When you are sitting for a job interview, the world beyond your interviewer’s cabin is as unknown to you as you are to the interviewer. Yet, the interviewer gets to ask all the right questions to dig out all the information about you! And at the end of it all, when he does ask you to ‘ask something’, you just can’t think of anything except… maybe… ‘when do I expect a call from you?’

The interview being a two way interaction should always have scope for you to find out information about the company you might be joining. Therefore, while preparing yourself for a job interview give yourself some time to realise all those things that you want to know about the company. Then, prepare a list of questions and clarifications that you seek and go through them at least twice before you leave for the big thing.

While jotting down the list of queries, think about the company first. What is it that you must know about the company? Remember not to ask obvious questions or those that can be clarified by ding a little research on its website or company publications, or you might end up leaving a bad impression on the interviewer!

Then, think about your current work experiences and how they relate to this new company. You might discover numerous things that you wish to know about your job profile and the powers and responsibilities that you will be given in your new job.

Chances are that the interviewer may answer most of these questions without your asking, during the course of your interview. Yet, there might want to know a little more…

Here is a list of questions that may help you clear out things in your mind before joining the new company:

• What is the history of your company (if you haven’t read about it on the company website or wish to know more in that direction)? This will you access the future of the company and your growth potential.

• What is the company culture like?

• What kind of clients will you be working with?

• If the company is in media for some reason, you may ask the company’s stand on the issue. This will also help you discuss your point of view and reason out things on the situation. Such questions require a lot of homework to be done, so be well read and well-prepared! Remember, you can only give your best to your job, and thus you career, if you have full confidence on your company!

Although, (if it is not already stated) the most important question that will be thrust through your mind will be ‘how much are they paying me and what all benefits will I get’ don’t ask such a question, even with the politest choice of words. It gives them an impression that you work only for money (… though that may be absolutely true!); rather than for your passion for the profession. Such things can be negotiated later, once they’ve made you the offer! As for now, win him over with not just your answers, but questions too!