Except when the employer has not got a clue what they are doing, all employers ask all candidates one key question: "Do you have any questions for me?" Answer in the negative and the employer will know you have no real interest in the job, and your candidacy is over. Here are 10 interview questions that candidates can ask, positive and negative, that will help the employer know if a candidate is worthy of further consideration: 1. "What do you do, exactly?" The absolutely favorite question for employers. They love this one. It’s perfect. The candidate has clearly informed the employer that they are lazy, do not know how to prepare for an interview, will not know how to prepare for a business appointment, and should not be considered for the job. 2. "How may personal, sick, and vacation days will I get?" The candidate is interested in not working. The employer is interested in hiring a worker. No need to continue with this candidate. 3. "Why is the position vacant?" On the face of it, not a bad question. But it can appear to be gossipy. It might be held against you. There’s a better way to ask: 4. "What did the previous holder of the position do that you would like to see continued and what would you like to see done differently?" No gossip and you are focusing on the employer’s wants and needs. 5. If it’s a new position, "What budget has been allocated?" An employer will like this question because it shows that the candidate understands that without a proper budget the position may be experimental in nature. Candidates should avoid accepting positions that have not be thought out by the employer. Odds are, they’ll be unemployed within a few months. 6. "What is your employee turnover rate?" As with question number 4, this question shows that the candidate is diplomatic. You can’t very well ask, "Is this a nice place to work?" What are they going to say, "No?" If the turnover rate is low, odds are it’s a good place to work. 7. "How long does the average employee stay?" Same logic as the previous question. If they stay five or more years, you should be alright. 8. "Do you promote from within?" If it is small place, with little growth opportunity, this question will tell the employer that the candidate does not understand the nature of the company. But, if it’s larger, the employer will know that the candidate is looking for a career and not just a job. 9. "Why do you like working here?" Everyone likes talking about themselves. 10. "What type of person succeeds here?" This shows that the candidate wants to fit in and wants to make certain they will. And here’s a freebee: My favorite interview question, which should be asked even before the interview begins is, "How can I make your life easier?" That’s the best way for the candidate to show that their focus is on the employer and not themselves. And that’s how you get a job offer! Photo Credit: Shutterstock
