All hiring managers agree — you have to ask questions at the end of the interview. It means you’re eager, engaged, and genuinely interested in the role.
Choosing the right questions is key, because it’s the last thing they’ll remember you by.
In this article, I’m sharing the secrets from my 15-year-long journey as a career coach and co-founder of an interview preparation platform. I also teamed up with three hiring managers to get their insights and unique takes on questions to ask at the end of an interview.
Together, we created a carefully curated list of interesting questions to establish yourself as a resourceful, informed candidate, and obtain crucial info to help you decide if you’re the right fit for a position.
Before we begin with the list, here’s what you need to know about asking questions in an interview, in a nutshell:
- Prepare 3–4 questions in advance. Always customize them for the role and company you’re interviewing for.
- Don’t ask “yes or no” questions. The idea is to start a conversation and build rapport with the interviewer.
- Interviewers expect to get questions from candidates. You can be disqualified if you don’t have any.
- Don’t ask generic questions. Asking genuine, insightful questions will help you learn more about the company, the role, and could even flip an otherwise poor interview in your favor.
- Ask a mix of different types of questions. Ask about the role, company culture and values, and team dynamics.
- Questions about compensation, PTO, or next steps in the process are totally fine – as long as you ask the right person, like recruiters or in-house HR people. Asking a hiring manager will waste their time and make you look unprofessional.
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Best Questions to Ask in an Interview
- Why is this position open?
- A year from now when you’re looking back on this hire, what would I have done to exceed every expectation?
- How would you know you’d hired the right person after the first 90 days in the role?
- Who would not be a good fit for this role?
- Where do you see this role in the company’s growth?
- What are the main challenges for someone in this role?
- What goals would you set for me for the next 6 months?
- What are the most immediate projects I would take on?
- What are your expectations for me in this role?
- What would a typical day look like for this role?
- What are the main KPIs for this position?
- In terms of professional qualities, what do you believe sets apart the most successful employees in this organization?
- What’s your favorite office tradition?
- What do new employees often find surprising after they start?
- What’s one of the most interesting projects you’ve worked on here?
- Where do you think the company is headed in the next few years?
- What is the biggest challenge the company has faced?
- If you had a magic wand and could change anything here, what would it be?
- What’s different about working here than anywhere else you’ve worked?
- What do you think encourages employees to stay at this company?
- Can you tell me a bit about company values and how you put them into practice?
- How long have you been at the company?
- What’s your favorite part about working here?
- How has the company changed over the last few years?
- What’s the performance review process like here?
- What do you and the team usually do for lunch?
- Do you ever do joint events with other departments and teams?
- How would you describe the management style here?
- How would you describe the work-life balance here?
- How do you resolve workplace conflicts?
- How do you recognize and award outstanding performance?
- What are some of the major milestones/achievements the company has accomplished lately?
- Does the company organize social events?
- What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?
- What is a possible growth trajectory for someone in this role?
- Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?
- What tools or frameworks is the team using?
- How do you typically onboard employees?
- What is your timeline and what are the next steps?
- Will I have an opportunity to meet my manager or team during the interview process?
In this article, we’ll provide a breakdown of why it’s good to ask each of those questions and what to look for in the answers.
But first, let’s go through tips and tricks for asking questions and which mistakes to avoid.
Tips for Asking Questions During the Interview
1. Avoid asking yes-no questions
Closed-ended questions won’t yield the detailed and revealing answers you’re hoping for. The point is to get as much information as possible from the recruiter — especially details you won’t find in the job ad or on the company’s website.
2. Aim for 3 questions
The list of questions we covered in this article is exhaustive and it’s impossible to squeeze all of them into only a couple of minutes. A useful rule of thumb is to ask no more than 3 but prepare 10 in case the hiring manager is engaged and willing to chat.
3. Wait until the end of the interview
The best time to ask questions is at the end. When the interviewer asks if you have any questions for them, it’s a clear sign that the interview’s about to end. This is your cue. Remember that you’ll have a limited time, so it’s best to choose 2–3 questions in advance and maybe ask another one that comes up naturally in conversation.
