If you’ve had an in-person interview before then you know that your appearance (see What to Wear to an Interview by Shopping at Goodwill and Tie Shopping at Goodwill for Your Next Job Interview) and the way you answer the interview questions can successfully land you a job offer. You’re also probably familiar with what takes place at the very end. After you’re done answering questions, which are supposed to show how much of a great candidate you are, the interviewer closes out with, “Well, now it’s your turn to put us in the hot seat. What questions do you have for us?” You don’t want to be the candidate who regretfully admits to not having any questions prepared. Failing to provide questions for the interviewer comes off as a lack of interest on your part. Not to mention, the awkward silence that comes with not having any questions can be very uncomfortable.

A job interview is not only an opportunity to talk about your experiences and why you’d be a great fit, but it’s an opportunity to gain knowledge from the company to find out if they are the right fit for you. The generic “What do you look for in an ideal candidate?” question is not the best approach toward obtaining this information. Your questions should be intentional and purposeful. It’s not often that you get the chance to receive transparency about a job before you start working there. Take advantage of this opportunity.

Here are 5 questions you can ask during your next job interview that are sure to help you gain further insight on the position and company culture, all while marketing yourself and your experiences.

1. What are some of the challenges this department has faced in the past and what has been done to address these challenges?

With this question, you are looking to identify any adversity that the company, or specific department that you would be working in has faced. Company challenges and obstacles are not always public information so this is your chance to get an inside look at what some of those challenges and obstacles may be. This question also helps you identify how (and if) employees of the company work toward fixing and getting rid of these challenges successfully.

2. What did the person who was previously in this position struggle with?

This is a great question to ask because it is very rare that we get a chance to see any storms before they happen. Many professionals find out about hurdles within their position after they have already been working in the role for at least a few weeks. This question allows you to hear what some of the struggles and issues the person prior to you had to deal with.

The best component to this question is that you have the option to respond to the struggle to let the interviewer know that it would not be a struggle for you. For example, if you asked this question and the interviewer said that the person previously in this position struggled with organization, you can craft a response that showcases how organized of an individual you are. Always remember to be truthful though!

3. What are the expectations within the first 90 days of the person who takes on this role?

This question speaks for itself. You are trying to find out what will be expected of you when you start your new position. This is great to know as a candidate because you can evaluate if the expectations are something you can meet, any learning curves that may take place, and what strategies you need to use in order to successfully meet these expectations.

4. What have previous employees done to succeed in this position and how was that success measured?

This is a top priority question to ask. You are being given ideas and ways to be successful in this position if it is offered to you. This will help you easily transition into the role without having to create a plan from scratch. Having an answer to this question will save you a ton of time in the long-run when you start. I personally like this question because you have the opportunity to find out how your success will be measured. That way you are able to perform your duties with a clear understanding on what needs to be accomplished.

5. What hesitations do you have (if any) about my qualifications?

This is a question that candidates rarely ask, partially because it can put you in a vulnerable and uncomfortable state. You are directly asking the interviewer, “What is preventing you from hiring me.” On the flip side, you are able to address any “red flags” or hesitations that the interviewer brings up. Your follow-up answer to this question can put the interviewer’s mind at ease about your qualifications and help them identify you as the best candidate.

Remember, every successful interview should conclude with you asking the interviewer questions. Aim for at least two-to-three questions to ask, but be mindful of the time allowed to you.

Goodwill provides instructor-led career development training, E-Learning courses, leadership workshops and other resources to help you market yourself successfully. Consider starting a career in Goodwill’s Retail Services. There are many opportunities to grow within the company and plenty of assistance and resources available to help you do so. For more information, visit Goodwill’s Career Development page.