Do you have any questions?

Do You Have any Questions?
by Carole Martin
Monster Contributing Writer
Surprisingly, the most common answer to this question is "no." Not only is this the
wrong answer, but it's also a missed opportunity to find out information about the
company. It is important for you to ask questions -- not just any questions, but those
relating to the job, the company and the industry.
Consider this: Two candidates are interviewing for an inside sales position.
Henry asks, "I was wondering about benefits, and when they would become effective? Also,
what is the yearly vacation allowance? And, does the company match on the 401K plan?"
Assuming this is the first interview, it is premature to ask about benefits. "What's in it for
me?" questions can be interpreted as self-centered and a sign of your lack of interest in the
job.
The next candidate, Chris, says, "No, I think you just about covered everything I wanted to
know. I'm sure I'll have more questions if I get the job."
This is a very passive response that doesn't demonstrate interest or imagination. Once you get
the job -- if you get it -- may be too late to ask questions.
It is important to ask questions to learn about the company and the job's challenges. In some
cases, the interviewer will be listening for the types of questions you ask. The best questions
will come as a result of your listening to what is asked during the interview.
A good response to the interviewer asking, "Do you have any questions?" would be: "Yes, I
do. From what you've been asking during the interview, it sounds like you have a problem
with customer retention. Can you tell me a little more about the current situation, and what
the first challenges would be for the new person?"
This answer shows interest in what the problem is and how you could be the possible solution.
It is also an opportunity to get a sense of what will be expected.