50 Questions to Ask in an Interview as a Candidate

Knowing what to ask in an interview is essential – not only because asking insightful questions leaves a memorable impression, but also because it helps validate your fit for the role and the company – on both sides. In this article, we’ll review the importance of asking the right questions to your interviewers and a collection of 50 questions to ask in an interview, as well as the questions you should avoid.

Why Asking Smart Questions is Important

When you're gearing up for a job interview, it's easy to focus on the questions they’ll ask you. But flipping the script to consider which questions to ask in an interview yourself can be a game-changer.

According to a Harvard University study, effectively asking questions makes candidates appear more competent and memorable. This practice demonstrates not just your preparation, but also your strategic thinking about how you can contribute to and benefit from the company.

Here are 10 reasons why you should ask smart questions to your interviewer:

  1. Demonstrates interest and engagement: Proves your research, genuine interest in the role, and commitment to the company.
  2. Helps assess fit: Enables you to understand whether the company's culture and the role align with your values and career goals.
  3. Helps you stand out: Differentiates you from other candidates by showing your initiative and depth of thought.
  4. Encourages dialogue: Turns the interview into a two-way conversation, making it more engaging for both parties.
  5. Reveals company insights: Uncovers details about the company's direction, priorities, and challenges that aren't available publicly.
  6. Demonstrates critical thinking: Shows you're analyzing the role and company critically.
  7. Prepares you for the role: Helps you gain a clearer picture of what will be expected if you're hired.
  8. Assesses growth opportunities: Uncovers professional development and career advancement prospects within the company.
  9. Clarifies expectations: Ensures you understand what success looks like in the role.
  10. Builds rapport with the interviewer: Establishes a connection, making you more memorable and likable.

Risks of Not Asking Questions

Opting not to ask questions can lead to misunderstandings or even missed opportunities. Remaining silent may be interpreted as disinterest or lack of enthusiasm for the position.

Furthermore, without asking key questions, you might not fully grasp the company's culture, values, or expectations, potentially leading to a mismatch between your expectations and the reality of the job. Imagine accepting a job only to realize later that it wasn't what you expected, all because you didn't ask the right questions to the hiring manager.

Preparation Strategies

Begin your preparation by listing questions in categories such as: team dynamics, company culture, and future growth.

Having a diverse set of questions ready, shows you're not just interested in the role but also in how you can grow with and contribute to the company's success. It's advisable to prepare more questions than you think you'll need.

How Many Questions Should You Ask Your Interviewer?

When asked "Do you have any questions for me?” in an interview, you might wonder about the ideal number of questions to ask. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but aiming for a thoughtful selection is key.

Generally, preparing five to ten questions gives you flexibility and depth without overwhelming the conversation. As the interview unfolds and some of your inquiries are naturally addressed, you can choose which remaining questions to ask from your list, ensuring you cover what matters most to you and don’t fall short.

It's essential to adapt based on the interview flow—some answers may prompt further inquiry, while others might cover multiple areas you had questions about. Remember, quality trumps quantity. Your goal is to engage in a meaningful dialogue, demonstrating your interest and insight into the role and company.

50 Good Questions to Ask in an Interview as a Candidate

When it comes to choosing exactly what questions should you ask in an interview, here comes the juicy part.

Let us introduce you to 50 example questions to ask during an interview with a recruiter, employer, or hiring manager. Asking any of these will provide useful insight and help you make a lasting positive impression.

Questions to Ask in an Interview About the Role

Understanding the specifics of the role is crucial to assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, by asking detailed questions about the role, you convey your enthusiasm and eagerness to dive deep into what the position entails, how it contributes to the organization, and the challenges it may present.

Some of the best questions to ask the interviewer about the role:

  1. What does a typical day look like for someone in this position?

This question shows your interest in understanding the daily operations and expectations of the role, giving you insight into the practical aspects of the job.

  1. Can you describe the primary responsibilities of the role?

Asking this clarifies your duties and how you can contribute to the team, showing your eagerness to understand and meet the role's demands.

  1. What are the most challenging aspects of this job?

This question demonstrates your willingness to tackle difficulties head-on and your proactive approach to problem-solving, highlighting your resilience and determination to succeed.

  1. How do you measure success for this position?

You show your commitment to achieving success and your desire to understand the company's expectations, which helps align your goals with theirs.

  1. What are the expectations for this role in the first 90 days?

This question indicates your proactive approach to making an immediate impact, showcasing your ambition, and dedication to contributing from the start.

