Interviewers expect candidates to ask intelligent questions concerning the organization and the nature of the work. Moreover, you need information and should indicate your interest in the employer by asking questions. Since international jobs involve many important lifestyle concerns and travel considerations, you should be prepared to ask many professional and personal questions. Consider asking some of these questions if they haven't been answered early in the interview:

• Tell me about the duties and responsibilities of this job.
• How does this position relate to other positions within this organization?
• How long has this position been in the organization?
• How long do you expect this position to continue?
• Is this a permanent position or is it funded through a contract? What is the contract source -- local or international funding?
• What would be the ideal type of person for this position? Skills? Personality? Working style? Background?
• Can you tell me about the people who have been in this position before? Backgrounds? Promotions? Terminations?
• Whom would I be working with in this position?
• Tell me something about these people? Strengths? Weaknesses?
• Performance expectations?
• Are there any special language, travel, or social requirements for this position?
• What am I expected to accomplish during the first year?
• How will I be evaluated?
• Are promotions and raises tied to performance criteria?
• Can you tell me how this system works?
• What is the normal salary range for such a position?
• Based on your experience, what type of problems would someone new in this position likely encounter?
• I'm interested in your career with this organization. When did you start? What are your plans for the future?
• I would like to know how people get promoted and advance in this organization?
• What is particularly unique about working in this organization?
• Can you explain the various benefits employees receive?
• What does the future look like for this organization?

You should also be prepared to ask many personal questions that are not normally associated with interviews for jobs in the United States. Like the interviewer who asks personal questions, you too should ask your own set of such questions. If the job involves relocating abroad, for example, feel free to ask several questions relating to your lifestyle and family situation. If you don't, you may be in for some surprises! You may want to ask several of these personal questions:

• Do you take care of all immigration matters, including work permits and visas for me and my family?
• Will my salary be subject to local taxes?
• How do you handle the packing and shipping of household goods? What are the allowances both coming here and returning home?
• How about bringing in personal goods, such as my computer system and photo equipment, that are subject to local import duties? What is your policy in this area?
• What kind of housing is normally provided for someone in this position?
• What about a car, driver, and servants? Are these provided with this job?
• Tell me about the local schools since we have two children, one in the fifth grade and the other in the ninth grade?
• What is the company's contribution toward tuition at the international school or for the expenses of a private boarding school our children may need to attend?
• Tell me about the quality of the local medical facilities.
• What's the local political climate like these days?
• Have previous employees had any trouble in the local community with thefts or violence? How safe is it here? What special precautions should one take?
• What's it really like living here?
• Is there anything we should especially know about this community?
• Is there a large and active expatriate community?
• What about the cost of living? For example, how much does one normally spend on housing?
• How difficult is it to get certain imported items, especially foods? How much do these imported goods cost?
• What about local job opportunities for my spouse? Will the company assist my spouse in finding employment? Could you tell me more about the local job market for spouses?
• What type of home leave policy do you have? Does this include round-trip transportation for all members of the family?
• Are salaries paid in local currency or deposited in a U.S. dollar account? How do you draw on the account?

You may want to write these questions on a 3x5" card and take them with you to the interview. Although it's best if you can remember most of your questions, you may want to refer to your list to make certain you have forgotten nothing that is important. You might do this by saying: "Yes, I jotted down a few questions which I want to make sure I ask you before leaving." Then pull out your card and refer to the questions.