What is one question you must ask at all job interviews?

For me it was "Tell me about yourself" right at the start of the interview. Its amazing how many people can't do that. Obviously since someone was on a job interview I was expecting to hear about their work related accomplishments. However more times than not I'd hear about family, love life, favorite sports teams, etc., etc. If the individual couldn't succinctly tell me about his work experience and performance it was generally an interview that ended quickly.

When can I start? Be excited. There are plenty of other applicants. They all have good credentials, background, training, all that. How can you stand out? Be excited, enthusiastic. Most are afraid to ask this simple question and the hiring manager is most likely still looking because something is missing in the others. Enthusiasm may be it.

When I was the interviewee, I'd ask two questions. What are the qualities that makes this firm great and what are the qualities that drag the firm down. Based on that, my following responses would demonstrate how I'd enhance the first and tamp down the second.

When I'm doing the interviewing, I'd flip it a bit to what excites you and what bothers you. Answers there tend to point to levels of drive, flexibility, or the opposite. "Nothing bothers me" is a huge red flag.