I don't like talking about wages/benefits unless they bring it up.

The interviewer will do most of the asking. If they do not explain what they offer for pay, benefits and advancement you should ask. If it sounds like a dead end job, at the end of the interview thank them for their time. Leave the option open and go on to other interviews.

I'm not an interview expert, but I've certainly done a few of them. I usually ask some variations on the following questions, as well as some situation-specific ones:

1) What kind of feedback could I expect on my performance?

2) How would you say working at [insert location here] is different from other places?

3) What do you like most about working here?

4) When will I hear back from you?

And I think if they don't spell it out for you, it's definitely not a bad idea to ask about compensation. You're in the interview trying to find out if the job is right for you, much like they're trying to find out if you're right for the job. You have a right to be informed about what you're getting into.

I always ask about wage/benefits. I want to know what I am getting into before accepting any offer. Plus, if there is a certain "trial" period before I am in the clear about being fired for the hell of it I would like to know. Most jobs that I have had offer benefits after 90 days but the one I am with now you have to wait a year.

The PetValu one would be fun for you, but if they are not really on top of how they care for the cages and such I can see you getting hot and bothered and letting it affect that, but on the other hand it could be a nice 2nd job if you get one of the others.

Maybe it's just me, but I wouldnt' mention any of those things (pay benefits) until the offer came up, and then I would want them in writing (signed and dated by my manager), separate, or distinct, from/in my contract.

Having said that, performance review structures are a good thing to ask about, as opportnites for development and advancement. Are they hiring you just as a pair of hands, or are they going to match your effort with theirs? try not to phrase it like that obviously!

I'd check staff turnover for all of them, although I think that might need to be a separate research point than a question. If you find anything remarkable, you could ask "I noticed you have quite a high turnover, is there any particular reason that is so?" Or, "I see you're good at keeping staff, why do you think people stay?" That will also give you a good indication of the attitude of your superior.

I would definately want more detail on the duties and situation, such as team sizes, responsibilities, but I'm assuming you've got that, or you woulnd't have applied.

There are a few things you might want to check up on, in the "I take it you have ..." way, like health and safety paperwork, sexual/racial discrimination policies, dress codes (which will often include pierings and the like) etc, if that's not obvious in the work environment: a lot of shops have them inned up behind the till. By law (in the UK) companies have to have things like H&S/equality policies, but it's worth checking that your supervisor has heard of them. One place I was interviewed for didn't know what I meant by "equality policy". That wasn't the only reason, but I didn't take the offer.

always always always ask about how much you will be getting. its one of the most important parts of your job. also it was one of my and my managers pet hates when we interviewd for people not asking!

I agree!! Always ask. Ask about anything, the more curious you are, the better.

I had a question that sort of embarassed me in a recent interview... They asked me what my greatest accomplishment was, and why. I had NOTHING! My work experience was mediocre at best, never went to college, hadn't bought my house yet...
Yeah, I may be a hard worker, and reliable, and trustworthy, but so what? Anyone can be those things too.

I agree about asking about the wages. After all what happens if you accept the job and then they say oh you are making such and such and its way below what you need to survive. I have always asked and never gotten any weird look or response. My friend is a manager at Pet Smart and he usually tells the person the pay rate. I asked him once if he gets upset when asked about benefits and wages and he said, "Absolutly Not"

Oh and I always ask about benefits cuz I have to have them. I will not take a job unless they have them for me after 90 days.

I also ask what hours can I expect to work.

you could ask them about what your duties/responsibilities would be if they havent spelled it out.

i think its important to ask about wages and pay. its important for you to know, what you are getting yourself into and it also shows them that you arent a pushover cos you arent afraid to ask!

i always ask a few things:

wage/benefits
daily responsibilities
expected work hours
opportunity for growth
expected dress code

then other stuff really depends on where im looking

Oh yes dress code is a very important one. I too ask about the opportunity to move up in the company.

I think it's definitely a good idea to ask questions. As an interviewer, there's nothing worse than asking, "do you have any questions?" and having the person sit there like a lump.

I don't have a lot of experience with the kinds of jobs you are applying for, but some of the best questions to ask are ones that show you know something about the industry and/or the specific company in particular. Like, "I notice your sales went up 25% last year; what role did your employees take in that." You could also ask stuff like, who will be my supervisor? What do you value most in your employees."

I would typically not ask about compensation or benefits at a preliminary interview, but would if called back.

Oh right, I didn't realise you mean basic wage, I thought you meant overtime rates and stuff.

Yes. Gods, yes.