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Hiring managers usually give a few minutes at the end of an interview for potential employees to ask any questions you may have regarding the position you are applying for.  Most often, the person being interviewed is so anxious to get out of the room, their response is, “No. I think you answered all my questions.”  By not taking the opportunity to ask questions, a person is missing the opportunity to find out more information about the company to see if it is the right fit for them.  They are also losing out on a chance to make the interview more memorable in the hiring manager’s mind.

Below are a few questions you may want to consider asking at the end of an interview

1.  What happened to the person previously in this position? Or is this a new position for the company?
You will want to know if there were any previous problems or potential with this position.  For instance, it may be helpful to know if the previous employee was terminated or promoted

2.  Why did you choose to work here? Why do you continue to work here?
This is your opportunity to get the inside scoop on what it is like to work for this company.  This also provides the opportunity for the interviewer to stop thinking as a “hiring manager” and think on a personal level.

3.  What is the first task that the person you hire must focus on?
Setting expectations right from the beginning is a great way to make sure that you and the manager are on the same page.  Showing up for your first day of work and becoming overwhelmed with a stack of projects is not how you want to start your new job.

4.  What can you tell me about my supervisor?
This may be your dream job but if your personality clashes with your manager’s style of supervising than your job will be anything but dreamy.

5.  What are the company’s five-year sales/profit projections?
Hopefully you have already completed your research on the company and know the answer to this.  However, it is always good to get an insider’s insights.  In addition, you are indirectly showing that you have done your homework and are serious about a future with the company.

6.  What is the next step?
This is the most important question to ask at the end of the interview. You need to know what happens after this point. If you feel comfortable, take the lead and set the plan for a follow-up.  Make sure that you have the interviewer’s direct phone number and the best time to call.  Also ask for a business card.  This will be helpful in sending your follow up thank you note.