Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
To gain an advantage, you need to show the interviewer that you can ask the questions as well.
In her book "301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions," Vicky Oliver writes that at the beginning of her career she "learned the hard way to always come prepared with questions."
"A successful job interview is simply a productive conversation. Sometimes, depending on the personality of your future employer, this conversation may seem somewhat one-sided. For these situations you should arrive with an arsenal of questions to ask — just in case."
Here are eight questions you should ask the interviewer to win them over.
Q: What are some of the problems your company faces right now? And what is your department doing to solve them?
Daniel Goodman / Business Insider
Why this works: Asking this type of question gets the "conversation ball" rolling, and your interviewer will surely have an opinion.
Further, their answers will give you insights into their personality and ambitions and will likely lead to other questions.
Q: What type of employee tends to succeed here? What qualities are the most important for doing well and advancing at the firm?
Why this works: This question shows the interviewer that you care about your future at the company, and it will also help you decide if you're a good fit for the position.
"Once the interviewer tells you what she's looking for in a candidate, picture that person in your mind's eye. She or he should look a lot like you."
Q: I noticed that you teach a night class at NYU's School of Continuing Education. How long have you been teaching, and what are some of the things you've learned from the experience?
Why this works: "You brought up the fact that your interviewer is an acknowledged expert in his field before he did."
Q: What are your plans for combating Japanese competition in the full-size-pickup market?
Why this works: Asking this type of question shows you've done your homework on the company.
"Ask questions that are simple, direct, and show that you've done you're homework without a great deal of elaboration. Your interviewer can't fail to be impressed and to take your job candidacy seriously."
Q: Who would I be reporting to? Are those three people on the same team or on different teams? What's the pecking order?
Why this works: "Asking about the internal structure of a company or details about the specific job description can also help you position yourself as the ideal candidate. If you're going to be working for several bosses, it's important to understand the lay of the internal land, also known as the 'pecking order.' If you're going to be managing several people, it's a good idea to try to meet up with them."
Q: I read your CEO's letter to the editor in Business Week. How did his insights about the emerging Hispanic market affect your Hispanic subsidiary? Did it end up winning a lot of new business as a result?
Associated Press
Why this works: Again, this shows you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the company.
Q: How do you handle new business pitches? Who gets involved in generating new business at this company? Is there a team in place, and do they cull employees from different teams depending on the business that your firm is going after?
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Why this works: "Star performers are usually eager to get involved in the new business effort, even if they are not technically on the new business team. When you ask about new business, you're signaling that you're an A player."
Q: I think it's pretty clear that I would love to work for you. So tell me, what are my next steps?
Why this works: "You've tossed out a 'feeler' to your interviewer. If he still has any unresolved questions or nagging concerns about you, he'll tell you."
Be extra prepared ...
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Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/questions-you-should-ask-your-interviewer-2014-5?op=1#ixzz337FLvQZx
