Insightful, in-depth, well-articulated questions are critical to probe for information.

• What were your most significant accomplishments in your present position, and career?

• What is your primary business focus this year?

• What are the main obstacles you are confronting this year that could prevent you from reaching your objectives?

• If you could change something within your organization, what would it be?

• What does your current position not offer that you might look for with another company?

• Of all your skills and talents, which has been underutilized in your present position?

• In your next career move, what skills and talents are you looking to improve and/or acquire?

• How would you describe your corporate culture today, and how does it differ from your expectations?

• What are your career aspirations, and what challenges have you been seeking, but not yet experienced?

• How is your culture perceived both inside and outside the company?

• How does the competition describe your company?

• Describe a team that you built, and the major reasons that it was successful.

• What key ingredients do you look for in an individual when recruiting?

• How do you mentor your direct reports and develop their personal and/or professional skills for larger roles?

• What is your management style and how would you rate yourself as a manager?

• What do you think is the most difficult aspect of being a manager?

• Give me an example of how you provided leadership and direction under unusually difficult circumstances.

• Give me an example of how you resolved a serious conflict you had with a fellow employee.

• How would you describe your personality?

• What are the interesting trends or forward-thinking issues going on in your industry?

• Describe a situation in which your work was criticized.

• Tell me about a situation in your professional career that you would describe as a personal failure; how did you handle it?

• What misconceptions do others have about you?

• Describe an unusually difficult decision you made; what were the results?

• Describe a situation in which you were faced with a difficult ethical dilemma, and tell me how you dealt with it.

• How long will it take you to make a meaningful contribution to (client)?