Interviewing for a job makes a lot of people nervous, but don’t worry – you can make a great impression on a potential employer by coming to the interview with your own questions.
When you ask quality questions, you come across as engaged and bright. You’ll also learn more about the job, the company culture, and the people you’ll be working with if you get the job.
Stay on this page to see our list of 41 great interview questions and how they can help you get the most out of each interview.
Why it is important to prepare questions for a job interview
Interviewees should always ask questions during an interview.
It shows the interviewer that you are committed and very interested in the opportunity. It also gives you the opportunity to assess your interest in this position and this employer. Interviews are not just for employers to decide if they want to hire you. You should also decide whether the employer suits your needs.
Try to prepare around 10-15 questions that interest you. But remember, sometimes there’s only time for a few questions – make sure you get your priorities right.
Asking thoughtful questions based on what you already know about the position and employer shows that you’ve done your research.
For more inspiration, visit our interview tips page.
The best questions for a job interview
The following list of questions is not exhaustive, nor is every question here relevant to every position.
The best interview questions come across as a respectful and engaged active participant. Adjust your questions to fit the flow of the interview. Don’t overtake yourself and don’t overwhelm your interlocutor.
As the interview process progresses, your questions may become more detailed.
questions about the job
Use these questions to find out the job’s responsibilities and the value of the job to the company. You want to appear like you know the job inside out from the start.
1. What does a typical working day look like?
2. Can you tell me more about (specific tasks from the job posting)? How often does it happen?
3. Do you expect the main responsibilities for this position to change over the next year?
4. Are there any skill gaps in the team you are hoping to fill with this position?
5. What other departments does this role interact with on a regular basis?
6. Who would I report to directly in this role?
7. What is the turnover like in this role?
8. What is the previous person who held this role doing now?
9. What are the main challenges associated with this position?
10. Are there work from home opportunities for this role?
11. How long has this position existed in your company and what needs did it originally cover?
12. Can you give some examples of the type of projects I might be assigned if I’m hired?
Questions about training and expectations
This category of questions can provide insight into the company’s training process and future career development and advancement opportunities.
13. What is the training process for someone in this position?
14. What do you think the new hire would be able to do in the first 30 days? The first 90?
15. How is a person’s performance evaluated in this position?
16. How often are performance reviews held?
17. What is the typical career path for someone in this position/department?
18. What professional development opportunities are there?
19. Do you expect me to attend workshops or other professional development activities at conferences in the future?
20. Are there any books I can read in my free time to prepare for the training?
Questions about your interlocutor
Putting the focus on your interviewer can add humor and warmth to the interview process. Remember to be respectful and genuine when showing interest.
21. How long have you been with the company? What motivated you to stay?
22. What do you enjoy most about working for this company?
23. What do you find most difficult about working in this company?
24. What brought you to the company? What did you do before?
25. What is the most interesting/important skill you have taught in this job?
Questions about the company and corporate culture
In this category you can ask about the culture that the employer wants to project. You can find out if the company’s values align with your own.
26. How would you describe the corporate and team culture? Who is the happiest here?
27. How has the company dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic? What security measures are currently in place?
28. What (other) challenges has the company faced recently and how has it dealt with them?
29. How has the company changed during your time with him?
30. What is your favorite office tradition?
31. How do you see the company developing over the next few years?
32. How often do people typically need to work or be available outside of their regular hours? Is overtime expected?
33. What does the company do or offer to support employees in balancing work and private life?
34. What social opportunities does the company offer for new hires?
35. How do you think the culture of this company differs from other companies you have worked for?
Questions about the next steps
The interviewer’s responses to questions about the next steps in the process will demystify onboarding and give you a sense of how seriously they take you.
36. What is the schedule for the next steps in the interview?
37. What is the next step in the process?
38. What is the onboarding process like?
39. Is there any information about me that I have not yet voluntarily provided that you would like to share with me?
Questions to inspire your interlocutor
40. Among the people who have previously held this position, what was the difference between the people who were okay in that role and those who were great?
This question, courtesy of Alison Green from Ask a Manager, will impress your interviewer because it clarifies your intention to be a great employee who goes above and beyond. When you ask this question, say that it is important to you to distinguish between “good” and “great”.
41. Do you have any reservations about me as a candidate that I can address now?
This question stands out because it allows you to demonstrate your humility and your ability to face your mistakes or weaknesses with confidence. By admitting that the person you are talking to has reservations about you, you show a willingness to improve.
Finally
If you come to an interview with questions of your own, you have the potential to impress a potential employer. In addition, you can find out if it is someone you want to impress.
For more help with your job search and perfecting your interviewing skills, contact your local college’s careers center or visit our phone interview tips page.
