The 7 Best Questions To Ask in an Interview
Best Questions to Ask in an Interview That Leave a Great Impression
1. “What makes employees proud about working here?”
You can amend this to ask about projects or teams, but the gist of the question is you’re trying to learn more about the workplace culture and the company’s work history. It’s a fair question to ask in an interview, and a good interviewer should have an answer to it. If they don’t, that might not be a good sign about the employee culture.2. “What are the characteristics of a great employee for the position?”
This is always a good choice. It demonstrates interest in improvement and growth, and that you want to fit the job. Interviewers should be happy to answer this question and provide you with a better idea of the expectations for the role.3. “I read _____ about your company. Could you tell me a little more about this?”
Fill in the blank with how the company responded to an industry trend, its mission statement, an award, or recognition. The point is that you did your homework and researched the company. The interviewer may be impressed and answer the question happily.4. “Are there opportunities for professional development or career advancement?”
This is a question more for your sake. You’re trying to understand future opportunities for growth at the job. If the interviewer doesn’t have a good answer here, it might be that the job isn’t a great fit.5. “How will my performance be evaluated?”
This is another question for your sake. You’ll learn more about how employees receive feedback, and it’ll set the stage for follow-up questions about management if you’d like to ask.6. “Was there anything in my application/resume that helped you select me for an interview?”
This should neither be the first nor the last question you ask, but it can provide helpful feedback, especially if you’re attending multiple interviews. It’ll help identify your relevant strengths and understand what attracted interviewers in the first place.7. “What’s a challenge the company is currently facing?”
This last question to ask in an interview provides a good indication of the company’s goals, culture, and integrity. It also conveys interest in the company.
Why is it Important to Ask Questions During an Interview?
Interviewers will expect you to have a few questions of your own to ask during the interview. That’s because asking questions about the position, company or job shows that you’ve done your homework and are knowledgeable about them. Asking questions also shows the interviewer you’ve actively been listening and engaging during the interview.What Are Good Types of Questions to Ask During an Interview in General?
There are all sorts of questions you can ask during an interview, so let’s start by narrowing down the different types. In general, make sure they’re open-ended questions — ones that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no. We also recommend browsing the company’s website or job description for material to ask about. Anything to show that you’ve taken some initiative, have done your homework and have a genuine interest in joining their team.
Here are some generally good topics and types of questions to ask during an interview:
● Job/workplace culture
● Benefits
● Opportunities for growth
● Company mission
● What makes a good employee
● Employee turnover/retention
● Style of management
How Many Questions Should You Ask in an Interview?
The number of questions you ask depends on the situation. If the interview is running short or the interviewer seems rushed, keep it brief; one or two strong questions may be best. If there’s more time, you can ask a few more. The key is to focus on quality over quantity. A single thoughtful question is often more impressive than several quick ones.
This question depends on a few factors. First, it is the time. If the interview seemed a bit short, you can be a bit more generous with your questions. If several people are waiting to interview, or it’s timed, or your interviewer seems rushed, less is more. The important thing is that quality matters more than quantity when it comes to questions to ask in an interview. One good, thoughtful interview question is worth three quicker and simpler ones.
Make the Most of Every Interview Opportunity
Asking questions during a job interview is a crucial way to ensure the job is right for you. Interviewers often expect you to demonstrate some curiosity about the job opening and the company. With some preparation, you can come to the interview well-prepared with questions to ask that will leave a great impression.
When you’re ready to try out these interview questions, start by applying to the latest openings in your area.
Commonly Asked Questions about What to Ask in an Interview
Q: What are the best questions to ask in an interview?
A: The best questions to ask in an interview are open-ended and show genuine interest in the company and role. Examples include “What are the characteristics of a successful employee here?” or “What makes employees proud to work at this company?”
Q: How many questions should I ask during an interview?
A: It depends on the time available. Aim for 2 to 4 strong questions. If the interview feels short or the interviewer seems rushed, prioritize quality over quantity.
Q: What are good questions to ask during an interview to stand out?
A: Good questions help you understand the role and show your preparation. Try asking about company challenges, growth opportunities or how performance is evaluated.
Q: Why is it important to ask questions during an interview?
A: Asking questions shows you're engaged, prepared and serious about the opportunity. It also helps you determine if the company, culture and role align with your career goals.