Asking savvy questions is the best, and sometimes only way for an interviewee to exert some control over the process. Cloaking efforts at steering the discussion in the garb of inquiries lets you remain the supplicant as interview etiquette requires, yet still creates opportunities to make your best case. Here are five questions you should try your best to ask in any job interview:

1. How would you define success for the holder of this position?

By expanding the discussion of the ideal candidate beyond just skills and experience and into outcomes and results you shift from objective factors, which may or may not help, to things you can define yourself, such as your past achievements.

2. What are you looking for this person to do for you?

This is a great question to ask if being interviewed by the individual to whom you may directly report. Bosses don’t really want subordinates who are successful; they want subordinates who help them succeed. Asking this signals your willingness to serve his or her interests, and provides insight into what your real job would involve.

3. How would you describe the culture of this company?

This is the alternative to the previous question for when you’re being interviewed by an HR person whose real goal is to find someone who will “fit in.” Once you get an answer you’ll be able to cast yourself as the perfect company man or woman.

4. What are the principle problems the company is currently facing?

Show you’re a natural born problem solver who just so happens to have the cures to the organization’s immediate ailments.

5. What are issues you see the industry confronting in the near future?

Not only are you answer to the company’s short term needs, but you’re also a visionary who’ll be an asset for years to come.

-By Cynopsis: Classified Advantage Guest Editor Stephen M. Pollan and Mark Levine. For Cynopsis Media’s free e-publications and extensive Job Postings visit www.cynopsis.com

Stephen M. Pollan is one of America’s most trusted and admired career and financial advisors and is the author of more than a dozen books including the national bestsellers Die Broke and Second Acts. Information about his practice and writing can be found at stephenpollan.com. Mark Levine (gostryter.com) has been Pollan’s collaborator for more than 20 years.

If you have any specific questions you’d like our Experts to address, please email them to John Cox at john@cynopsis.com.