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Should you ask questions during and at the end of an interview? Yes, of course. Questioning is an indication that you have been listening and also forms part of participation.

It is a good idea to formulate a list of questions you wish to ask during or at the end of an interview during your interview preparation. Take some time to think of these, as not only do they give you more information regarding the position you are being interviewed for, but also show the interviewer more about you. It is perfectly acceptable to have these questions written down and refer to your notes during the interview.

The questions that you prepare in advance can also show that you have done some research regarding the company that is your prospective employer. Again, this is a positive point from the viewpoint of the interviewer. You may want to ask about products, market share and even focus upon a case study, putting this as a question.

Other previously prepared questions can contain information you need prior to acceptance of this position if it is offered, such as salary, benefits and career prospects. It may be that these areas are covered during the interview and if this is the case, you can mentally tick these questions off as already asked; but by having such subjects ready as questions you will make sure you find out all you need to know.

In addition to your prepared questions, be ready to ask impromptu questions during the interview itself. These questions can be requests for clarification or to develop areas of the conversation so that you can show your skills in such areas. Questioning in this manner shows the interviewer that you have a good grasp of what has been said so far during the interview and that you have good listening skills.

In most cases your questions should be 'open' ones, using key words such as how, what, when and other similar words that cannot be answered with a 'yes' or a 'no.' This method will provide you with the most information and will help avoid multiple questions on the same subject. While on the subject of multiple questions, keep each question focused and tight; do not ask more than one question at a time or there is a likelihood that one or more questions will not be answered.

Be comfortable with your questioning; the interviewer will be expecting them and will even give you an opportunity, generally at the end of the interview for you to ask as many questions as you need.

The questions you should ask need to cover any gaps in information regarding the position available that occur during the interview, and anything you need to know that will help you decide if this is the job that you want.

Learn more about this author, Mike Mccarthy.
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