Conducting an interview is how your future boss susses out the top contenders—those whom he thinks are fit for a certain position. However, it’s also during the interview when you can get to determine whether the company, the position, and more importantly, your boss, are agreeable to you. But what sort of things should you ask? According to an article on CNN, you may begin with these three.

1. Can you tell me about the characteristics and behaviors of an employee who met or exceeded your expectations?

This kind of question “will give you some useful insights into what this manager values most,” says Lois Frankel, head of Pasadena-based Corporate Coaching International. It immediately gives you an idea of what you should strive to be at work, which one day might prove to be invaluable, especially when the subject of a possible promotion comes up.

2. How long have you been with the company?

This one is a bit tricky because you have to time it perfectly, but should the opportunity arise (when he talks about his role in the company perhaps), ask your potential boss to tell you about his years with the company. “Listen for experiences that match yours,” says Kathy Harris, managing director at New York City-based financial and IT executive search firm Harris Allied.

3. What key attributes are you looking for?

Another way to find out if you and your boss will be able to work well together is by asking him for specific attributes he’s looking for. “Answers like 'thick-skinned' and 'able to push back' may mean this boss will be difficult to work with," says Harris.

(Screencap from Mad Men courtesy of AMC, edited by Jennifer Chan)