Everyone talks about how to answer the interviewer’s questions, but how do we handle asking them questions? (Responding to the interviewer's question of "So, do you have any questions for us?") What do they want to hear and what questions should and should not be asked during an interview?

Answer:

What you’ll need to do is find information about the company where you are interviewing. This can be done in a variety of ways. The Internet is probably the fastest way to find information. Many companies today have web sites and you can easily look them up (www.hoovers.com is a good source). You can also research companies in publications such as Inc., Fortune, Milwaukee Magazine, The Small Business Times, The Business Journal, Success Magazine, Fast Company, etc. You can also find out some of the basics via Standard & Poor's, Thomas Registry, Dun & Bradstreet, etc.

What to look for:

1. Growth: Where were they? Where are they now? Where do they plan to be in the future? This encompasses a vast array of areas such as: employees (numbers, positions, levels), locations, revenue, and technology.
   
   
2. Direction: What are their product lines? What have they done in the past? Where are they headed for the future? Are they up-to-date on industry trends or behind the times?
   
   
3. Leadership: What do you know about the CEO? The senior management team? Michael Gerber, author of The E-Myth says remember, "the fish stinks at the head." You want good, solid leadership that has the same value system as you. Articles in the above publications may indicate the value tendencies of the company’s leadership team.
   
   
4. Problems: What problems, based on recent articles, has the company had to overcome? What may occur in the future? You want to know this information so you can be their new problem solver. You want to be able to say, "I can solve this for you, because I’ve done X in the past."
   

This research will help you in many ways, not just during the interview. Now that you’ve done some homework, you can base some of your questions off of your research. Remember to bring a portfolio with you, which includes a notebook/legal pad and a pen. Write your questions down, and leave room for the answers. This will help you with writing your thank you note after completing the interview.

Sample Questions:

1. I see your company has had some fast growth. Congratulations! What steps have you been taking to accommodate your growth?
   
   
2. I recently read that your company is heading in a new direction to meet the technology of today. How will my position be affected?
   
   
3. Is my position a new position? If so, where do you see its growth? Its goals? What would be the most immediate achievemnt you’d like to see in this role?
   
   
4. I understand you landed the X account. That’s great! I’ve worked with X in the past. (Or, "We’ve used X in the past.") I can help your team work with X, the liaison.
   
   
5. I was sorry to read about your trouble with X. When this happened in my company, we did X, and it really improved the situation. I’d like to be a part of the solutions team.
   
   
6. Who is your best employee and why?
   

These are just a few of the many questions you’ll be able to develop, based on your research. As for questions never to ask on a first interview: What are the benefits? What’s the salary?

Wait until round two. Or, use an employment agency. They can get salary and benefits information for you prior to the interview.