scuttle out for fear of sabotaging your efforts with an irrelevant or bold question. While it's certainly possible to ask the wrong question in an interview, chances are good that your interviewer is welcoming questions from you in an attempt to measure your interest and commitment as it applies to this position.

How and What

The best questions are open-ended, meaning they allow for a full explanation, rather than a simple yes or no. Here are 10 job interview questions you should ask to show your interviewer that you're in it to win it:

1. How does management measure success here?

2. What are the company's biggest challenges regarding day-to-day operations?

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3. What are the top three ways someone in this position can best benefit the company?

4. How would you describe the culture here?

5. How did this position become vacant?

6. Are there any unspoken expectations for this position?

7. What are some of the shortcomings of this department?

8. How would you describe optimal performance in this department?

9. Can you tell me some of the reasons you love working here?

10. Can you tell me where you see the company in 10 years?

This list is a great place to start in preparing for your next interview, but remember, it's always a good idea to tailor your questions as much as possible to the company and position you're interviewing for. For example, if the job posting mentions that this is a new position that has just been created, you may not want to ask how it became vacant. Some due diligence and extra effort on your part will go a long way to help you land that job.