An interview is a two-way street. The interviewer is asking you questions to learn about you and your skills. In return, you need to ask questions about the position and the company to make sure that this is the right job for you. If you don’t ask questions, you run the risk of giving the interviewer the impression that you are not interested in the position.

Your opportunity to ask questions generally comes at the end of the interview. So how do you come up with smart questions that show you’re the perfect hire?

Here are the 10 best questions for you to ask during your next job interview:

1. Can you tell me more about the responsibilities of this job?

This is your chance to learn about the role so you can decide whether this is a job you really want. By gaining insight on the day-to-day tasks, you will also learn about the specific skills needed.

2. What do you think are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?

This question can help you get valuable information that’s not included in the job description. It can explain the culture of the company, so you can show that you are the perfect fit.

3. What are your expectations for this role?

It’s a smart idea to find out what your employer’s expectations are for the person in this position.

4. Can you describe the culture of the company?

This will help you determine if you are a good fit for this particular company. Make sure you are comfortable with the dynamics of the company.

5. What do you like best about working for this company?

Ask about your interviewer’s personal experience for more insight into the company’s work environment.

6. Where do you think the company is headed in the next few years?

If you are planning on being with the company for several years, make sure the company is growing so you can grow with it.

7. What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now?

You may want to ask about challenges. This question can help you reveal the issues in the industry and perhaps identify areas where you could help.

8. Who do you consider to be your top competitor?

You should already know about the company’s major competitors, but it can be useful to ask your interviewer for their thoughts.

9. What is the usual career path for someone in this position?

This question can help you learn how career advancement works within the organization. By asking the question, you show your interest in growing with the organization.

10. What are the next steps in the interview process?

This question shows that you are looking forward to move ahead in the process. It will also help you determine the hiring schedule, so you can follow up appropriately.

Now that you know the questions you should ask, let’s just touch briefly on questions you SHOULD NOT ask during an interview.

• Don’t ask about salary or benefits during your initial interview. Wait until you have an offer to negotiate with the hiring manager.
• Stay away from “yes” or “no” questions because you won’t be getting informative answers.
• Avoid broad questions that are difficult to answer. You don’t want to stump the interviewer when you’re trying to make a good impression. Here’s one example of a broad question — what can you tell me about the company that’s not on your website?