For many job seekers asking a question or two to a potential employer can be a little stressful. While asking questions is an important part of the interview process, the type of questions you ask and the timing of the questions are just as important to the interviewer as the questions they are asking you.

In fact, employers expect the individual they are interviewing to ask at least one question during the interview. Not only does it indicate that the candidate is interested in the position and the company, but it also speaks to the candidate’s social skills and thought processes and can help the potential employer decide whether or not to hire the individual.

When being interviewed for a job it is important to keep questions on topic, relevant to the position or the company and appropriately worded.

Here are five questions that you can ask a potential employer during an interview:

1. What are the daily responsibilities of the job/position?
2. What will be the greatest challenge of the job/position?
3. What is, in your opinion, the best thing about working for ______ (the company or department)?
4. What is the next step in the selection process?
5. When will the successful candidate be advised that they have gotten the job? -or-When will your selection decision be made?

When asking questions there are several guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Make sure that any questions you ask have not already been addressed during the interview. It will suggest to the potential employer that you were not listening or engaged during the interview process.
2. Prior to attending an interview research the company’s website so that you will not ask questions that you could have already gotten the answers to at home. It will show a lack of initiative and clearly indicate that you did not do your homework.
3. Do not ask about opportunities for advancement within the company during an interview. The fact is, you are interviewing for a position that the company needs to fill and if you focus your questions on (current or future) opportunities for advancement within the company it will give the employer the impression that you are not truly interested in the position they are looking to fill.
4. Refrain from asking questions that make you look like you assume that you have gotten the job. These types of questions include any reference to salary, bonus, vacation time or benefits. These types of questions can make you appear overly confident and not at all humble! Save those questions for job offers that are extended to you as a result of a successful interview.