Hey, you scored an interview! Do you know the right questions to ask?

Go into your interview fully aware and armed

You got this far. You’re pumped. You’re interviewing for a job that’s right up your alley. You may not be all-in yet, but you may get there soon. This is your time to soak up as much real-world, insider info as you can, while making your case for yourself.

First off, let’s make sure we’ve covered all the fundamentals for having a good interview. They are:

• Dress professionally and appropriately for the role and the company culture. (in-person & video conference)
• Arrive early and bring copies of your resume, portfolio, or any other relevant documents. (in-person) Log on early and assure you have no technical issues well in advance of your scheduled time. (video conference)
• Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake, and use their name throughout the conversation. (in-person)
• If a video interview, be ruthless about clearing out any clutter that can be viewed. Do not leave any visual element that can distract and negatively inform your interviewer about your capabilities to do the job.
• Show enthusiasm and interest in the job and the company, and ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your research and curiosity at the appropriate times. (Hopefully, your event is more like a conversation, rather than a proscribed call-and-response.)
• Use positive body language, such as eye contact, nodding, and leaning forward, to convey your engagement and confidence. (in-person & video conference)
• Avoid negative or controversial topics, such as politics, religion, or personal problems, and don’t badmouth your previous employers or coworkers.
• Know your 30-second elevator pitch. Highlight your achievements and skills that match the job requirements, and provide specific examples using the STAR method.
• Express your gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity, and follow up with a thank-you email or note within 24 hours.

Do all this and it will be smooth sailing toward the end of the interview. But do not underestimate the importance of your dismount. Before the end of the interview, you’re going to get asked a common question. Here’s where it gets dicey. This is not where you want to blow it.

“What questions do you have for me?” “What else can I tell you?” “Did I answer all your questions?” or similar.

It is tempting to say something lame, like, “I think you covered everything.” Don’t be that guy. It makes you sound unengaged — or worse — needy. You want the interviewer to get the impression you are on a fast-moving train and you’re willing to stop or at least slow down for them to hop on, rather than you’re just hoping they pick you.

Instead, use this time to figure out if this is the job you really want or if it’s a big mistake. So what should you ask?

Here’s a good one: “What does success look like in this role?” This is an opportunity to find out real specifics about what you’ll be doing in the role and how you will be judged. An HR person or recruiter may not be able to fully answer that question, but if you’re meeting with the actual hiring manager, this should be known. It’s a great way to really know the job before taking it.

Another good one: “Why is this position open?” If the company is trying to fill a job that someone just quit, you can learn a lot from their answer. Don’t just hear the answer — watch the interviewer’s face, assuming you are in-person or in a video conference. That can tell you a lot.

If the answer is vague, something like “the person who had this job decided to move on,” trust your gut. If the interviewer looks uneasy, that’s a red flag. There may be something wrong with the job, the company, or the boss. Or all of them.

Hopefully, your prior research has helped you know something about what you’re getting into. If you did, you should be able to rule that out as a problem.

“What is your management style?” and or “Can you tell me about the company culture?” Understanding that company culture is not a list of maxims, but is more about how people really treat each other during workplace interactions. Do you want to work for this boss? If you haven’t asked about how your future boss manages, ask them. If you can, ask one or more persons who works for them.

Keep trusting your gut. Does your new manager-to-be act like a control freak? Do they delegate easily? Has their temper shown? Does your gut tell you you may talking to someone who’s in over their head? Ask about the turnover rate. Are there a lot of jobs open? Does it look like the team has a revolving door? If you have any doubts that you’ll like working for this boss, remember this: “People quit bosses, not companies.”

When you’re interviewing for a job, think long term, whenever possible. You may need a job and be feeling inclined to take something that gets you by. That’s OK, but if that is your situation, know that it is more likely than not you will be more inclined to gloss over red flags as you move through the hiring process.

Hopefully, you will find something that you’ll enjoy and excel at, and that moves you closer to your career goals. Ask any questions you need to ask (nicely, of course!) to see if this job is a good fit for you. Be inquisitive. It’s great data for you and portrays you as a serious and curious candidate.