In a job interview, it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll be asked if you have any questions towards the end of your conversation. This question is more than a simple formality— it’s an important moment that reminds us that interviews are a two-way street.
From an employer’s perspective, a candidate who asks thoughtful questions is seen as someone who is thoroughly evaluating the role and is genuinely interested in contributing to the company. Asking smart questions shows that you’re engaged and— more importantly— sets you apart from other candidates.
Conversely, it’s also a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career goals and personal values. Think of it as your opportunity to interview the company.
Smart questions to ask at the end of a job interview
Come to your interview prepared with questions that will help you better understand the job and company.
Pro tip: Remember not to ask a question that has already been answered in the interview! This can make you seem uninterested or disengaged.
Questions about the company
Understanding the company’s position in the industry and its future direction can reveal its stability and growth prospects— both important factors in deciding to join their team.
- What are the company’s top priorities for the next year?
- How do you see the company evolving over the next five years?
- Can you describe the company’s impact on its customers and the industry?
- What are the biggest challenges the company is currently facing?
- How does the company support innovation and creativity?
What NOT to ask: Don’t ask questions that could easily be answered by looking at their website or a quick Google search. For example, you shouldn’t be asking what the company does or what products they sell. Always be sure to do your research first, then come up with your questions.
Questions about the role
Knowing the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations of the role can help you assess if it matches your skills and career goals.
- How does this role contribute to the company’s overall goals?
- What does success look like for this position?
- How will you measure my performance?
- Can you describe a typical day for someone in this role?
- What types of projects will I be working on when I start?
What NOT to ask: Be careful not to ask any questions that are easily answered by looking at the job description.
Questions about work-life balance
Work-life balance is an important aspect— if not the most important aspect— of job satisfaction for many of today’s employees. It’s valid to have questions and concerns regarding work-life balance when interviewing with a new company.
However, questions about work-life balance should be handled with a little more care than others. If all of your concerns center around things like paid time off and flexible work arrangements, your interviewer may get the wrong impression.
Consider using the following to get a better understanding of a company’s commitment to work-life balance.
- How does the company support the mental health of employees and mitigate burnout?
- Are there initiatives in place to help employees maintain work-life balance?
- What are the expectations regarding availability outside of normal working hours?
What NOT to ask: When inquiring about work-life balance during a job interview, it’s important to avoid questions that might make you appear uncommitted or overly concerned with time off.
Questions about company culture
Asking questions about company culture is important for understanding the work environment and ensuring your values align with those of the organization.
This alignment is crucial for your long-term satisfaction and success. Inquiring about culture also shows employers that you are proactive about finding a workplace where you can thrive and contribute effectively.
- How does the company live out their values in the workplace?
- What is the company’s approach to teamwork and collaboration?
- How do employees typically interact across departments?
- How does the company celebrate achievements and milestones?
- What type of employee tends to succeed here? Which qualities are most admired?
What NOT to ask: Again, be careful here not to ask questions that are easily searchable. For instance, it’s usually pretty easy to learn about a company’s mission, so avoid asking surface-level questions like “What is your mission statement?“
Questions about growth opportunities
Asking about growth opportunities reveals your ambition to evolve professionally and your interest in long-term contributions to the company. On top of that, it can help you assess whether the organization is a good fit for your career trajectory.
If asking about growth opportunities, frame questions in a way that shows your eagerness to learn, contribute, and evolve with the company, rather than focusing solely on quick personal gains.
- What professional development opportunities are available to employees?
- How does the company support ongoing learning and skills development?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
- How do leaders and managers provide feedback to employees?
What NOT to ask: When discussing growth opportunities during a job interview, it’s important to avoid questions that may come across as presumptuous, overly aggressive, or too self-serving. Avoid questions like “How soon can I get a promotion?“ or “What are the chances I’ll quickly move up the ladder here?“
Questions to ask your potential boss or CEO
Asking your potential manager or CEO questions during an interview is an opportunity to understand their leadership style, vision for the company, and expectations for the role you’re applying for. This interaction can provide insights and help you determine if the leadership aligns with your own professional values and goals.
- What is your vision for the company?
- How do you define success for your team?
- What do you expect from your employees in terms of corporate culture?
- How do you support your team’s professional growth and development?
- What challenges does the team currently face?
What NOT to ask: When asking questions to a manager or CEO during a job interview, avoid inquiries that appear unprepared or focused on sensitive topics like internal politics. Avoid questions about their salaries or direct contact information, as these can come across as unprofessional and intrusive.
Psst, we have a whole blog on asking the right questions in an interview with a CEO. It has insights from our very own CEO!
Choose your questions wisely
By having the right questions to ask at the end of an interview, you demonstrate not only your genuine interest but also your commitment to finding a truly fitting role. Remember, an interview is as much about your future employer finding the right candidate as it is about you finding the right environment to thrive!