Asking Questions
Most one-on-one interviews today are very conversational in manner and reflect a need for both sides to have a better understanding of both the hiring process and the job.

Key questions should deal with both big- and small-picture issues, where the company expects to be in a few years, to the role you will play in helping it get there.

It is very important that the questions genuinely express your need to obtain an answer and are not being asked simply for the sake of appearing interested or intelligent.

Although the best time to formulate your questions is when you are doing your homework on the company, you will need to pay close attention during the interview to guide you in formulating other questions on the spot.

Many candidates like to take notes of their own during an interview. Although there is nothing wrong with that, generally, it should not be the candidate's focus to the exclusion of getting his or her own best points across during the interview.

Here are a few examples of some of the topics you might want to ask about:

• The interviewer's own history with the company - how long he or she has been there and the various jobs he or she might have held.
  
  
• The highest priority tasks that need to be accomplished.
  
  
• What immediate goals need to be met.
  
  
• What challenges face this position.
  
  
• Why the position is open.
  
  
• What mix of skill sets are needed to be successful in the position.
  
  
• The company's long-range plans for growth, market share, acquisition, etc.
  
  
• How your interviewer sees you fitting into the company.
  
  
• If there is anything in your background, experience, education or other factors of your qualifications that need to be clarified.
  
  
• What the next step is. (Or, "Where do we go from here?") There is nothing wrong with chasing a job you are interested in. For example: "I'm very interested in this opportunity. What is the next step?"