The best questions to ask in an interview

The best questions to ask in an interview and why they matter more than you think

There’s a moment in almost every interview when the interviewer turns the tables and says:

“Do you have any questions for us?”

It may feel like the end of the interview, but it’s actually your chance to stand out. The right questions don’t just show interest. They show insight, preparation, and the kind of thinking that makes you memorable.

This isn’t just a formality. It’s your opportunity to interview the company and demonstrate that you’re serious about finding the right fit, not just any job.

Why it’s important to ask questions in an interview

• 💡 Shows you’re engaged and curious
• 📚 Demonstrates preparation and thoughtfulness
• 🧠 Helps you evaluate whether the company aligns with your goals
• 🎯 Positions you as someone who thinks like a peer, not just a candidate

Best questions to ask by category

🌟 About the Role

• “What does success look like in this role over the first 6–12 months?”
• “What are the biggest challenges someone in this role would need to navigate?”
• “How is performance measured and reviewed?”

🧭 About the Team

• “Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with?”
• “How does the team typically collaborate especially in remote or hybrid settings?”
• “What does onboarding look like, and who will I learn from most in the first few weeks?”

🏢 About the Company

• “How would you describe the company culture and how has it evolved in the last year?”
• “What are the company’s biggest priorities over the next 6–12 months?”
• “How does leadership communicate company-wide goals and updates?”

📈 About Growth and Development

• “What kinds of development opportunities are available formal or informal?”
• “Are there clear paths for internal mobility or promotion?”
• “Can you share an example of someone who grew within the company?”

🤝 About the Hiring Process

• “What are the next steps in the process?”
• “Is there anything else I can provide that would be helpful in your decision?”
• “When are you hoping to make a decision?”

Questions to avoid (and why)

❌ “What does the company do?”

Shows you didn’t do basic research. Always read the website and recent news before your interview.

❌ “How soon can I take vacation?”

It’s okay to ask about benefits, but not before you’ve built value. Timing matters.

❌ “Do you monitor employees?”

Even if you’re asking from a place of curiosity, this can come off as mistrust or red flag behavior.

How to tailor your questions by interviewer type

• 👤 Hiring Manager: Ask about expectations, team goals, and success metrics
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Team Members: Ask about daily work, collaboration, and team culture
• 🧑‍💼 HR/Recruiter: Ask about process, benefits, and company-wide policies

What great questions say about you

Thoughtful questions position you as someone who’s:

• ✅ Strategic and future-focused
• ✅ Interested in real contribution, not just compensation
• ✅ Self-aware and thinking about team fit

They don’t just help you evaluate the opportunity, they help the company evaluate you as someone who’s ready to lead, grow, and contribute meaningfully.

Bonus: 3 power questions to close the interview strong

• “What’s something you’re excited about right now on the team?”
• “Is there anything about my background you’d like me to clarify?”
• “What would make someone truly exceptional in this role?”

Final thought: Your questions are part of your positioning

Don’t think of them as filler. Think of them as signals of who you are.

Asking great questions shows you’re not just prepared, you’re invested, strategic, and thinking like a future team member.