4. Modify questions based on who the interviewer is
Another thing to keep in mind — it’s smart to adapt the questions based on who’s interviewing you. If you’re talking to external recruiters, you won’t be able to get detailed answers to any questions about the department or much info on company culture. In this situation, stick to more general questions about the company.
Sometimes, there will be multiple people involved, e.g., a hiring manager, an HR representative, an executive or a potential coworker. You may or may not know this in advance, so make sure you prepare relevant questions for multiple people.
Here’s how I would approach this:
The hiring manager is the person you’d report to. They’d be in charge of setting your goals and KPIs, so they’re a good person to answer questions like What are your expectations for this role for the first X days/months?
You’d go to the HR Representative with questions on culture, people, and onboarding.
If you’re talking to a C-level executive, aim for a more strategic question like What excites you most about the company’s future? or How has the company changed since you joined?
Finally, a potential coworker can tell you the most about the team and how they get along. Some questions you could ask: What do you and the team usually do for lunch? or Do you ever do joint events with other departments and teams?
What Questions Not to Ask the Interviewer (or To Ask Carefully)
There are some questions you definitely shouldn’t ask in a job interview (even if you’d really want to know). And then there are some you can ask, but in the right moment and in the right way. Here are some examples:
Questions about salary and benefits
These types of questions you can ask, but carefully.
Most of the time, salary and benefits will be covered in the job description or at the beginning of the process. If not, it’s best to wait until the employer brings it up. You can negotiate about pay and benefits in the later stages of the interview process, and asking too early may make you come across as pushy or ruin your image.
Don’t be discouraged, as it’s ok to ask these questions – just be careful about when and whom you ask. If the information isn’t available in the job description, it’s best to ask during the phone interview (if there is one), in case they don’t bring it up. If not, asking a recruiter could work – but asking a hiring manager isn’t a good idea unless they bring it up themselves.
You’ll also want to make sure this is not the very first question you ask. Think of a few different ones, and finish up with questions about salary.
Questions about PTO and working hours
You should be careful when asking these, too.
You’ll generally want to ask a recruiter. If they don’t bring it up first, asking towards the end of the first, or in the second interview, is a good rule of thumb.
If you do it too early, the interviewer may start questioning your dedication, work ethic, and genuine interest in the position. The same goes for asking Will I have to work long hours? and May I arrive early or leave late as long as I get my hours in?
Basic questions that reveal you’ve done zero research
Don’t ask things like What does this job entail? or What does your company do? The hiring team expects you to research the company and the position before the interview, so asking anything that you could’ve (and should’ve) learned from the company’s website or a simple online search will raise a red flag.
Critical and negative questions
Don’t ask questions with a negative undertone, e.g. What are the company’s weaknesses? or What do you dislike about working here? Overall, it is best to focus on questions demonstrating your interest in the position, and your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Questions about other candidates
Avoid asking about other people being interviewed, and be especially mindful of questions like How do I compare to other candidates? The most you’d get in that scenario is “We can’t discuss this.” I also advise against asking How many people are interviewing?. Even if you just want to know how many people you’re up against, some interviewers may be bothered and take you as impolite.
Now, let’s break down the best questions to ask at the end of an interview.
Questions About the Role
Why is this position open?
Alternatives to try:
- Is this a new position? If not, why did the person before me leave this role?
- Why are you hiring for this role?
- How was this position evolved?
Seemingly obvious, this question will offer you a deeper insight into the company’s structure and expectations for the role you’re applying for. You might also be able to learn more about the company culture based on why and how the previous employee left (quit/fired/promoted).
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A year from now when you’re looking back on this hire, what would I have done to exceed every expectation?
Or you could ask:
- What are the KPIs or metrics that you use to evaluate this role? How would I go above and beyond them in the first year?
- How to you envision this role evolving or growing in the next year? What would I need to do to exceed your expectations in that process?
- What are some of the biggest challenges or opportunities that this role will face in the next year? How would I tackle them in a way that impresses you?
If you want the hiring manager to know you’re not only looking to meet the minimum requirements but excel in the job, this is the question to ask. The answer will help you understand what success looks like and plan how to achieve it.
