While the employer will do most of the ‘question asking’ during an interview, there are a few questions the potential employee should ask as well. These questions can help you ensure that you understand what is expected of you and what you can expect from a job as well.

Payment Expectations
It’s important to clear up the subject of payment during an interview. Ask the employer what the job pays and how often you can expect to be paid – whether it’s weekly or bi-weekly or something else. Also, you should what is expected before raises are given. Is there a probationary period or do raises happen on a fixed schedule, such as every three months given that an employee is considered satisfactory or above.

Advancement
Another subject you should broach during an interview is whether or not there is room at the company for advancement. This is a subject that employers like to discuss as well, because it shows that you have goals and ambition. Find out what your options are and what your employer recommends you do if you want to move up within the company. Your goal is to find out how to become the ‘go to’ guy or girl so that your talents and skills are recognized quickly.

Transition Expectations
Its also very important to be clear as to when they expect you to start. How much time can you give your current employer and what the compensation will be accordingly. If they expect you to break contract to start earlier with them, they should compensate accordingly. This is often overlooked, but its best to cover this issue early on in negotiations.

Training and Work Duties
Although this seems to "common sense" to make the list, trust us when we say it is almost always ignored during the interview process. You should ask your interviewee to clearly identify your day to day responsibilities. Also ask them what sort of training (if any) will be provided when you first start with the company. By clearing this up early, you set yourself and the company up for success.

There may be other questions that you feel you should ask depending upon the job you’re applying for or your job description. However, by including these simple questions, you can make sure you and your potential employer are on the same wavelength.