“No, everything’s clear, thanks”

This is the worst answer to give when asked "would you like to ask us some questions?". No one is ever too thorough and no one tells everything in detail.

In some articles it is suggested to ask questions to be noticed or be remembered by the recruiter as an attentive and interested candidate. Part of that is true. Actually, the questions are meant to better understand if that will be the right job for you.

“Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to discover details that you might not have otherwise unveiled.”

Teri Hockett, career strategy consultant.

As a matter of fact, it is very imoprtant to understand and to collect as many information about the company as you can.

Here are 17 questions you could ask (if possible have at least 4 of them ready):

1. Have I answered all your questions?

In fact, this more than a question it is a smart solution to deepen some topics little highlighted during the interview and especially to introduce a real question.

2. What do you think is the ideal candidate in terms of skills?

Strategic question to have a fast feedback of the matching of your skills and those requested. Little more awareness with one simple question.

3.Who will be my first responsibles?

It is important to know how the work is organized on an individual and team level, who are the managers you will need to refer to, whether they will be at your side, abroad or in other locations or if you can rely on a team of staff.

4. What could be the career prospects?

Knowing the perspectives is an information that gives a lot of value to the position; it is also possible to ask to make reference to the current situation of an employee who has started from the same position.

5. What is the corporate culture? Philosophy and history?

This simple question can reveal some values permeated and consolidated within the organization, with their priorities.

6. What do you like most about this company?

Recruiters don’t want to waste time although they love talking about themselves. Ask a personal question could bring you closer and help you get an internal point of view.