IT'S YOUR TURN: WHAT TO ASK AN INTERVIEWER

The interviewer asks you, "Do you have any questions for me?"

You say ... "Yes!"

This is the easiest interview question out there. Always say yes.

Asking questions shows that you're interested in the job. It also gives you a chance to show how knowledgeable you are about the position and the industry. Most important, it lets you highlight why you're the perfect candidate. You have to choose your questions carefully, though, depending on who's doing the interviewing. An excellent question for a recruiter might be inappropriate for an executive. And you don't want to ask your potential boss something that's best suited for a future coworker.

Also, there are certain questions you should never ask early in the interview process -- no matter whom you're meeting. Don't ask about salary, vacation, 401(k) or anything else that might make you seem more interested in the compensation than the company.

This article shares questions appropriate for every type of interviewer.

The Recruiter: The 'Big Picture' Person

It's the recruiter's job to identify strong candidates and guide them through the hiring process. Think of the recruiter as the "big picture" person. They can give you an overview of the company and the department as a whole. (Save very specific questions about the job for the hiring manager.) The recruiter is also the best person to answer questions about the hiring process.

Some questions to ask the recruiter:

• How would you describe the company culture?
• What type of employees tend to excel at this company?
• Can you tell me more about the interview process?

The Hiring Manager: Your Future Boss

The hiring manager will likely supervise you if you get the job.

They're the most knowledgeable people about the position and its requirements. You should direct specific questions about the job, its responsibilities and its challenges to them. You may also want to ask what kind of candidate they're seeking.

Some questions to ask the hiring manager:

• What are the most important skills for the job?
• How would you describe your ideal candidate?
• What's a common career path at the company for someone in this role?

The Executive: The Industry Expert

Senior managers and executives are likely to be most knowledgeable about the latest happenings in their industry. If you'll be working closely with an executive, you can ask them some specifics about the job. But you should focus most of your questions on the future of the company and the industry. This is your chance to show off your industry knowledge!

Some questions to ask a senior manager or executive:

• How do you think this industry will change in the next five years?
• What do you think gives this company an edge over its competitors?
• What's the company's biggest challenge? How is it planning to meet that challenge?

The Coworker: The Straight-Talker

Some interviews will also include a meeting with a potential coworker -- the interviewer most likely to "tell it how it is." A potential colleague may be most candid about the job, its challenges and the work environment. However, don't expect inside information --and certainly don't ask for it.

Some questions to ask a potential coworker:

• What's a typical day like in the department?
• How would you describe the work environment at the company?
• What's the most enjoyable part of your job? What's the most challenging part?

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FOUR QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL MANAGER

Happiness on the job sometimes comes down to one person: Your manager.

Your manager can matter more than money, title or benefits. People don't always quit jobs, they sometimes quit bosses. Many workers leave a position because they're unhappy with their bosses.

On the other hand, if you genuinely like and respect your boss, your job can be rewarding, fulfilling and even fun. But how can you ensure that you and your potential boss will get along?

While there are no guarantees, you can often recognize a boss who's right for you -- if you ask the right questions.

The Ideal Employee Do you want to know what your potential manager will expect from you? Ask her, "What's your ideal employee like?" If her ideal employee works long hours on a regular basis, expect to do the same. If her ideal employee is someone who never questions procedure, don't plan to arrive and immediately implement new ideas.

If her ideal employee works independently, rest assured that you won't be micro-managed.

You're likely to be happier on the job if you and your potential manager have similar working styles. After all, everyone deserves a manager who thinks that they're the ideal employee.

The Skinny on the Staff

You can tell a lot about your potential manager from his staff.

Ask him, "Can you tell me about the people I'd be working with? How long have you worked with them?"

Pay attention to how well your potential boss seems to know his staff. Can he list their individual accomplishments? Is he proud of them?

Note his tone and energy when he talks about his team. Does he sound upbeat and positive? Or is there a hint of frustration or disappointment in his voice?

Also note how long his staff has worked with him. High turnover can be a red flag, and happy employees are more likely to stay put.

Results and Rewards

Do you want to excel on the job? If so, then you need to know how a potential manager defines excellence.

Ask her, "How do you measure success on the job?"

You may be accountable to complete projects to deadline and under budget. Or perhaps you'll need to reach a certain benchmark in your performance, for example a dollar value in revenue or a percentage of satisfied customers.

You should also ask about the typical career path for an employee who successfully meets his goals. After all, you want to work for a manager who recognizes and rewards excellence.

A Problem Solved

Sooner or later, a problem will arise. And you need to know how a potential manager will handle it.

Ask him, "What's your approach to solving problems?"

Knowing how a potential manager solves problems can give you insight into his management style.

Does he prefer to take charge and make a decision independently?

Does he delegate the decision to a staff member? Or does he favor a more collaborative style of problem solving?