Questions to Ask the Interviewer About Company Culture and Team Dynamics

These questions help you understand the environment you might be entering and whether it aligns with your values and work style. By inquiring about culture and dynamics, you're not just showing an interest in the company but also prioritizing your potential satisfaction at work, which is crucial for long-term success on both sides.

Good questions to ask the interviewer about the culture and team:

  1. How would you describe the company culture?

The answer to this question will reveal the core values and atmosphere of the workplace, helping you decide if it aligns with your personal and professional values.

  1. What are the team's strengths and how do they collaborate?

Asking about the team's strengths and collaboration style gives insight into the dynamics you'll be working within, highlighting potential synergies or challenges.

  1. How does the company support diversity and inclusion?

This shows your commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment and helps you understand the company's efforts toward building a diverse workforce.

  1. Can you describe a recent team event or project that exemplified the company's culture?

Asking for specific examples gives you a clearer picture of how the company's stated values translate into actual practices and team dynamics.

  1. How does the company handle conflict resolution and feedback?

This question uncovers the mechanisms in place for addressing conflicts and feedback, indicating the company's commitment to employee growth and a positive work environment.

Questions to Ask Interviewer About Growth and Development Opportunities

Understanding growth and development opportunities within a company is pivotal for career planning and satisfaction. These questions for interviewers help you assess how the company invests in the professional growth of its employees and if there are clear paths for advancement and skill enhancement.

  1. What opportunities for advancement exist within the company?

Inquiring about advancement opportunities shows your ambition and long-term interest in growing with the company.

  1. Does the company support ongoing education and training?

This question helps gauge the company's commitment to continuous learning and development, which is crucial for staying relevant in your field.

  1. Are there mentorship programs available?

Asking about mentorship programs demonstrates your interest in personal and professional development and finding guidance within the organization.

  1. How is performance typically reviewed and rewarded?

Understanding how performance is evaluated and rewarded can give you insights into the company's values and how it recognizes employee contributions.

  1. Can you share examples of career paths within the organization?

This question provides a concrete understanding of potential growth trajectories within the company and how your career might progress.

Questions to Ask Interviewer About Performance Expectations

Embarking on a new role comes with its unique set of challenges and expectations. By inquiring about performance expectations, you demonstrate your eagerness to excel and arm yourself with insights into what it takes to shine in the role.

Ask these questions to your interviewer to discover how success is measured, the rhythm of feedback, and help you anticipate typical hurdles :

  1. What are the key performance indicators for this position?

Knowing the metrics by which your performance will be judged helps give you a roadmap to success. It also shows an interviewer that you're focused on delivering results that matter to the team and the company.

  1. How often are performance reviews conducted?

This question signals that you’re keen on feedback and growth. Regular reviews mean regular opportunities to adjust and improve, aligning your efforts with company goals.

  1. What does success look like in this role?

Unpack the vision of success for this position to understand the impact you're expected to make. This insight helps you visualize your potential contribution and align your ambitions with the company.

  1. Are there any common challenges people in this role face?

Forewarned is forearmed. Knowing potential obstacles gives you a chance to prepare strategies to overcome them, showcasing your proactive attitude and problem-solving skills.

  1. How does the team support members in meeting their goals?

This question not only highlights your desire for a collaborative environment, but also gets at the heart of the company’s support system. It’s crucial to know how resources, mentoring, and teamwork play into achieving personal and professional goals.

Questions About the Interviewer’s Experience

Peeking behind the curtain via your interviewer's experience offers a unique perspective on the company and role. It also personalizes the conversation, showing that you value the whole journey and gives you insights from those who've grown with the company.

Some good questions to ask the interviewer about their experience:

  1. What do you enjoy most about working here?

Asking this opens a window into what motivates and satisfies employees at the company, giving you clues about the work culture and potential job satisfaction.

  1. How has your role evolved since you started with the company?

Their answer sheds light on the company's growth and development opportunities, illustrating how it supports and values its employees' career paths.

  1. What challenges has the company faced and how were they overcome?

Insight into past challenges and solutions highlights the company's resilience and adaptability, which are key factors for its stability and your future within it.

  1. Can you share a memorable project or achievement?

Celebrating a significant success story provides inspiration and showcases the impact you could have, reinforcing the value of teamwork and innovation.

  1. What keeps you motivated in your role?

Understanding what fuels the passion in your interviewer can offer inspiration and a sense of alignment with your own career aspirations and values.