How would you know you’d hired the right person after the first 90 days in the role?
Or you could phrase it like this:
- How will you evaluate my performance in the first 90 days of this role?
- What are the main objectives or expectations for this position in the first three months?
This question provides an opportunity to address and clarify the short-term expectations and objectives. It will help you make sure you’re on the same page with your potential employer about what it means to deliver.
Who would not be a good fit for this role?
Or you could try:
- What types of people tend not to fit in here?
- What qualities and attributes make for a successful employee in this company?
- What does the ideal candidate for this role look like?
Although it seems counterintuitive to ask this question, it’s actually a clever twist on the usual Who’s the perfect candidate for this role?. The response will shed light on what big no-nos are when it comes to the new hire’s personality and soft skills. This will help you decide if you’re suitable for the role or if you have to acquire some additional skills to really excel.
Where do you see this role in the company’s growth?
You can also ask:
- How does this role contribute to the company’s vision and mission?
- What are the main goals or priorities for this role in relation to the company’s growth strategy?
- How do you expect this role to evolve or change as the company grows?
Asking this question highlights your genuine interest in the company’s future, and shows your motivation and commitment. Plus, the interviewer will appreciate your wish to understand how your role aligns with the company’s targets and goals. This means that making a meaningful contribution and adding value to the company is important to you.
What are the main challenges for someone in this role?
Other versions of the same question:
- What are the biggest challenges with this position?
- What are the biggest challenges that I might face in this position?
- What do you think is the most challenging aspect of the job?
No job is a walk in the park, so there’s no need to ignore the challenging aspects that come with the territory. Learning about the difficulties and obstacles you’ll have to deal with on a regular basis will give you an opportunity to prepare in advance.
What goals would you set for me for the next 6 months?
Or you could say:
- What are the current goals for someone in this role?
- What are your expectations for this role during the first 30 to 60 days?
- What’s the most important thing I should accomplish in the first 90 days?
If you want the interviewer to know you’re up for a challenge and eager to make an impact in the role, then this question should definitely be on your list. It will communicate your sense of commitment and determination to hit your KPIs. At the same time, the response will give you an idea of the company’s goal-setting practices.
What are the most immediate projects I would take on?
Alternative versions you can try:
- What are some of the current projects or initiatives I would be involved in if I joined the team?
- How would you prioritize the projects that I would be working on in this role?
- How would I collaborate with other departments or teams on projects in this role?
- What are some interesting projects I’d be working on in this role?
This question shows that you’re eager, proactive, and ready to take on a challenge. But the answer will also reveal precisely what the hiring manager has envisioned for the role, what gaps the team is looking to fill, and what your priorities will be.
What are your expectations for me in this role?
Other ways of asking this:
- What are the main priorities and objectives for me in this role?
- What are the essential skills and competencies for me to perform well in this role
- What are the key expectations and deliverables for me in this role?
- How do you envision my success in this position?
- What are the most important skills and qualities for me to excel in this role?
Imagine you’re a Project Manager interviewing for a similar role in a different industry. You’d want to know more about what exactly the job entails and what skills are necessary. As the hiring manager answers the question, you can visualize yourself in the role and understand how it differs from what you do in your current company.
What would a typical day look like for this role?
Or you could try:
- Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
- Can you describe a typical day for someone in this role?
- It seems like I’d mostly be working on X, Y, and Z. Am I missing something that would be a part of my daily routine?
This is a pretty straightforward question that will allow you to familiarize yourself with the role and figure out if it’s the right choice for you. When you learn more about day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, you’ll be able to pinpoint what skills and strengths this job requires.
What are the main KPIs for this position?
Alternative versions of this question:
- What are the main expectations and deliverables for this job?
- How do you measure success in this role?
There’s no better way to show you’re not taking your potential job lightly than inquiring about the metrics and KPIs before you’re even hired. You’ll come across as a goal-oriented person — a quality all hiring managers appreciate in a candidate.
In terms of professional qualities, what do you believe sets apart the most successful employees in this organization?
Alternatives you can try:
- What attributes and behaviors do your top-performing employees have?
