A lot of folks wonder what is the right answer to "Do you have any Questions?" Question during an Interview. Monster has this interesting article on 6 Must Ask Interview Questions. Here is Monster's list:
- What happened to the person who previously did this job? (If a new position: How has this job been performed in the past?)
- Why did you choose to work here? What keeps you here?
- What is the first problem the person you hire must attend to?
- What can you tell me about the individual to whom I would report?
- What are the company's five-year sales and profit projections?
- What's our next step?
In addition to these useful questions it is important to see (a) how you want to position yourself as a potential hire and (b) what is important to you in a new job. For example think about the following questions:
Q1) In the coming year which initiatives are key to the company's success?
The answer to this question can help you understand the expected involvement you can have to important initiative(s) in the company. It will help you have a sense of what impact you can potentially have in the organization.
Q2) What kind of culture can I expect in the company -- in terms of career development, compensation philosophy, management philosophy etc.?
The answer to this question can tell you whether you will fit-into the organization easily. If you are looking for the possiblity to try different functions in the organization and its not encouraged you might want to review your plan to join the company.
Q3) What is the most common Product Development Process used?
In several product companies different teams use different processes. While in most services companies there are standard processes that are *holy* and can't be changed. The answer to this question will help you gauge your learning needs and whether the immediate expected results from you in a new job would be realistic.
As a general guideline it is important during the interview process to ask questions which would help you understand if your chances for success/making an impact at the new job are high and also to find out whether you will fit well in the new company. (If there are other questions you have found useful during interviews please do share.)
