Good questions to ask the interviewer: Why is this position available? Is this a new position?

How long has this position existed? How many people have held this position in the last two years? Who would be my supervisor? To whom would I report? Whom will I supervise? With whom will I be working most closely? What do you like about working for this company? What are the current plans for expansion or cutbacks? What kind of turnover rate does the company have? How financially sound is this company? What projects and assignments will I be working on? What happened to the person that held this position before? Was he promoted or fired? What is this company's culture? (Ex: Is it rigid and formal or relaxed and flexible?) What are the current problems facing the company (or my department)? What do you like the most about working for this company? The least? What is the philosophy of the company? What do you consider to be the company's strengths and weaknesses? What are the company's long and short term goals? Describe the work environment. What attracted you (the interviewer) to this organization? Why do you enjoy working for this company? Describe the typical responsibilities of the position. What are the most challenging aspects of the position? Describe the opportunities for training and professional development. Will I receive any formal training? What is the company's promotional policy? Are there opportunities for advancement within the organization? When can I expect to hear from you?

One of the best ways to handle this is to present the question + to tell why you are asking this question why is important for you to clarify the issue. For example,

1. Job Challenges You can ask about the job challenges while emphasizing that you like to be motivated by well focused daily work challenges, multi-tasking and even pressure. 2. Career/Professional Development & Promotion Opportunities You can also ask about the company policy regarding professional development and tell the interviewer that you would consider this an important aspect for enhancing your skills and experience. What opportunity is there for career advancement is a good question to ask interviewers as it shows serious approach toward career and motivation. 3. Work Environment and Team members You may ask about your perspective team and the workplace environment/culture, stating that as a team player effective team work is your first priority. 4. The company (and department) long/short term goals and challenges Other questions can be asked to high level managers about the company goals, competition, the industry challenges etc., showing an interest in the company and its vision.

What are the company's strengths and weaknesses compared to its competition? How important does upper management consider the function of this department/position? What is the organization's plan for the next five years, and how does this department fit in? Could you explain your organizational structure? How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured? By whom? What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job? Could you describe your company's management style and the type of employee who fits well with it? What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job? What is the company's policy on providing seminars, workshops, and training so employees can keep up their skills or acquire new ones? What particular computer equipment and software do you use? What kind of work can I expect to be doing the first year? What percentage of routine, detailed work will I encounter? How much opportunity is there to see the end result of my efforts? Who will review my performance? How often? How much guidance or assistance is made available to individuals in developing career goals?

 How much opportunity will I have for decision-making in my first assignment? Can you describe an ideal employee? What is your organization's policy on transfers to other cities?