- What qualities make for a successful employee in this company?
- Beyond the hard skills required to successfully perform this job, what soft skills would serve the company and position best?
This is a question that will help you learn about the key personal qualities and soft skills that the person in this particular role should possess to excel. This can be anything from attitudes and life experiences, whether they resist or embrace change, how they socialize, or how they share industry and company knowledge. The answer will help you get a better idea of how you fit.
Now, before the time comes for you to ask questions, you’ll need to answer some, right? Read these guides on how to tackle the most common interview questions and make sure you come prepared:
- “Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?” Top Reasons, Examples, How to Answer
- What Is Your Greatest Weakness? (Sample Answers + Tips)
- How to Answer: “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?” (+ Examples)
- How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” (With Examples)
Questions About the Company and Culture
What’s your favorite office tradition?
Other versions of the same question:
- What’s the company culture like?
- How would you describe the company’s culture?
By asking this question, you’ll show genuine interest in the company that goes beyond the job and extends to the workplace culture and community. Every recruiter will love your enthusiasm for bonding with other employees and participating in extracurricular activities.
What do new employees often find surprising after they start?
Other ways to ask this:
- What are some of the things that you wish you knew before you started working here?
- What are some of the common misconceptions or myths about working at this company?
- How does the reality of working here differ from the expectations you had when you applied?
- What are some of the hidden perks or benefits of working at this company that are not advertised?
Few interviewers will have a top-of-the-head answer to this one, so you’ll probably get an unscripted, honest response that could reveal a lot about the company culture and processes (or lack thereof).
What’s one of the most interesting projects you’ve worked on here?
Or you could ask:
- What are some of the projects that you enjoyed working on here and why?
- How do you decide which projects are interesting and worth pursuing in this department?
This question demonstrates a genuine interest in the company and the work it does. Asking about a specific project the interviewer found exciting will give you a better sense of the type of projects you could be working on if you joined. You can then use this information to evaluate if the job really aligns with your interests and career goals.
Where do you think the company is headed in the next few years?
Other versions of the same question:
- What are the company’s plans for growth and development?
- What gets you most excited about the company’s future?
- How do you see this company evolving over the next five years?
Questions about the future of the company show that you’re serious about joining and that this job isn’t just a temporary gig until something better comes along. And the hiring manager’s response will reveal if there’s room for your personal and career growth in the company.
What is the biggest challenge the company has faced?
Alternatives you can use:
- What are some of the challenges the company is facing right now?
- What are the biggest challenges your team is currently facing and how are you addressing them?
- How is this role going to help the company overcome some current challenges?
Learning more about the company’s biggest hurdles will give you an opportunity to think about how your expertise and skills can be put to good use in overcoming these obstacles. However, be aware that companies aren’t keen on divulging their issues during the first interview with a candidate, so it’s a good idea to ask this during your final interview.
If you had a magic wand and could change anything here, what would it be?
Or you could ask:
- What would you like to change in the company?
- How could this company be better?
- What could I do to improve the team?
Another untypical, yet revealing question. The interviewer might let you in on the challenges they’ve been struggling with, a lack of processes, or something about the job you’ve applied for. This might turn out to be a great opportunity for you to highlight how your skills and experience can help the team improve their performance.
What’s different about working here than anywhere else you’ve worked?
Or you could ask:
- What are the unique aspects of working here that you enjoy the most?
- How does this company stand out in terms of culture and values?
- What are the benefits and challenges of working here that you didn’t experience elsewhere?
This open-ended question will make the recruiting manager reflect on their past experiences and tell you the pros and cons of working for your potential employer. It’s much better than asking the more general What it’s like to work for the company?
What do you think encourages employees to stay at this company?
Other versions of this question:
- What are the main reasons people love working here?
- How do you foster a positive and engaging work environment?
It’s only logical to be curious if existing employees are happy to work for the company. But, if you ask such a question explicitly, you can’t expect to get a specific answer. With this question, you’ll prompt the recruiter to come up with specific reasons why people choose to stick around.
Can you tell me a bit about company values and how you put them into practice?
