It’s finally that time – to get a job that you are passionate about and fulfills a personal goal. Maybe your job search is recent or you are theoffice veteran making a career change. Either way, here are five important questions to ask during your next job interview that will help you learn the answers you desire from your potential employer. To be prepared, make sure that you have at least four questions ready just in case a few of them are answered during the course of your session.

1. Where did you go on your last vacation?

-This question seems innocent to the causal listener, but it’s agreat indicator about the person and how they view working during a personal day. For instance, it may give you pause if that person has not taken a vacation for a while. Use that knowledge as agauge of your employers’ views on work/life balance. If they did take a vacation recently, try to learn if they checked email during that period. Chances are if they did, there is a high chance they will expect youto do the same during personal time off.

2. When is the last time you received professional development?

–For you, this may seem like a no-brainer, but currently, professional development is lacking at many companies, either due to budget cuts or lack of interest from company leadership. It is important to ensure that your viewpoints on ongoing training align with that of your future employer. If you want to participate in a professional leadership course or attend an annual conference, you need to find out early if investing in employees is a part of the company’s culture.

3. What new management skills have you developed recently?

– Seems innocent enough, but this question is a good indicator of how your interviewer views his or her own personal development and if they recognize that managing staff is an ongoing learning process. If your potential manager has not proactively worked to grow in their own role, this may reflect how they view future advancement of your position.

4. How do you motivate your employees?

–Throughout your career, you will undoubtedly experience some ups and downs. There will be projects assigned to you that are enjoyable and others that you aren’t –which is completely normal! A successful boss will have a strong pulse on team culture, and will work to keep employees excited about their job. How your potential supervisor approaches this question will give some indication of how they plan to infuse a little “fun” into your future workdays.

5. Is there anything else that I should ask that I haven’t yet?

– This is a great closing question for you to utilize when you have run out of things to ask during the interview, but want to make sure you have covered your bases. Asked at the end of your conversation, it will allow your future boss to add any other bits of information that they feel are important. Also, it is another opportunity to understand what priorities they have by the extra knowledge they contribute to your discussion.

Depending on your stage of life when you interview, consider inquiring after the company’s maternity/paternity leave, level of community involvement and their open door policy. This discussion gives you an overview of the company’s values and priorities. Research indicates that during your lifetime, you will spend 90,000 hours of your life at your job. It is important that your new employer has similar, if not the same, viewpoints on company culture, how you spend your time off and staff development. At the end of the interview, and after you’ve written that thank you note; take a moment to ask if you would hire your boss, if so, then this company may just be your new home.