60+ Good Questions to Ask During a Job Interview

February 21, 2023

You’ve turned up at an interview for a new job that you really want, and it’s going great. You’ve shown the hiring manager everything they’ve asked for, and you’re looking like the perfect job candidate for this role.

However, as the job interview winds to a close, the hiring manager will almost always ask this question; “Do you have any questions for me?”. Though you might think it’s no big deal, this is the perfect opportunity to make sure this is the right position for you.

Here’s a quick tip for responding to this question: your answer should never be no. Having zero questions for the interviewer is the ultimate interview faux pas – it signals that you’re not interested or serious enough about the role.

When interviewers or a hiring manager asks this question, they’re giving you the opportunity to find out more about the company and role, and address any concerns or questions you may have. This is why it’s worth doing some research ahead of time to make sure you’re prepared.

So, what questions should you ask at the end of the interview? Our list of 60 appropriate questions to ask during a job interview will ensure you leave a good first impression.

10 Best Questions to Ask During Your Job Interview

We’ve shortlisted these 10 best questions you can ask your interviewer, covering a broad range of topics about the role, company, interviewer, and yourself:

1. If I get this job, what would you like me to achieve within my first 3 months?

  • Asking this question after a job interview displays your enthusiasm to contribute to the organization. Listen carefully to the recruiter’s answer as it guides your initial focus on key job aspects.

2. What is the most important indicator of success in this role?

This question helps you gauge the learning curve and team pace. There needs to be more ramp-up time if significant achievements are expected within your initial six months. This is fine with ample experience and realistic expectations but could concern you otherwise. Additionally, asking this question reveals hidden project details that enhance your understanding of the work.

3. How are performance reviews conducted? What are some of the mechanisms in place for employee feedback?

Asking this question during an interview demonstrates to the hiring manager your desire for the job and openness to criticism. You will have a better idea of what is required of you to succeed if you know the methods used by the company to evaluate you.

4. Who would I be working closely with?

In addition to letting you know who you will report to after you are employed, this question also clarifies the organisational structure of the business and the position you will fill. Since you will be working closely with your team members, you should thoroughly understand the team dynamic and their methods of operation.

5. Where does the company see itself in 5 years?

Doing so demonstrates to the interviewer that you’re in it for the long haul, proving your commitment and genuine concern for the company’s broader perspective and overarching goals. Showing your dedication and that you’re focused on the sustained success and overall impact of your contributions.

6. How have you grown professionally upon joining this company?

Hearing about the growth trajectories of existing employees can provide a clearer picture of the potential career path within the organization and help you decide if it’s a place where they can thrive and progress.

7. How would you describe the management style and culture of this company?

Understanding the company culture and how it fits your personality can lead to a better experience. Your interviewer’s answer might also reveal other job perks, like paid meals and company outings.

8. Why do you enjoy working here?
Asking this question demonstrates proactive research, cultural fit assessment, and a genuine interest in understanding the working dynamics of the company, which can positively impact your overall interview impression.

9. Do you have any concerns about my experience or skill sets? How can I address them or work to improve them?

Asking about concerns and improvements not only shows your initiative, but also shows that you are eager to align with the company’s goals, and committed to making a positive impact if hired.

10. Do you need any more information from me?

Asking this question during an interview is a proactive and thoughtful approach that demonstrates communication skills, highlights your enthusiasm, and shows your willingness to collaborate. It showcases your professionalism and attention to detail in the interview process.

As a potential job candidate, it’s necessary you ask the right questions. And if you only have the opportunity to ask one, I’d suggest you ask one of the above.

ResumeWriter Tip: Not having any questions for your interviewer is one of the worst mistakes you can make during a job interview. Prepare well for this, and other common interview questions, so you’ll never be caught off guard.

However, some other sample questions we’ve listed may allow you to ask something a little more specific, giving you a more relevant answer.

Questions about the Role

Asking questions about the job itself, core responsibilities, and performance indicators demonstrate your curiosity and strong interest in the position.

  1. What would be an indicator for success in this role?
  2. What would you like me to accomplish in my first 100 days?
  3. What does a typical day look like for this role?
  4. When would I receive my first formal performance review?
  5. If I get this role, what do you think is the most important indicator of success in this role?
  6. What is the most important thing to accomplish in the first 60 days?
  7. Could you please tell me a little history about this position?
  8. Why did the previous employee leave this position?
  9. What can you tell me about this job that isn’t in the job description?
  10. If I get this job, what would you like me to achieve within my first 3 months?
  11. What are some of the biggest challenges new employees will face in this job over the next 6 months?

Doing this can help you to determine your potential career path within the company, which is especially important if career development is paramount for you.

Questions about the Team

The people you work and interact with on a day-to-day basis have a great impact on your happiness at work.

  1. Who would I be working closely with?
  2. What are some of the projects your team is working on?
  3. How does your team communicate with one another while working remotely?