Or you could phrase it like this:
- How do you think the company demonstrates its values?
- What’s one way you think the company has demonstrated X value in the past year?
This question is self-explanatory, as it demonstrates you’re interested in company values and want to check if you’re a good match. Also, note that it’s not only about the values (you can probably read them on the company’s website), but how they’re practiced IRL. It’s important to ask for examples to determine if the company really follows their values or if they’re just for show.
But, you can also take a different angle and include the actual values the company stands for (at least on paper) to let the recruiter know you did your research. So, ask something along the lines of How does the company ensure diversity in the workplace and break the glass ceiling?
How long have you been at the company?
Or you could ask:
- What has been your career journey at the company so far?
- How long have you worked in your current role and what do you enjoy most about it?
- What are some of the changes you’ve witnessed or experienced at the company since you joined?
- What are some of the reasons that make you stay at the company?
While answering, the interviewer may include a personal story and tell you about their own growth at the company — all good intel about how the company handles career development and employee retention.
What’s your favorite part about working here?
Other ways to ask this question:
- What’s your favorite memory from working here?
- What’s different about working here than anywhere else you’ve worked?
- What is your favorite thing about working for this company?
- What has been your best moment in this company?
Instead of the more direct How would you describe the company’s culture?, go for a subtler version. It will generate a more sincere and experience-based response. Apart from establishing rapport with the interviewer, this question will let you get a firsthand account of how it feels working for the employer.
How has the company changed over the last few years?
Different ways to ask this question:
- How has the company adapted to the changing market or customer needs in recent years?
- How has the company’s vision or mission evolved over time?
- How has the company’s culture or values changed or stayed the same in the past few years?
The interviewers will appreciate this question because it shows you’re interested in the company’s history, progress, and direction. The answer will give you a better understanding of the employer’s priorities and help you see the bigger picture — knowing how the company has evolved over time will give you a sense of its trajectory and future plans.
How would you describe the management style here?
You can also ask:
- What are the values and principles that guide the management?
- What are some best practices and feedback types that the management uses?
- How do you balance autonomy and guidance for your employees?
- Does leadership “get” marketing (or the department the role is in)?
Asking the interviewer about the management style at the company will help you understand how decisions are made, what the work environment is like, and if you’d be comfortable working there. If the management style is less micromanaging and more hands-off, there could be more room for autonomy, flexibility, self-reliance, and collaboration. On the other hand, if your working style is more on the “I appreciate instructions, guidance, and structure” side, you may click better with a company that has a top-down approach and a more hierarchical structure.
How would you describe the work-life balance here?
Alternative versions of this question:
- How do you support your employees’ physical and mental health?
- How flexible are the working hours or arrangements in this role?
- How do you handle urgent or unexpected situations that may require overtime or extra work?
- How do you encourage your employees to take breaks or vacations?
Not everyone has a Type A personality. Some people may have zero issues with putting in extra hours and working on weekends. Others will only pick companies that promote a healthy work-life balance and encourage employees to set clear boundaries. You’ll get precious intel on how heavy you can expect your schedule to be.
How do you resolve workplace conflicts?
Or you can try:
- How do you approach or support your employees when they have a conflict with a colleague, client or manager?
- What are some of the best practices or strategies for resolving workplace conflicts in your organization?
- How do your employees handle feedback or criticism from others when there is a conflict or difference of opinion?
The answer will reveal a lot about the leadership style and company culture. You’ll also be able to see if the way they handle conflicts matches your own thinking and values, indicating a good fit.
How do you recognize and award outstanding performance?
You can also ask:
- How do you measure and celebrate success in your team?
- What are some examples of how you have recognized outstanding performance in the past?
- What are the opportunities for career growth and development for high performers?
Essentially, this is a question about benefits without asking explicitly. It’s a great question because it’ll help you learn about the opportunities for growth and development in the organization.
The answer will help you learn two things:
- Determine if the company prioritizes achievement over collaboration and teamwork.
- Learn if there is a formal R&R program, what types of rewards are offered, and what it takes to qualify.
Does the company organize social events?
Or you could ask:
- Are there any social opportunities for employees to connect outside of work?
