Best questions to end a job interview

(MoneyWatch) Toward the end of a job interview, there's always a moment when you're asked if you have any questions. It's tricky. You don't want to sound too pugnacious (will they think I'm too aggressive?), but neither do you want to pass on the opportunity (will they think I don't have a mind of my own?)

I've rarely heard anyone use this moment to the fullest, so here are some suggested questions that will leave a strong impression while also prying loose some valuable information about your prospective employer:

1. Why did you want to interview me? Learning specifically what is in your resume that attracted a company's interest gives you a sense of how the organization, and other potential employers, view your talents. For instance, if you're looking to spread your wings and learn some new skills and they like you because you can already do the job, it may not be a good fit. 

2. Why is this job important to the business as a whole? This should give you a sense both of the company strategy (if there is one) and of where this job sits in the pecking order.

3. How would you describe the best people you have in this company? This is a covert way of determining company values. If the answer includes multiple references to flexibility, willingness to do long hours, travel anywhere, do anything, you will learn what's required of you. Equally, if creativity and imagination are frequently cited, you will learn something different. If it's hard for this question to be answered at all, people in the business are probably treated as ciphers -- you've been warned

4. Are there any internal candidates for this job? If there are, and you get the job, watch out! If there aren't, why not? Professional development may not be what this company is best at.

[Nick Corcodilos]

Sorry, but none of these questions (including those in the article) give the employer a reason to hire you. They are all "dancing around" the only question that matters, that very few job applicants are prepared enough to ask - hence they have no business in the interview:

"Would you like me to show how your company will profit from hiring me?"

The details about this approach were covered in FastCompany magazine. More here:
http://corcodilos.com/blog/3293/interview-questions-you-need-just-one

[joycetownsend]

I'm sorry but I must disagree. These questions should definitely be asked at the beginning of the interview process so the candidate can address the answers directly against their skill set and fit. At the end of the process, it's way too late and speaking from my interviewing experience, I might be inclined to disqualify someone for asking those questions too late.

Joyce

[josey_zander]

I agree with you Joyce, but I'd like to add that this gives the candidates a better idea of who they might be working for - believe me, if I'd thought of asking these questions to the hiring committee, I'm not so sure I'd have accepted the position with my current company.

[John_O_Advisors]

Here's the best question to ask (at the end of each person you interview with) and I'll explain why:

"Is there anything that would preclude me from being the top candidate for the _________ position?"

1) Attempt to reveal any unsaid objections they have to your candidacy.
2) if you have the ammunition to overcome that objection, the provide that to them at that time. Perhaps they misunderstood or didn't ask teh right questions and their objection is unfounded.

Once you've walked away - it's too late. Find out BEFORE your leave!

[Jim_Schwartz_85]

I would ask if there is random testing for drugs.