When it comes to interviews, perhaps one of the most overlooked–and under-appreciated–aspects of the interview are the questions that candidates are often able to ask towards the end.

Which then means that if the interviewer(s) ask if you have any questions for them, you will, of course, want to say: “yes!”

Oftentimes though, candidates interviewing don’t always seem to know how to ask really good, probing questions. I alluded to this in the previous article–and it is worth mentioning again: Interviews are a two-way street. As much as you might want to be the candidate that receives the job offer connected to the interview, you also want to collect some really good information that gets to the heart of the opportunity that might lie in front you.

A job opportunity might sound better on paper than when you are learning more about it during the interview. But you will not always know that if you don’t ask deep, thoughtful, and probing questions.

The inverse also holds true though: While you want to have some strong questions ready, not all questions are particularly good questions to ask. Surface-level questions or questions that have answers that are easy to dig up on a school’s webpage really just waste time–if I am being completely honest.

More About the Questions to Ask:

Like I mentioned: All questions are not created equal, and all ten of these questions listed share a common feature–they are all open-ended questions, and if answered thoughtful, honestly, and accurately, yield potentially invaluable information to you as the person being interviewed.

Here is what I did with my own interview for my current job (and this is what I would recommend for you, as well): There won’t be time–probably–to ask all ten questions (and some are a bit similar in nature), but pick four or five. Type the questions out on paper, then, leave a quarter-page or half-page (at least) of blank space between each question to hand-write in the responses you hear from the interviewing team. Then, move on to your next question.

You want to do this for four reasons: One), it will show that you care enough about the information that is being provided to you to write it down/take notes, and that you value and appreciate both the information and the sources of where that information is coming from (the interviewing team). Two), it will help you more quickly, and accurately, counter with a statement to the answer for how you could solve that particular problem/help in that area/or how it plays to you own strengths or passions–that’s a confidence-exuding, leveraging opportunity right there. Three), afterwards, as you reflect upon your interview, you will have a great set of your own notes regarding the position (should you be extended a job offer, and should you decide to perhaps take it). Four), should you receive and accept the position, these notes–and thoughtfully-detailed pieces of information–will help give you a jumpstart on your new job. You will have a better working framework, and understanding, of the challenges of the position; the opportunities that may exist; and–perhaps most importantly–the visionary outlook; mindset; and/or direction of the things that may yet be to come (for the department and/or school and/or district).

What Questions to Ask:

Without further delay, let’s look at ten questions that you should strongly consider asking during your interview.

#1: Your ideal candidate would possess…?

#2: What is/are the department and/or the school’s biggest need(s) right now?

#3: What is the most important thing for a new hire to know (for this position)?

#4: What is your favorite part of working here/the department?

#5: What advice would you offer for a new team-member, here?

#6: What are some of the department’s/school’s biggest priorities right now?

#7: What do you see as the biggest challenge for a new hire, here?

#8: What do you see as the biggest opportunities for a new hire, here?

#9 :What do you want the department or school to be known for now and in the future?

#10: Where would you like to see the department/school in 5 years? 10 years?

Remember: This is not an exhaustive list of potential questions to ask during your interview–pick and choose what you may want to use. You can even tweak the wording of the questions to fit or suit your needs best. Maybe you don’t even use any of these questions at all, but it helps you to begin brainstorming your own thoughtful, open-ended questions.

Make the interviewing team ponder your thoughtful question-asking skills–and advanced attention to detail–then use that information to make strongly-informed decisions regarding your job-seeking opportunities. Take back some of the leverage in the traditional interviewing power-structure format, and, in the process, you can capture highly-valuable information for yourself to ponder over. Should you be offered the position–and should you accept–you will also then have really valuable information on the vision and priorities of your department and school at large moving forward, and as you begin your new position.

Best of luck in all your interviewing opportunities now and in the future–go forth in confidence!