What questions do you have? How to handle this interview question!

One of the questions I encourage my career coaching clients to ask at the end of a job interview is, "What concerns do you have about my background?" Oftentimes we walk away from an interview and we're not sure what the interviewer thought about us. Asking about concerns an interviewer may have, and if there are any, will allow us an opportunity to address them. If we don't know, we can't close any perceived gaps. Last week when I was coaching a client I suggested she use that question, and low and behold, the interviewer did bring up two concerns. The candidate is sure that if she wouldn't have the chance to address them, she wouldn't move further along in the interview process.

Other questions you may want to ask include:

• How did this position become vacant? [You may uncover that it's a high-turnover position]
• What are the top 3 challenges I would face in this position? [Gives you a clearer understanding of the position]
• What do you like best about working here? This is a good question to ask a potential co-worker. [A lot can be said by what's not being said, i.e., watch body language].
• What's your management style? [Good to ask if you want to avoid working for another micro-manager]

Avoid any salary and benefits questions. That's best to hold off until you've been offered a position. It's at that point when you have some power.