Finally, keep in mind that a potential boss' overall attitude toward answering questions can be very telling about his management style. If he's open to questions and answers thoughtfully, he's likely also open to exploring and improving his working relationships. And that's one quality that makes for a great manager.

By Caroline Levchuck

MINOR MATTERS THAT MAKE YOUR INTERVIEW

Preparing for an interview can be stressful -- and time-consuming. You can spend days researching a company, brainstorming answers to "trick" questions and preparing your portfolio.

With so much to do, it's easy to forget the practical details that can distinguish a successful interview from a tragic one.

This article focuses on the minor matters that job seekers often overlook before they sit down in the interview hot seat.

Getting Your Interview Gear Ready

Lay out your clothing in advance. You don't want to be frantically searching for a missing sock or clean shirt on the day of the interview.

Make sure your outfit is clean and neatly pressed and take care of other time-consuming chores (polishing your shoes, trimming your nails) the day before the interview if possible.

Also, gather all the other important materials you'll need for the interview in one place, where you will be sure not to forget them. You might include copies of your resume, references and directions.

Just Call Me "Dragon Breath"

Your parents were right: You don't do as well on an empty stomach.

Make sure you eat before the interview. You don't need to have a huge meal. In fact, a heavy meal or one loaded with carbs can make you feel sluggish and lethargic. But a light meal or snack will ensure that your stomach doesn't start rumbling loudly just as you're about to discuss your most brilliant accomplishment.

If your interview isn't until later in the day, steer clear of stinky bards, such as onions and garlic.

Whatever you plan to eat before the interview should be followed by some mouthwash and a good brushing.

Have Interview, Will Travel

The day of the big interview is not the time to try out a new shortcut or investigate an unfamiliar area.

Make sure you know how to get to your interview in advance. Make a practice run the day before if necessary.

Also, find out exactly where you'll need to go when you arrive at the company.

If you're lucky, you'll walk through the front door and find the receptionist waiting. If you're not so lucky, you'll need to find your way to Lot 8, Building 9, Floor 10, Suite D, Room 125 -- so be sure you know how to get there.

Eyes and Ears Are Everywhere

When it comes to interviewing, a little paranoia can be a good thing.

Your interview starts in the parking lot, so be conscious of your surroundings. Any onlooker could be one of your interviewers. Act accordingly.

Be courteous and professional to everyone you meet, from the security guard to the receptionist. If you make small talk with strangers, be positive and pleasant. This isn't the time to complain about the "funny smell in the lobby" or a long wait for an elevator.

Lastly, turn off your cell phone.

By Erin Hovanec

HOW TO ANSWER THE TOUGHEST INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

You know they're coming: Those seemingly unanswerable questions that pop up during job interviews.

You can't clam up. And you don't want to stutter and stammer. So what's a job seeker to do?

The 'Future' Question

Otherwise known as the "big picture" question, the future question goes something like this: "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

The best tactic: Talk about your values.

Don't get too detailed about your specific career plan. Instead, discuss things that are important to you professionally and how you plan to achieve them. If growth is a goal, mention that. You can also talk about challenge, another value that employers prize in their employees.

The 'Salary' Question

Most people will tell you that whoever answers this question first loses. But that's not necessarily true.

When an interviewer asks your salary requirement, try first to gently deflect the question by inquiring about the salary for the position.

If the interviewer presses you for a number, give a range. To decide on a range, think about the salary you want, your salary at your most recent position and the industry-standard salary for the job.

The bottom line: The salary question is one of the most important, so you should prepare for it in advance and plan what to say.

The 'Why' Question

There's a fine line between boastful and confident. And you need to learn it.

When an interviewer asks you why they should hire you, you're going to have speak confidently and honestly about your abilities. But you should avoid sounding overly boastful.

Aim for earnest and prepare by practicing. That's right: Stand in front of the mirror and acknowledge your abilities and accomplishments to your reflection. Tell yourself: I have a very strong work ethic. I have integrity. I have excellent industry contacts. I aggressively pursue my goals.

It's sometimes hard to praise yourself, but after a few sessions you'll sound sincere.

The Seemingly Silly Question

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? What if you were a car? Or an animal?

These type of questions can bring your interview to a screeching halt.

First, don't panic. Pause and take a deep breath. Then remind yourself that there's no "right" answer to these questions. The job isn't hinging on whether you choose to be a spruce versus an oak.

Interviewers usually ask these questions to see how you react under pressure and how well you handle the unexpected. It's not so important what type of tree (or car, or animal) you choose as that you explain your choice in a way that makes you look favorable.

So, be a spruce -- because you want to reach new heights in your career. Or be an oak -- because you plan to put down roots at the company. Either way, you'll get it right.

By Caroline Levchuck, for Yahoo Hot Jobs.