"Do you want to spend a few minutes trying to think of something to ask me?" Photograph: Nils Jorgensen/Rex Features
How many times have you come out of an interview wishing you had made better use of the "any questions" section at the end? It's often the best opportunity to make sure the company and the job are what you are looking for, but it can also be the part that most throws you.
Some of the questions I wish I have been able to ask (and ones I will try to ask in my next interview) are:
What was it about my CV which prompted you to invite me for interview?
I have never asked this question yet it is something I am always dying to know the answer to. In fact, you should really ask this question right at the beginning of the interview. That way you have a much better understanding of what they are looking for and you can then tailor your answers.
What do I have to do to make sure my salary keeps rising and when can I expect my first pay rise?
It is always tricky to ask about pay. You don't want to come across as over interested in the money - after all it should be about the role not the reward - but it is a key issue and we shouldn't feel unable to clarify the pay structure nor the pattern for pay rises.
How much do you invest in training? And how are you going to develop me?
You should make sure the company you are going to work for has a comprehensive and transparent training programme. In your interview ask directly about training. If you are to give your time, expertise and commitment to a role the employer has a duty to invest some cash in developing your career. I would like to ask for an actual schedule and list of personal development courses they have on offer.
What is my line of promotion?
Again, a tricky question as you don't want to seem overly ambitious to the extent that a potential employer begins to consider why you applied for this particular role. However, it is important to know where you can go from this point and how long it could take.
These are the questions that immediately spring to my mind - what do you wish you'd asked in the interview for your current role?
