I have regularly been tempted to ask that question, especially as some trying interview becomes seemingly endless. Now that I think about it, all interviews are tyring - and that's a pretty awful statement for me, since I make my living by doing interviews.

The heart of the interview dilemma, surely not solved by the question above, is that most interviewers don't know what question to ask, and most interviewees don't know if they can ask questions. That tells you why too many interviews are unpleasant happenings, from which neither side realizes their expectations.

OK, what can we, me as a professional and you tyring to scope out a job candidate, do about it? Well, publications have been written on the subject (ask me, I have one to send you!) but please let me help your interviews be more fruitful with a couple of simple suggestions. They might help you the next time you are at some interview table - on either side!