Questions about Professional Development

It’s good to know how this role will support your professional growth and enable you to move closer towards your ultimate career goals.

  1. What are your future plans for this role?
  2. How has this role adapted to the changing nature of this organization/industry?
  3. What are the prospects for growth in this role?
  4. Where have successful employees previously in this position moved on to?
  5. Do you offer any training or upskilling opportunities for employees?

Questions about the Company

Demonstrate your curiosity in the broader organization, beyond the role. You can ask questions about the company’s goals, plans, challenges, general work processes, and how departments work with one another.

  1. What are some of the company’s goals for this coming year?
  2. What are some of the company’s recent challenges?
  3. How are performance reviews conducted? What are some of the mechanisms in place for employee feedback?
  4. Where does the company see itself in 5 years?
  5. What kind of growth does the company envision for itself in the next 5 years?
  6. How long do employees tend to stay with the organization?
  7. What do you think is the organization’s competitive advantage?
  8. What is the onboarding process like for new hires?
  9. What are some of the tools or technologies your organization uses to work remotely?
  10. Which domains are the company expanding towards?
  11. What might be some of the biggest challenges employees face on a recurring basis?
  12. How transparent is the company about operations, revenue and future plans?

Learning about the company’s values is important if you want to ensure that you’ll be a good match for one another.

Questions about Yourself

Asking about yourself and your potential fit with the role and company shows just how serious you are about the job.

  1. Do you have any concerns about my experience or skill sets? How can I address them or work to improve them?
  2. Have there been any candidates you have interviewed prior to me that stood out to you?
  3. Do you have any reservations about my role or fit in the company?
  4. What are some of the desired qualities you are looking out for in candidates for this role?
  5. Based on our interview today, do you believe I can excel in this position or do you have other reservations about my candidacy?
  6. Have you interviewed many other candidates?
  7. Do you need any more information from me?

Questions about People & Culture

A great company culture that aligns with your values is just as important as growth opportunities and benefits. Gather insights about the company’s culture with these questions:

  1. How have you grown professionally upon joining this company?
  2. How would you describe the management style and culture of this company?
  3. Why do you enjoy working here?
  4. What excites you about coming in to work each day?
  5. What do you enjoy most about working here?
  6. What are some of your talents that help you excel in your role?
  7. Why did you choose working for this organization over others?
  8. What are the feedback channels for employees to receive feedback?

Questions on Next Steps

Finally, don’t forget to ask follow-up questions to determine next steps.

  1. What’s the next step in the hiring process? Is there anything you would like me to focus on to better prepare myself?
  2. Who should I reach out to if I have further questions?
  3. When might I hear back from you regarding the next stage of the interview process?
  4. When might I expect to hear back from you?

Try not to be too pushy when asking these questions, but there’s nothing wrong with asking them at the end of your interview.

Questions to Avoid Asking During the Interview Process

While there are lots of questions you can ask an interviewer, there are also some topics you should absolutely refrain from asking about at the close of an interview!

Questions You Should Not Ask During An Interview:

  • Questions about Salaries
  • Questions about Benefits
  • Questions about Vacation/Leave
  • Basic Questions that can be answered with desktop research
  • Repetitive Questions that about details the interviewer has already shared with you
  • Personal Questions that may be too intrusive
  • Questions about other jobs
  • Questions about major changes you can make to the job or the company
  • Questions about the company’s main competitors
  • Questions about other available jobs and positions
  • Asking Questions about promotions and a raise

And the number 1 question you shouldn’t ask during the interview is: What’s the worst thing about working here?

While offering insightful questions during an interview can be beneficial, questions with a negative focus could affect how the company views you as a candidate.

Instead, ask in-depth questions about a company’s challenges and successes.

Avoid Asking about Salaries

  1. How much would I be paid?
  2. What is my salary?
  3. Can your company meet my expected salary?
  4. Can we discuss a higher salary package?

Avoid Asking about Benefits

  1. What are some of the benefits of this company?
  2. How often do you give employees raises and bonuses?
  3. Does this company have any perks for newcomers?

Avoid Asking about Vacation/Leave

  1. How many days of leave am I entitled to?
  2. What is the company yearly vacation allowance?
  3. Does the paid leave allowance increase with seniority?

Avoid Asking Basic Questions

  1. What does this company do?
  2. What does your company sell?
  3. How many employees does your company have?
  4. What is this job about?
  5. So did I get the job?

Avoid Asking Personal Questions

  1. What do you do outside of work?
  2. Are you married?
  3. Do you have work-life balance outside of work?

Conclusion

Overall, you can ask about a variety of things in your job interview. Whether that’s more information about the day to day responsibilities of the role, the work environment you’ll be exposed to or something else, there’s some great questions you can ask.

Using our sample questions about can allow you to have something in preparation, as you’ll typically be asked this question during any interview.

Get ready and learn how to ace your interview with these great suggestions.

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Harry Suresh