Prepared for the job interview, polished your resume, rehearsed answers to the typical questions. And then, almost inevitably, comes a question that is overlooked by countless candidates each day: “Do you have any questions for me?”

While this question certainly wraps up an interview nicely, it also represents an opportunity for every candidate. By asking purposeful, prepared questions during the interview you are taken more seriously as a candidate, revealing a sincere interest in the role, curiosity about how the company operates, and a willingness to have an authentic discussion.

Here’s a look at 10 intelligent questions to ask your interviewer, and why they matter.

1. Can you walk me through a typical day in this role?

There is only so much you can glean from a job description. Asking about the day-to-day activities of the job is an easy way to visualize what your own day might look like, and discern expectations.

Why should I ask? It provides clarity on what responsibilities you could have and if those responsibilities are in line with your own strengths and interests.

2. How do you determine success in this position?

Companies define success differently. This question will help you to understand the goals you would be achieving and how your work will be evaluated.

Why should I ask? It tells you how the company tracks results, and what matters to the company the most – hitting targets, collaborating well, or taking initiative.

3. What are some challenges a person in this role could experience?

This shows the hiring manager that you are realistic and thinking ahead about challenges.

Why ask it? It gives a real view of some of the challenges of the role, and shows that you are thinking ahead about how to address those challenges.

4. How does this role support the goals or mission of the company?

Understanding how your work fits into the bigger picture can help the job feel more meaningful.

Why ask it? It shows that you care about making a difference — not just coming into work, clocking in and out.

5. What types of growth or advancement opportunities are available?

If you want to stay with a company and grow with them, you’ll want to know what the possibilities are for future advancement.

Why ask it? It provides information about potential career paths, promotions, and professional learning opportunities.

6. Can you tell me more about the team I will be working with?

Most work doesn’t happen in isolation. If you can understand the team you will be working with, you’ll be able to judge how you’ll fit into the work environment, and how you will work with them.

Why ask it? It shows that you care about teamwork, and want to hit the ground running to be contribute to the team as positively and effectively as possible.

7. How would you describe the company culture here?

Culture influences a wide spectrum of phenomena that affect our day-to-day experiences and choices, from communication preferences to levels of job satisfaction. The question will help you understand whether an organization’s culture is well suited to your preferences.

Why ask it? It identifies if the organization fosters a culture of innovation, values diversity, and prefers employees to maintain work-life balance.

8. What do you like most about working here?

The question adds a human element to the interview discussion and frequently allows you to glimpse the authenticity about what is or could be enjoyable about the workplace.

Why ask it? The question questions facilitate rapport and genuine, personal insights that you cannot find on the organization’s website.

9. What are the organization’s strategic goals over the next twelve months?

Asking this questions demonstrates strategic thinking and genuine interest in the future of the organization.

Why ask it? It helps you to see how the organization is creating social value and how you may fit in.

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

Always ask this question before leaving an interview. While all candidate questions are constructed to identify or stimulate dialogue, asking about next steps demonstrates confidence and acknowledgment of your interest; it also helps you gauge how to remain informed.

Why ask it? You want to establish expectations on their follow-up process, timelines, and how many more rounds you can expect before selecting the right candidate for them. You do not want to end up sitting in the dark.

Bonus: Bold Self-aware Questions

If you’re feeling confident and want to get candid feedback — or to provide clarification about your fit for the role — consider asking a reflective question such as:

11. Was there anything I said today that made you hesitate or question my fit for this role?

This type of question shows maturity and a willingness to deal with concerns head-on.

Why ask it? It allows the interviewer to have an opportunity to share any hesitations, which you can then provide clarification on (and expand upon) immediately, rather than losing the opportunity later on.

12. Do you feel there are any areas in which I could improve in order to be a stronger candidate for this job?

This shows openness to improving and signals that you care after being the best fit.

Why ask it? It gives you the opportunity to receive feedback which is very valuable, and it is allows you to frame yourself as a coachable and that you’ve taken proactive steps identifying weaknesses.

These types of questions aren’t for every situation, but if you’ve established a positive, conversational tone during the interview, it will leave you with a sense of professionalism, confidence and emotional intelligence.

Follow-Up Questions That Show You’re Truly Engaged

It’s one thing to pose questions — it’s another thing to listen attentively and use what the interviewer said as a building block for your question. Thoughtful follow-up questions demonstrate that you’re not just prepared, but present.

Here are a few examples of thoughtful follow-ups based on what the interviewer may have said:

• “With you mentioned that the team is growing, could you share what new roles will be added?”
• “Since this is a new position, how do you think you will quantify success in the first 90 days?”
• “You said there is an option to work remote, how often do you typically see teams in person?”

Why it works?

All of these follow-ups illustrate that you are listening, thinking critically, and are interested in the realities of truly how things work, rather than surface-level questions scripted to earn points. This allows the interview to develop into a dialogue rather than a one-way conversation – and allows you to rest assured that you stand out for all the right reasons.

What Not to Ask in an Interview?

Although asking questions is a very important part of the interview process, there are some questions that could damage the chances you land that job. For example:

1. What does your company do?

If you do not understand the basic business of the company you are interviewing with, you have not done your research and preparedness for the interview in your preparation phase.

2. How soon can I take some time off?

Asking this can imply you have not prioritized the job, but beyond that, you may have chosen to prioritize vacation time.

3. Do you check social media accounts?

There are some questions that raise red flags and can make you seem suspicious. You do not want to tarnish your reputation with a potential employer with odd questions.

4. Is there flexibility on the salary?

Your first salary conversation should take place once you have accepted the job offer or if the interviewer brings it up.

5. Can I work from home all the time?

Only ask this if it is relevant and you are prepared about it. If the job posts no mention of working from home we have all seen that many companies have moved to a work from home model.

Pro tip: Your goal is to appear enthusiastic, curious, and professional. You do not want to appear entitled or unprepared.

Conclusion

When you ask questions that demonstrate thoughtful consideration at an interview, you are not simply on an information-gathering mission; you are revealing your identity. Curious. Prepared. Confident. Reflective. The interviewer knows that you are interested in performing well and finding the right fit for both of you.

Do not overlook the opportunity during the interview called “your turn.” Come prepared with your questions, make them relevant to the context of your conversation, and maintain an attitude of active listening. It may make the biggest difference.

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