Questions to Ask the Interviewer About the Next Steps

After showcasing your interest in the role and your qualifications, it's crucial to understand what lies ahead. Clarifying the next steps helps you navigate the post-interview phase with confidence and solidifies your impression as a considerate and proactive candidate.

Good questions to ask the interviewer about follow-up:

  1. What are the next steps in the interview process?

This question demonstrates your enthusiasm to move forward and helps you gauge the hiring timeline, ensuring you’re aligned with their process.

  1. Is there a timeline for when I can expect to hear back?

Knowing the expected feedback timeline helps manage your expectations and keeps your job search momentum going without leaving you in the dark.

  1. Can I provide any additional information or documents?

Offering further assistance or information shows your proactive attitude and readiness to contribute, highlighting your commitment to securing the role.

  1. Who should I stay in contact with for updates?

Identifying the right point of contact for follow-ups helps you maintain clear and respectful communication lines and shows your professionalism.

  1. Is it alright to reach out for feedback regardless of the outcome?

Asking for feedback reflects your desire to grow and improve, demonstrating a mindset that values learning and development, traits any employer would admire.

Questions to Ask in an Interview About the Company’s Future

Grasping the company's vision and upcoming ventures can give you a clear picture of where you could be heading. These insights will help you align your career trajectory with the company’s direction.

Examples of questions to ask after an interview to learn more about the company’s future:

  1. Where do you expect the company to be in the next five years?

This question reveals the long-term vision and strategic planning of the company, offering you a glimpse into its stability and growth prospects.

  1. Are there any major projects or expansions planned?

Company expansion plans can indicate job security and career development opportunities for you if you join

  1. How does the company stay ahead in the industry?

This inquiry highlights the company’s innovation and competitiveness, essential factors for thriving in today’s fast-paced market environments.

  1. Can you discuss any anticipated changes in the company?

Anticipating changes shows you’re prepared to adapt and contribute to the evolving needs of the company, underlining your resilience and flexibility.

  1. How does the company plan to grow its customer base?

Knowing something about the strategies for customer growth offers insights into the company's marketing and sales prowess and therefore its long-term viability.

Questions to Ask in an Interview About Work-Life Balance

In today’s dynamic work environment, understanding a company’s stance on work-life balance is crucial for your long-term happiness and productivity. Ideally, you want to find a workplace that supports your well-being and career ambitions, fostering a fulfilling professional journey.

Good questions to ask the hiring manager about work-life balance:

  1. How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?

This question gives you insight into the company's culture and values regarding employee health and well-being, which – if positive - reflects its commitment to a sustainable work environment.

  1. Can you provide examples of how the company accommodates flexible working arrangements?

Specific examples of flexibility, such as remote work options or flexible hours, illustrate the company's adaptability and support for diverse working styles.

  1. What is the company's policy on remote work?

Understanding the company's approach to remote work can help you assess how future-proof and adaptable the organization is in today’s evolving work landscape.

  1. How is overtime or weekend work handled?

This inquiry reveals the company’s expectations regarding work hours and how it compensates or balances extra workloads, indicating respect for personal time.

  1. What wellness resources does the company offer?

Asking about wellness resources shows the company’s investment in employee health and happiness, from mental health services to physical fitness programs.

Interview Questions to Ask an Employer About Technology and Innovation

Technology and innovation are at the forefront of business success and understanding a company's approach to these areas can help you choose if this is the right step in your career. It’s important to know how the company plans to stay relevant and competitive, as this can impact your job security. Furthermore, it shows your interest in contributing to a forward-thinking and dynamic environment, aligning with future trends and advancements.

Good interview questions to ask employers or recruiters about technology and innovation:

  1. How does the company incorporate new technologies into its operations?

This question reveals the company's willingness to invest in cutting-edge technologies and its agility in adopting industry innovations, showcasing its commitment to staying competitive.

  1. What role does innovation play in the company’s strategy?

How the company innovates shows their views on change and progress, which can indicate its dedication to growth and improvement.

  1. Can you give examples of recent innovations within the company?

Specific examples of innovation demonstrate the company's achievements in bringing new ideas to life, giving you insight into its creative and forward-thinking culture.

  1. How does the company encourage creative thinking and innovation among employees?

This inquiry sheds light on the company’s culture around idea generation and risk-taking, showing how it supports and values employee contributions to innovation, which can make your day-to-day more exciting.

  1. What investments in technology is the company currently making or planning to make?

This insightful question helps you understand if they are keeping pace with industry trends and whether there will be opportunities for you to work with cutting-edge technology.

