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I was contacted this past week by a reporter from HotJobs.com who want to interview me for an up-coming story they are writing. They are running a story on how the candidate can empower themselves in an interview. I don’t think that anyone would argue that companies have the ball in their court when it come to hiring. They call the shots. With all of the available talent that is out there, how do you stand out from among the crowd?

In almost every interview process there comes a time when you (the candidate) get a chance to ask some questions. Do not forfeit this opportunity. Hiring Managers want you to ask questions. Asking questions can display preparedness and interest in the position. If you ask the right questions, you can uncover the critical areas of the position. I like to refer to them as “hot buttons.” Hot buttons are the critical functions that the hiring manager is hiring for. In other words, you want to speak their language. The three main hot buttons for hiring managers usually are fitting into the company culture, accomplishing company/ department goals, and hiring problem solvers in critical need areas. Let’s look at these in more depth.

1. Find out how to reduce the pain. One of my absolute favorite questions that a candidate can ask a hiring manage is this:

If I started this job tomorrow, what would be my three most pressing priorities?

This question is designed to uncover the “hot buttons” of the position. They will tell you the important pieces of the position. Hiring managers are looking for problem solvers. After they answer the question, you can then provide answers explaining to them how you can help them with those issues.

2. Uncover what the company culture is like. There are some other great job interview questions that you can ask in a job interview. Another important question relates to the company culture. With as much job transition as their is in the economy today, many employers place a high value on whether a person is a match for the team and company culture. As a stranger, it can be difficult for you to identify what the culture is like without asking questions. Ask the hiring manager: “Can you describe to me what the company culture is like?” It may be slow-paced and easy going or fast-paced and deadline driven. Again, when they are finished answering that question, you can describe how you would fit into that culture nicely.

3. Seek out what the department/company goals are. Companies love to hire people who are goal driven. Supervisors love to have people on staff that make them look good. If you can demonstrate that you “buy-in” to the department/company goals, then you will be much better off. Describe in detail your enjoyment of and willingness to meet the company goals.

These three areas are the most important areas of the job search process. I believe that these are great interview questions that you can ask that will leave you with a good impression with the hiring manager. If they see you as someone who can solve their problems, fit in with the company culture, and met the department’s goals, then nothing is left but negotiating a salary. If you convinced them that you can hit the ground running, you will be able to negotiate a higher salary as well.