Knowing what is important to your boss may affect how you’ll do at a company or in a particular department. Her surroundings can tell you a lot, too, like whether she’s serious (door closed, pristine office) or more relaxed (open door, pictures of her kids and dog on her desk).

What to Ask

How often do you like your team to check in?

How will my work be evaluated? And how often?

How often do reviews occur?

Besides performance, how are compensation and bonuses determined?

What opportunities will I have for career advancement?

Could you describe what a typical day would be like in this job? What percentage of my day is likely to be filled with meetings?

Is there a formal system of mentoring here?