Interview Questions to Ask an Employer About Social Responsibility and Ethics

In today's world, a company's commitment to social responsibility and ethical practices is not just a bonus; it's often expected. Ensure you're joining an organization that takes its role in society and the environment seriously, aligning with your desire to contribute to a better world.

Peel back the layers of a company's values and see if they align with your own by asking these questions to your interviewer:

  1. How does the company integrate social responsibility into its business practices?

This question helps you understand the depth of the company's commitment to making a positive impact on society, revealing whether its actions align with its words.

  1. Can you share examples of recent CSR initiatives?

Asking for specifics gives you tangible evidence of the company's efforts in corporate social responsibility, showcasing its dedication to causes such as environmental sustainability, community outreach, or social equity.

  1. How does the company ensure ethical practices in its operations?

This inquiry can teach you about the mechanisms and policies in place to uphold ethical standards, indicating the company's commitment to doing business the right way.

  1. What role do employees play in the company’s CSR activities?

Understanding how the company involves employees in CSR initiatives can tell you a lot about the company culture and whether it empowers its team to make a difference.

  1. How does the company address environmental concerns?

With increasing attention to environmental sustainability, knowing how the company contributes to the well-being of the planet reflects its foresight and responsibility towards future generations.

Questions You Should Not Ask Your Interviewer

We’ve covered what to ask in an interview and now it’s time to focus on what to avoid. While it’s crucial to ask insightful questions during your interview, some topics and inquiries are best left unasked. Navigating the conversation with professionalism and tact means knowing what lines not to cross.

However, context matters – a question that might be off-limits in one scenario could be perfectly valid in another. For example, a candidate interviewing for a senior leadership role may need to delve into strategic directions or financial health, whereas someone applying for a technical position might focus on role-specific technologies or team dynamics instead.

Let's explore some topics and examples of questions that, in most cases, you should avoid asking your interviewer, to maintain a positive and professional impression.

Personal Information

Digging into the interviewer's personal life is a no-go. Questions like, "How old are you?" or "Are you married?" are not only inappropriate but could also make the interviewer uncomfortable and cast you in a negative light.

Here are more examples of questions about personal information that you should not ask during an interview:

❌ "Do you have children?"

❌ "Where do you live?"

❌ "What religion do you follow?"

❌ "What political party do you support?"

Negative Questions

Steering the conversation toward the negative aspects of the company or its employees can reflect poorly on you. Avoid questions that put the interviewer on the defensive, such as, "Do people generally dislike any policies or decisions here?" or "What are the worst parts about working here?".

Overly Specific or Unrelated Questions

Asking overly detailed questions about aspects of the job or company that are not relevant to your role can distract from the interview’s main goals. Focus on questions that help you understand the role and company culture better.

Examples of questions that are too specific or unrelated to avoid in an interview:

"Can you explain your company's tax strategy in detail?"

"What brand of coffee do you provide in the office?"

"What are the exact dimensions of the workspaces?"

Overly Ambitious Questions

While it's great to show ambition, asking about quick promotions or bypassing steps on the career ladder can come off as presumptuous. It's important to demonstrate a willingness to grow and learn within the company.

Examples of overly ambitious questions to avoid during an interview:

"How quickly can I become a manager?"

"Will I be able to skip the entry-level positions?"

"How soon can I expect to supervise someone?"

"Is it possible to get a corner office within the first year?"

"Can I attend board meetings to give my input?"

Questions About Confidential or Sensitive Information

Asking about confidential company information or sensitive business details that are not public knowledge is inappropriate. Moreover, for the interviewer, it could be a signal that you lack discretion and respect for professional boundaries.

Examples of questions about confidential or sensitive information to avoid:

"Can you tell me about your upcoming products that haven't been announced?"

"What are the current financial struggles of the company?"

"Can you disclose details about negotiations with other companies?"

"What are the salary details of the team I'll be joining?"

"Are there any undisclosed reasons behind recent layoffs?"

What if You Forget to Ask a Question in an Interview?

It's perfectly human to walk out of an interview and suddenly remember that critical question you forgot to ask. Whether it was about the company culture, the team you'll be working with, or the next steps in the interview process, realizing you've missed an opportunity can feel like a setback.

But don’t fret! This slip up is not only common but also easily remedied. One of the best ways to bridge this gap is by sending a thoughtful thank you email after your interview and include your question there.

In the age of constant communication, following up is both expected and appreciated. This gesture keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind, shows your continued interest in the position, demonstrates your proactive and thoughtful nature, and provides an excellent opportunity to ask any lingering questions you may have.

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