Intelligent questions to ask about a job?

[PleaseEmployMe]

There's a job I'm desperate to get, currently sahm. My ex divisional boss has sent me an email to say it's online and he's told the departmental leader (in his division) I might call him for info.

So...what the hell do I ask without looking like a prat?
I can't ask if they'll consider less % than advertised...
I can't ask if there's a lot of travel involved...
So, what do I ask?

I'm going to apply. I've written my application and my ex department leader has checked it. But do I need to call? Does it look bad if I don't?

I presume I can't ask what projects they're going to run although my ex colleague has told me of the last div. meeting so what can I ask?

Do you mean what do you ask in an interview when they say ‘do you have any questions for us’, or what do you ask to find out more about the role?

Yes I would call. It sounds like your ex boss is keen for you to apply and the departmental manager has probably been given the heads up and expecting a call from you to scope you out - no pressure.

I would say that generally these sorts of things flow once you get into it. Focus it mainly around the JD. How much time is spent working on various aspects of the role? How do the roles work together? What's the working culture like? Make a list of questions and dip in and out of it when you call. You could Google what questions to ask pre interview. How would I know that I was succeeding is a question I ask but I normally save that for interview. Remember the questions are a chance for you to scope out the manager too 😉

Argh! I hate talking on the phone! I often don't hear properly and then sound like a right idiot asking them to repeat themselves.

Yes, what do I ask to find out more about the role, I suppose.
Working culture I know. I know the real reason why the last person is leaving.

JD says about international conferences, is it ok to ask how often or does that look bad seeing as they know I have DC?

You could ask if they're annual conferences? Are they conferences you'd be organising or attending?

Ask about the structure of the team? The background of the other team members? I also think it’s acceptable to ask % of time travelling, this normally appears on job descriptions. Who the biggest clients are? Main responsibilities? What kind of skills are they looking for from candidates?

You could ask if they're annual conferences?
That's a good question!

Team structure and team members I know already. I met the departmental leader once at a presentation for my project when I worked there freelance.