The 10 Best Questions to Ask at a Job Interview

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I agree that questions 1 & 2 are the best typical questions to ask as the "reviewee" but if you were to continue asking questions 3-10, and leave your comfort zone, you will find yourself better prepared. Better prepared as the interview goes on, better prepared for making a decision to accept or decline a job offer, and even better prepared for interviews with other companies.
As tough as it can be when money is in short supply, you should try your hardest to avoid applying for jobs to simply gain income. It is a poor career move and a sure step backwards. Step out of your comfort zone and embrace these tips and others you might find. If you fail at one interview, you must learn from that, and improve your interview skills.
These questions are not negative, they are just honest. I feel that Theresa's (Theresa McCausland of CA) reservations stem from a fear of an honest answer. An answer that might not lead to obtaining the job. All of these questions give you an idea of how well you would fit the position (interviewers point of view), and how well position suits you (interview-e). There is honestly no harm in this approach. If the interviewer is troubled by you asking how your predecessor performed then it might be safe to say this company has trust, or other, issues.

Andrew of NJ 2:27PM March 28, 2011

In any interview, the questions you ask are tailored to the position and your own understanding of the situation. Many questions in this are appropriate for almost all interviews. Questions 1, 2, (3 and 4 are just spinoffs of number 2) 6, and 7 are always appropriate.
Question #9 is also a really good one as it at least suggests that you are not desperate and will take anything offered to you. Hence, you are not BS'ing your way into something that is over your head. This one is especially important if you are already gainfully employed and are liked at your current position but applied for this job as a form of career advancement. This lets the interviewer(s) know that you aren't afraid to turn down the job if it doesn't meet your own requirements.

Allen of ND 3:49PM September 03, 2010

Out of the ten questions I may recommend only the first two. I believe that with all of the challenges a job seeker has in this economy, they would need to make a job interview a positive experience. Most of the questions you list either bring out what the employer would not be looking for in the interviewee and what the interviewee may not be looking for in an employer. What a waste of time. Let's look for positive attributes for both sides in order to ultimately achieve a solid match for the position.

Theresa McCausland of CA 1:44PM September 01, 2010

When I hire sales people, I want the salesperson to try to gain some commitment from me on their future in this hiring process. Try to close the deal. All to often the candidate only says, "I appreciate your time. Thank you very much."
Bob Barber
www.bobbarber.sandler.com

Bob Barber of IL 12:14PM September 01, 2010

I have never asked a prospective manager/supervisor this question, but I would like to be able to ask politely. Sometimes it comes out naturally in conversation. These days, I look for this information on LinkedIn or another online source before the interview if I know the manager's name. It helps me understand their frame of reference and gauge my own fit as an employee. I know they are the ones doing the hiring, but if they are not comfortable talking about their own background, it's not a good sign.

Ross of MD 10:43PM August 28, 2010

I love this question. Best way to get feedback and to ease any concerns that the hiring manager may have. Here's an relate article.
http://www.suite101.com/content/the-must-ask-interview-question-a261095
Ozzie Saunds
http://WriteMyResumeNow.com

Ozzie Saunds of NY 3:57PM August 28, 2010

Any advice for questions to ask when the interviewer is just a recruiter from HR? I find that they're usually unable to answer most of the questions listed above because they don't know much about the day-to-day characteristics of the position.

sarah of IL 6:53PM August 27, 2010

from the very circumferential questions to outright penetrating ones

MNSHR of OK 1:56PM August 27, 2010

This was very insightful and helpful. Really could have used this for my last interview! Several of these questions I have asked in interviews, but most likely didn't phrase them in the proper manner or the most effective manner...

Henry Lee Barnes of NY 10:01AM August 27, 2010