Q: I froze up and didn't ask the interviewers all the questions I had and accepted the job offer too soon. I've replayed the interview in my mind, and I think I didn't ask anything because I felt intimidated. I had already decided I wanted the job, so I didn't think questions were necessary. But I never would have imagined what took place after I joined the company.

I thought I would be reporting to the managers who interviewed me. Doesn't that seem obvious? I was not. They put a secretary over me. Not just any secretary but a rigid, controlling one who told me what to do and how to do it. She was not familiar with my specialty, and I don't even know if she had a degree. When I streamlined a way to do something, she would not allow me to implement it. The setup for the job was absurd, but I never said anything to the original interviewers. I hated every single day and was thankful I was able to find another job six months later. But again, I didn't ask questions in the interview. It has worked out so far, but what kind of questions would be appropriate and not sound negative, picky or paranoid?

A: Many candidates freeze in their interviews, fearing their questions will discourage the company from hiring them. First, if a company balks at hiring you because of professionally presented questions, you are better off not working there. Though transparency should be every company's focus, it is not. If an interviewer avoids answering a direct question about the position, the boss' expectations, the work style preferred by the company or the company's procedures regarding the assignments, something is wrong. You may not be told what the problem is, but when you get that gut feeling that the interviewer is dodging the truth, accept it. Of course, finish your interview, but seriously consider what was not mentioned to you before you accept a position.

Don't ask salary or benefits questions. The interviewer(s) or the HR person should provide that information. All questions about the projects you would be working on, the procedures, the departments and co-workers you would closely work with, the boss' expectations and the review system are appropriate. You might also want to ask about the workload and hours expected. Even if HR states the required hours, you will want more detailed information from the boss or manager you will be reporting to.

When you ask questions, withhold judgmental facial expressions; show interest and offer an affirmative nod to show you are listening. Interviewing is not a card game that benefits from a poker face, but don't display negativity. The same is true for your questions. Ask them without conviction in your voice. You are simply collecting information; you are not cross-examining a witness. You can even ask about company turnover and turnover for the specific position available. A company must answer honestly; heavy turnover information is helpful in discovering whether the boss is a good or a bad one.

Graciously thank the interviewer for his or her time, not revealing any negative feelings, if any. You can ask if the interviewer has a timeline in hiring the person, but again, ask out of curiosity, not desperation. Feel free to express satisfaction about the position, even if you are not feeling it 100%. It can't hurt to end the interview on a positive note. Analyze all you have heard so that if you are offered the job, then you will know how to respond. If you have decided not to accept, do so politely, thanking the person for the opportunity. When refusing an offer, saying less is better. You never know where could meet that person again in the future.

Email career and life coach: Lindsey@LindseyNovak.com. Ms. Novak responds to all emails. For more information, visit www.lindseynovak.com and for past columns, see www.creators.com/features/At-Work-Lindsey-Novak.