When preparing for an interview, most people focus on how to answer questions correctly. After all, answering a tough question the wrong way could make the difference between landing the job and being runner up. However, asking the right questions during your interview can demonstrate that you’re on the ball, and also can help you make certain you’re prepared for your first day so that you can start your new job on the right foot. Here are a few questions you may want to ask.

1. What are the duties and responsibilities of this job?

Although the job posting may have provided you with a basic idea of the responsibilities of the job, nothing can provide you as complete a description as someone who has actually worked in the company, particularly someone charged with the responsibility of filling the position with a qualified candidate. Asking this question not only demonstrates that you are serious about the job, it also will give you an advantage in discussing your own qualifications, so that you can make certain you don’t leave out important details from your work history that are applicable to the duties of the job.

2. What are the hours of this position?

Again, this question demonstrates that you are serious about the job and are giving great thought to making certain your other activities can be scheduled around the job. It also will help you determine early on if you really want to accept this job. After all, if you are expected to work 60 or more hours a week and that work schedule is not acceptable to you, it’s better to know this ahead of time, rather than accepting an offer and having to leave a position shortly after.

3. What is the dress code in the office?

This question shows great confidence, because it lets the hiring manager know that you already plan on receiving a job offer and beginning work at the company. It also makes certain that you will be appropriately dressed to make the right impression on your first day, when you will be meeting many new coworkers. After all, if the company dress code requires suits and you show up in khakis, this can be detrimental to your relationship with superiors who will immediately brand you as lackadaisical and irresponsible. On the other hand, if the work environment has a casual dress code, you don’t want to be the only one in her best suit.

4. What benefits are available? Is there an incentive or bonus structure?

These questions show that you are forward-thinking and financially savvy. After all, the salary or hourly wage you are offered is only part of the story; a benefits package or the potential for bonuses can make an enormous difference in the monetary value of the compensation you receive from the employer.

5. Is there a formal system of evaluation?

This question shows your interest in doing well and making a good impression. It also puts you in a good position from the first day on the job to make certain that you are addressing the right issues to pass each evaluation with flying colors, and make certain that you keep your job and make yourself eligible for incentives, raises and promotions.

Finally, it’s important to ask about anything you didn’t understand from the job posting or the interview, and make certain that you fully comprehend the position at stake. When the job offer finally comes, you’ll know exactly what you’re being offered—and whether or not you want to accept.



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