If you’re a member of the workforce, then you already know how important making a good first impression during the interview is for securing a position. Through the questions you are asked, you have the opportunity to shine and showcase your most valuable skills. But did you know that you are allowed to make inquiries as well? Regardless of the position you have applied for, showing interest in the job you are offered is essential. This is one of the essential tips for people seeking employment with any other major company. To help you in this direction, we have compiled a list of the top ten questions you should ask to highlight your awareness.

Which skills do you seek in the ideal candidate?

If you only ask one question during your interview, let it be this. This type of open-ended inquiry encourages the recruiter to show their hand and clearly state what the recommended aptitudes for the position are. This is your chance to steer the discussion in the right direction and showcase your qualities even more.

How long have you worked for the company?

Getting a glimpse into the interviewer’s own work experience is a good way to find out more pieces of information on the company without giving off the impression that you didn’t do your research beforehand. This is also your chance to assess your potential lifespan within the firm, as well as how easy or difficult it is to climb up the ranks.

What do you enjoy most about your position?

This question is a great one to pose, as it has double benefits for your image. First of all, you will reinforce the idea that you are genuinely interested in the job. On top of that, it will also emphasize that you are viewing the experience in a positive light to begin with, as you are curious about what the person in front of you likes best about their work.

What professional aptitudes are you most proud of?

Who says that buttering up the interviewer has to be tacky? By asking him or her about the professional aptitudes they are most proud of possessing or having achieved, you will make an excellent first impression while understanding more about what being employed with that particular firm entails.

Can you tell me more about the team I will be working with?

This is another question that enhances the way in which the recruiter sees you in more than one way. Of course, the obvious benefit is that you will clearly highlight how interested you are in working there. However, it is also a way to showcase your self-assurance and wit, as the phrasing carefully implies that you are the right person for the position.

Which qualities can I bring to the table to enhance the team?

To further cash in on the teamwork inquiry, try asking your interviewer what he or she thinks you could bring new to the table as far as the peer dynamic of the firm is concerned. This will let you know which of your qualities stood out, so you can play off of them or move towards other skills that you feel can seal the deal.

How does the company define success?

Asking more personal questions that relate to the person in front of you or refer to your peers is a good way to start, but you will also need to find out more about the company itself. As Monster.com explains, the best way to do that is by requesting to know how those in leadership positions define and quantify employee success.

What are the company’s growth prospects for the next five years?

Anyone who has attended their fair share of job interviews is familiar with the age-old question that forces them to think five years into the future. Why not return the favor? In this way, not only will you show that you are committed to sticking it out until that point, but you will also find out more about the company’s goals and culture.

What is your opinion on my qualifications?

Many career experts strongly recommend asking this during your interview because it’s new, unexpected, and quite gutsy. Be bold and find out how the session went. Many people are afraid to pose such queries, as they don’t really want to know the truth so early on. Show your superiors you are different, and you will surely stand out.

When should I expect to hear back from you?

Unfortunately, there are many companies that don’t even provide candidates with the courtesy call informing them they didn’t get the job. Show interviewers they can’t push you around by asking them this simple, yet disarmingly straightforward question. Not only will you hear back from them, but it will most likely be good news.

The Bottom Line

Your job interview is certainly the place for answering questions, but it’s also an opportunity to ask them yourself. By opening various subjects in an educated and inquisitive manner, you will surely find out more information about the company while showcasing your interest at the same time. This is one step further in evolving in your career, so why not have some courage?

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Dianna Howell is a HR Manager. She runs JobInterviewAdvice, a collection of job interview resources for career searchers. Diana graduated from MBA Managerial and Organizational Behavior, the University of Chicago.