Let me start today's article with this beautiful Ghanaian proverb, followed by a few others.

We can go on and on with proverbs and sayings that eulogise the ability to ask questions, but that is not what today's article is entirely about.

In this series, we are looking at the top 12 questions to ask in an interview.

This week's episode will tackle 6 of these 12 questions.

There is a 99% chance, maybe 100, that at the end of your job interview, the interviewer will say to you, "That is the end of the interview. Do you have any questions for us?".

How you respond and the questions you ask, if you ask any, will factor into your acceptance.

As I have written and would probably keep writing in all my articles, go to the job interview prepared.

Preparing in this instance involves compiling a list of questions you would like to ask the interviewer.

You will appear more eager and interested in the job if you have a list of questions to ask your interviewer.

If you are not able to pick any question at all from anything that was said during the interview, these questions will come in handy.

Look at it this way, the interviewers are asking you questions because they want to find out if you are a fit for the role.

Do you not want to find out if; the role, the organisation's culture, the leadership style, etc. are conducive for you?

Asking questions will enable you to gather more information that will inform your decision to accept the job offer.

Avoid asking many questions that are overly focused on what the company can do for you.

Also, do not ask questions you can find answers to on the company's website. For instance, "Which country is your head office in?"- this brings me back to the quote in my introduction that I said was debatable, but let us not digress .

TOP 12 (divided by 2) questions to ask in an interview.

Can you describe a typical day in the life of someone in this role?

Knowing the answer to this question will give you an idea of what abilities and experiences are required. It will also assist you in determining if the position is suited for you.

What are the most important milestones you would like to see a newly hired employee meet within the first three months?

Asking this question conveys to your future employer that you are eager to positively impact the organisation. How the interviewer answers this question will inform you about some of the critical areas of performance you would need to focus on during your first few months in the organisation.

How do you measure performance, and what is the performance review process like?

This question serves a similar purpose as the previous question. Knowing the targets to shoot for and the milestones to gauge performance by, will provide a smoother start for you in this role early on.

Are there opportunities for training and progression within the role/company?

I believe I would not be wrong to assume that no one wants to remain in the same position for the rest of their lives. Progression definitely has more benefits than stagnancy.

Enquiring about opportunities for advancement shows the interviewer that you're serious about your career and dedicated to a future with the company.

Can you tell me more about the team I would be working in?

In the corporate world, the saying "No man is an island" rings true because everyone relies on one person's output to achieve certain things. For this reason, teamwork is a priority for many employers. The answer to this question will give you a better outlook of how the organisation is structured, who you'll report to, and which department the function is located in. Knowing the dynamics of the team you will be working with is vital because these are the people you will be spending 8+ hours a day for the foreseeable future with.

What word would you use to describe the work culture in this company

A positive work environment can significantly impact your career. Asking this question is an excellent approach to examining the company's working environment.

The workplace will become one of the most constant places in your life; hence, finding a workplace with a culture that makes you feel safe, inspired, and eager to work will positively impact your productivity.

Good pay is good, but good pay with better mental and physical health is best.

What would you think if your interviewer's one-word choice is "Intense"?.

What would you deduce from this one word? We want to hear your answers in the comment section under the article.

Once again, remember you are an interviewer in your own right. You are interviewing your potential employers as much as they are interviewing you.

Join us next week for the second half of this match.

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