So, you’re at the end of your interview. It’s gone well. Finally, the interviewer asks that concluding question of all concluding questions:

“Do you have any questions for me?”

Here are some suggestions you may want to ask (and, here’s a hint, none of them have to do with vacations, pay rates, benefits, etc.):

How long has this position been open? This question is a good one because it gives you lots of information. For example, if you find the position has been open for three months or more, you can follow up by stating that since it’s obvious the company is taking its time, what have previous candidates lacked that the company is seeking? This allows you to find out exactly what skills, background or other qualifications the company seeks.

Plans for a merger, layoffs or outsourcing? It’s always wise to ask about the direction a company is taking before signing on, especially if you’re currently employed. Even the most successful companies can lay off employees to keep costs down.

How do my background, skills, etc. match up with the opening? Asking this question can do two things. First, if you’re a good fit and you’ve interviewed well, the hiring manager can say so. He or she also may offer you the position but, if not, you’ll at least know the hiring manager thinks you’re qualified for it. Second, the hiring manager may say he’s hoping for someone with such and such a background, or she may say she’s looking for someone with a specific skill. If this is the case, you can counter with “it’s true that I don’t have such and such, but I do have this, that and the other.” Don’t be shy about reiterating all of the skills, education, etc. you bring to the table.

How would you describe the culture here? Asking an open-ended question such as this allows your interviewer to describe his or her company in his or her own words. Listen carefully; you can get a lot of good information. If you discover that the company is pretty much a “by the book” kind of place and you’re more of an “act and apologize, if necessary, later” type of worker, the company may not be a good fit for you.

If there were just one thing you could change about the company, what would it be? Again, this question can give you a ton of great information about how well your work style and personality will “fit” in the company.

A great question you can ask is basically “What are your next steps regarding filling this position?” Your interviewer will then tell you that he or she is just starting the interview process, that you’re the final candidate and that he or she will be making a final decision that afternoon, that the final three candidates will be called in next week, etc.

Finally, as you get up to leave, if you really want the job, stand up, shake the interviewer’s hand, look him or her in the eye and say something like “Ms. Jones, I enjoyed speaking with you. I feel I’m a good fit for the position and I hope you’ll choose me for it.”

That’s right, the best question you can ask, is to ask for the job.

If you’re looking for a great new job for 2011, contact StaffEx. We have relationships with many of Tampa’s best companies and we can help you find a new position quickly. Contact us today.