An interview generally is, or ideally should be an interactive process. In that case it important to know what are the questions that you, as an interviewee, can ask at an interview? Asking questions is not the prerogative of the interviewer alone. As an interviewee you have the right to ask questions; the trick is to know which ones to ask and when!

Recruiters are not being merely polite when they ask if you have any questions for them. It is in fact another way of screening the candidate, as your questions can also reveal a lot about you. Questions put forward by you show the interest that you have in the company and its industry. It is however an art not to ask too many questions. The best way of preparing your own counter-questions is to think of the following aspects:

1. The Stage of the Interview Process: Every stage cannot elicit the same kind of questions from you. Form the questions depending on the stage of the interview process. If it is the early stage, say at an on-campus recruitment interview, questions should be general and broad-based in nature. This can include the company’s strategies and priorities, career development opportunities, the work culture, etc. At a later stage questions should be more specific in nature, dealing with your job profile and your role in the company, expectations from and of the employer etc.

2. Knowing Yourself: Assess yourself – what is it that you want from a job in terms of responsibilities, career development, designation, work culture and so on. This will help you to identify crucial aspects of the decision-making process, thus making the process more lucid for you. You may want to find out how others in your prospective position have done. If anybody part of your alumni works in the same company try to contact them as they can provide you first hand information.

3. Knowing the Company and the Industry: Before an interview you must research about the company and find out as much as you can. It is not a wise idea to ask the employers basic questions about the company that can be otherwise found out through some research. Also when it comes to the details of the company structure and hierarchy, if you have time and opportunity, it may be worth your while to visit the office once to ensure that the information furnished by the recruiters is indeed correct. You do not want to end up at a place significantly different from what you anticipated.

4. Having a List of Core Questions: Having a general list of few questions that you can ask at every interview is a good idea. These can include questions regarding the company’s strategies and priorities, career development opportunities etc. Beyond that questions will have to address particular points related to the company, based on what you already know about them. Of course during the course of the conversation certain impromptu questions can always spring to mind.

5. Questions That Help You "Self-Leverage": Insightful questions that throw light on your knowledge and attention to detail regarding the industry, the job, its people or culture are impressive to recruiters, as these might show them how you can add value to the company in specific ways. However, do not ask questions just for the heck of it.

To be able to question recruiters you have to be well informed in the first place – not only about yourself, but about the company and industry as well. Remember, employers like confidence in the candidates, so do not be nervous about interacting with them. Sometimes a little boldness is even appreciated. For instance, you can ask them if they have any further queries and concerns about your candidacy. Polite firmness may not only get you the job, but help rise up the ladder as well.

Shilpi Ganguly is a blogger who frequently writes on various topics. Find more of her tips on interview skills.

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