Job interviews make many people nervous. You may worry about the impression you make. You can make a great impression on the employer by coming to the interview with your own questions.
If you ask quality questions, you will find yourself engaging and bright. You will also learn more about the job, the company culture and the people you will work with if you get the position.
Stay on this page for our list of 41 great questions to ask in an interview and how they can help you get the most out of every job interview.
Why is it important to prepare questions to ask in a job interview?
Interviewees should always ask questions during the interview.
It shows the interviewer that you are engaged and deeply interested in the opportunity. It also gives you the opportunity to gauge your interest in the position and the employer. Interviews aren’t just for employers to decide if they want to hire you. They also let you decide if the employer is a good fit for your needs.
Try to prepare about 10-15 questions that interest you. But remember that sometimes there will only be time for a few questions – make sure you prioritize them correctly.
Ask thoughtful questions informed by what you already know about the position and the employer shows you’ve completed your research.
Check out our page on Interview tips for more inspiration.
The best questions to ask in a job interview
The following list of questions is not exhaustive, and not every question here is appropriate for every position.
The best questions to ask in an interview give the impression of an active participant being respected and engaged. Time your questions to fit the flow of the interview. Don’t go ahead and overwhelm your interviewer.
As the interview progresses, your questions may become more detailed.
Questions to ask about work
Use these questions to learn about the job mission and the value of the job to the company. You want to appear like you’re planning to know the job inside and out from the start.
1. What does a typical day at work look like?
2. Can you tell me more about (specific job duties when posting)? How often does it appear?
3. Do you anticipate the key responsibilities of this position to change in the coming year?
4. Are there any skill gaps on the team that you are hoping to fill for this position?
5. What other departments does this role frequently interact with?
6. Who will I report directly to in this role?
7. What is the turnover like in this role?
8. What does the person who previously held this role do now?
9. What are the biggest challenges associated with this position?
10. Are there work-from-home opportunities for this role?
11. How long has this position been in your company and what needs did it initially fill?
12. Can you give some examples of the types of projects I could be assigned to if hired?
Questions to ask about training and expectations
This type of question can provide insight into a company’s training and future career development and promotion opportunities.
13. What is the training like for someone in this position?
14. What do you expect the new hire to master within the first 30 days? The first 90?
15. How is performance assessed for someone in this position?
16. How often do performance reviews happen?
17. What is the typical career trajectory for someone in this position/department?
18. What types of career development opportunities are there?
19. Do you expect me to participate in seminars or other professional development activities at future conferences?
20. Are there any books I can read on my own to prepare for the practice?
Questions to ask about your interviewer
Shifting focus to your interviewer can add humor and warmth to the interview process. Remember to show concern respectfully and sincerely.
21. How long have you been with the company? What motivates you to stay?
22. What is your favorite thing about working for this company?
23. What was the most difficult thing about working at this company for you?
24. What brought you to the company? What did you do before?
25. What was the most interesting/important skill in doing this job that taught you?
Questions to ask about the company and its culture
This category allows you to ask about the culture the employer wants to work towards. You can find out if the company’s values align with your own.
26. How would you describe the company culture and the team? What kind of people tend to be happiest here?
27. How has the company handled the COVID-19 pandemic? What safety measures are currently in place?
28. What are the recent (other) challenges the company has faced, and how has it handled them?
29. How has the company changed during your time with it?
30. What is your favorite office tradition?
31. What do you see the company’s trajectory for the next few years?
32. How often do people usually have to work or be present outside of their normal business hours? Do you have to work overtime?
33. What does the company do or recommend to help employees achieve work-life balance?
34. What types of social networks does the company offer to new hires?
35. How would you say the culture of this company is different from the culture of other companies you have worked for?
Questions to ask about next steps
Interviewers’ answers to questions about next steps will shed light on the referral process and show you how much they value you.
36. What is the schedule for the next step(s) in the interview process?
37. What is the next step in the process?
38. What does the referral process look like?
39. Is there any information about myself that I have not volunteered for that you would like me to share?
Questions that will surprise your interviewer
40. Among those who have held this position before, what is the difference between those who are okay in this role and those who are great?
This question, by Alison Green’s Ask the manager, will impress your interviewer as it clarifies your intentions to be a great employee who will go above and beyond. Asking this question indicates that you are interested in distinguishing between “good” and “great”.
41. Do you have any concerns about me as a candidate that I can address right now?
This question stands out because it allows you to demonstrate your humility and ability to face your failures or weaknesses with confidence. By acknowledging that the interviewer may have reservations about you, you demonstrate a willingness to improve.
In short
When you come to an interview with your own questions, you have the potential to impress a potential employer. What’s more, you can find out if they’re the kind of person you want to impress.
For more help with your job search and perfecting your interviewing skills, consult your local university’s career center or check out our page on phone interview tips.