- What do you usually do for fun as a team?
This question is about work-life balance, inclusion, and company culture. The answer will help you tell if they value employee engagement, what kind of social activities the team prefers, and how they get together in the case of a fully remote company.
Questions about your potential career trajectory
What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?
Or you can ask:
- What’s the company’s approach to employee learning and development?
- How does the company support career growth and advancement for employees?
- Are there any training or mentorship programs available for employees to enhance their skills and knowledge?
Asking about professional development in an interview shows you’re committed to learning. It also sends an implicit message that you’re looking to stay at the company long-term and would like to grow within the organization. Plus, the answer will tell you about the company’s own commitment to employee development and how it aligns with values.
What is a possible growth trajectory for someone in this role?
Alternative versions of this question:
- Is there a “typical” career path for someone in this role?
- Where do people who have held this position typically end up next?
This question is actually Is there an opportunity for a promotion somewhere down the road? in disguise. Besides allowing you to spot a cul-de-sac career, this question also shows you’re ambitious (and will definitely score you some brownie points with the hiring manager).
Questions about the team
Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?
Alternative versions of this question:
- What are the roles and responsibilities of the people I would collaborate with in this position?
- What’s the structure of the department?
- How would you describe the culture and dynamics of the team I would join?
No matter if you’re interviewing for a small company or a Fortune 2000 international, you’ll spend your day-to-day working with a core team. That’s roughly a third of your day and 40 hours a week. It’s important to know who you’ll be working with most closely and if you’d be interacting with anyone from other departments.
What tools or frameworks is the team using?
Or you can try these:
- What are some of the frameworks, methodologies and software that you rely on?
- How do you keep up with the latest trends or developments in your field regarding tools or frameworks?
When you change jobs, it often means changing the tools and software you’re used to, or using different frameworks and methodologies. Knowing this in advance will help you learn if you need to complete any courses before you begin.
Questions about the hiring process
How do you typically onboard employees?
Other versions of this question:
- What are the first steps and milestones for someone who joins this team?
- How do you help new hires get up to speed and integrate with the culture?
- What are the best practices and resources for learning in this position?
You’d want to know about the tech setup, office tours, policy training, surveys, feedback, and check-ins. Look for red flags too — interviewers who respond briefly and provide little detail, unspecified onboarding times, and no mention of check-ins and reviews. Not having formal onboarding might indicate that they expect someone who already knows the drill. Or it’s a signal that the company doesn’t have some key processes in place.
What is your timeline and what are the next steps?
Different ways to ask this question:
- When can I expect to hear back from you about the outcome of the interview?
- Who should I contact if I have any questions about the next steps?
- How do you prefer to communicate with me about the progress of my application?
- What needs to happen before your company can generate an offer?
The answer will help you understand the next steps in the hiring process – whether there is a second (technical) interview or a skills assessment, when you can expect to hear back from the recruiter, and when the final decision will be made.
Will I have an opportunity to meet my manager or team during the interview process?
Alternatives to try:
- Is there anyone else I should meet with?
- Will I have a chance to meet the person I’d report to during the interview process?
- How would I collaborate with my supervisor?
Ideally, as the interview processes progresses, you’d have the chance to meet not only the interviewer, but also the manager (the person you’d be reporting to) and coworkers. A senior member of the team could answer some of your technical questions and tell you more about the team dynamics. You could also get a better idea of you how you’d vibe with the team.
If you want a list of questions you will be asked, check out this guide: Common Interview Questions (Tips + Sample Answers).
Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager: Expert Opinion vs. Popular Advice
Time to deconstruct some popular interview advice from online spaces like Reddit, Quora, TikTok and YouTube.
Two experts, Big Interview’s co-founder and Chief Career Coach with 15+ years of experience, Pamela Skillings, and Certified Professional Resume Writer, Michael Tomaszewski, went through some viral videos and upvoted subreddits to analyze the tips given by the community.
User u/happylittledancer123 asked for advice on some “genuinely good questions to ask at the end of the interview.” This is the most upvoted answer they received:
“What does success look like in this role?” Worked wonders for me! It serves multiple purposes. It clears up any miscommunications about what the job is or what’s expected. Hours required, tasks required etc. It gives you an idea about how well suited you are to the job or the management style. And it lets them know you’re a go-getter.
Career expert comment:
This is really a gem when it comes to wrapping up an interview. This person understands why it’s important to ask smart questions. I liked the part where they explained the multiple purposes and I agree. It reaffirms your interest and establishes you as a driven person who wants to be successful in the role. At the same time, you can tell by their answer if and how well your skills align with the role.
— Pamela Skillings, Co-Founder and Chief Career Coach at Big Interview
Next, here’s what Hotshot55 answered on another similar subreddit:
I usually ask the same questions all the time: Is there any sort of on-call or weekend requirements? What technologies do you touch/use in the day-to-day of the job? What makes you want to stay at this company yourself?
Career expert comment:
Overall, this is good advice, although I would advise you to adapt your questions based on how the interview goes instead of having 3 “safe” questions to use in all situations. Maybe the interviewer addresses some of them naturally. I love the question about technologies, especially if you’re interviewing for a developer, digital marketer, or any IT-related role. This is a great way to learn about the tools they’re using, how much you’ll need to adapt, or if you need to take a course or learn a new system before you start.
The other two questions are equally great because they screen for toxic culture. If you’re expected to work weekends or stay overtime, it’s good to know that early in the hiring process. Also, watch the interviewers’ body language as they answer the question about what they like about the company and what makes them stay. If they seem down, stressed, or preoccupied, this too could be an indicator of a toxic work environment.
— Michael Tomaszewski, CPRW
Finally, here’s a TikTok where user @armanigems advises:
Have you ever been in an interview and wondered: “What does the interviewer think of me? Do they think I’m a good fit? Here’s a question to ask at the very end of the interview to find out: “Do you have any hesitations about me in this role?” This question will give the interviewer the opportunity to give you honest feedback. On the other hand, it’s also an opportunity for you to see what you need to improve.
Career expert comment:
Pamela Skillings, Big Interview’s Chief Coach, recently commented on this precise tip that’s common on social media:
This doesn’t mean all TikTok advice is bad. Check out this great example:
@thecorporatechase Make your interviewer think! Asking good questions at the end of an interview is a great way to be memorable in interviews 🙏🏽 #career #interviewquestions #interviewtips #careertok #careeradvice #careeradviceontiktok #interviewadvice
Summary
Here’s everything we covered in a nutshell:
- You can make or break an interview with well-crafted questions.
- Prepare a handful of questions about the company, the culture, the job at hand, the position, and the team you’d be working with. Then pick 2-3 questions to ask (maybe some of your initial questions will be answered over the course of the interview).
- Although you can bring up some technical and job-related questions during the interview, it’s best to wait until the end (The interviewer will ask you if you have any questions for them).
- Don’t ask about the salary, benefits, and PTO. Save these questions for after you receive the offer.
- Modify the questions based on who’s interviewing you.
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FAQ
How many questions to ask at the end of an interview?
Aim to ask at least two or three questions at the end of an interview. This shows you’re interested and engaged. Don’t exceed five questions — that could make the interview unnecessarily long.
What’s the best question to ask at the end of an interview?
One of the best questions to ask is: What are the most important qualities and skills you’re looking for in the ideal candidate? This question shows you’re keen on fitting in and will help you understand what the company values.
What if I don’t have any questions?
Never say you don’t have any questions. Instead, prepare a few questions in advance, even if they’ve already been partially answered. You can always ask for more details or clarification. Remember, asking questions shows you’re genuinely interested in the role.
What if they don’t ask me if I have any questions?
If the interviewer doesn’t ask if you have questions, take the initiative! Before the interview wraps up, politely mention that you have a few questions you’d like to ask. This will display enthusiasm and show you’re proactive. If they don’t let you ask your questions — well, would you really like to work there?
What to do if it’s an interview for an internal position?
In an internal interview, ask questions that demonstrate your knowledge of the company while showing curiosity about the new role. For example, ask how the new position contributes to the company’s goals or how it interacts with other departments.
