50+ Crucial Questions You Can Ask in a Job Interview

“Do you have anything to ask me?”

This question completely threw me off in my first job interview. I had spent so much time preparing answers that I didn’t realize the interview was a two-way street. That day, I said I didn't have any questions. But the moment I walked out, I felt I had missed out on asking important questions related to the position I had applied for.

That moment taught me a valuable lesson: the questions you ask can be just as important as the ones you answer in an interview.

It’s your chance to flip the script and get crucial insights into the role, the company, and whether it’s the right fit for you. In fact, thoughtful questions can set you apart as a candidate who is not just interested in landing any job but in making a smart, informed decision about the work you found after searching countless job boards.

Ready to impress your next interviewer? Read on. 

The importance of asking questions in an interview

Questions are a great way to engage someone in a conversation and learn more about a topic. In an interview setting, questions can open the recruiter up about content not included in the job description.

Asking questions also tells the interviewer your level of interest in the job position. Job applicants who have no questions for the recruiter show they didn’t bother to look into the company beyond the job posting, giving an impression that they don’t care if they get the job or not.

Questions can also trigger a deeper conversation, allowing you and the interviewer to connect by discussing other aspects of the company or role in depth.

If you’re prepping for an interview, you should prepare no fewer than five questions so you can help diversify some of the conversation. 

Below, we’ve outlined key questions you can ask in different categories like the role, team dynamics, company, culture, and values. Each section will help you gain valuable insights into various aspects of the job and company, ensuring you’re equipped to make an informed decision. Alter any question below so that it matches your conversation pattern and the job itself.

We’ll also highlight a few questions to avoid asking so you’re fully prepared for your next interview!

Best questions to ask about the job role

When considering a new position, it’s essential to gain a clear understanding of your day-to-day responsibilities and how success is measured. These questions will help you dig deeper into the role beyond what’s listed in the job description so you can assess whether it aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals.

Here's a list of questions you could ask about the role during a job interview:

• Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
• What are the most important skills and qualities for someone to excel in this position?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or objectives and key results (OKRs) on which my performance will be evaluated? 
• What kind of challenges will I face in this role?
• What are some goals I should accomplish within the first six months?
• Can you explain the performance review process? How frequently would my performance be evaluated?
• How does this role contribute to the company’s overall goals?
• What are the key priorities for this position in the first 3-6 months?
• What does career growth look like for someone in this position?
• Can you give me some examples of projects I’d be working on?
• What tools or software does the team use regularly?
• Are there opportunities for advancement from this position?
• What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of this job?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments or teams? 
• How does the company support professional development?

Questions to ask about the team

You can also get to know about your potential teammates with the following questions: 

• Can you tell me a bit more about the team I'll be working on?
• What's the mix of skills and experience levels on the team?
• Who will I collaborate with most frequently?
• Which other departments or teams will I regularly interact with?
• How often does the team meet, and what are those meetings typically like?
• Are there any regular team-building activities or events?

Questions to ask your boss

If your interview is with the manager or team leader, use the opportunity to know about their expectations and management style by asking some of the following questions.

• How long have you been at the company?
• What do you enjoy most about working here?
• How would you describe your management style?
• What are your expectations for someone in this role within the first 90 days?
• What’s the best way for me to communicate with you?
• How do you prefer to provide feedback, and how often?

Questions to ask about the company

Beyond the role and team, ask questions to learn more about the company, its priorities, values, and operations. Please avoid asking for information that you can Google about the company, though. 

• What are some of the company’s big goals or plans for the next few years?
• How has the company changed or grown since you’ve been here?
• What’s the company currently focused on, or what’s a big initiative happening right now?
• What's the company's approach to remote work and flexibility?
• How do leaders here keep employees informed about company-wide updates or changes?

Top questions to ask about company culture

Understanding the company culture is just as important as understanding the role itself. The work environment, values, and the way employees are treated will play a huge part in your job satisfaction and long-term growth. Consider the following questions about the company culture to know if you'll thrive in the new work environment. 

• So, what's it really like to work here day-to-day?
• How do you handle the whole work-life balance here? 
• What would you say are the big things this company really cares about?
• Are there any company traditions I should know about?
• Are there any team-building activities or events that the company organizes often?
• How approachable is the senior leadership team? What's their leadership style like? 
• What's your favorite thing about working here?
• What’s something unique about working here compared to other places you’ve worked?

Questions to avoid asking in an interview

When it comes to questions an applicant asks during a job interview, the old adage “there’s no such thing as a bad question” isn’t true.

For example, you shouldn’t ask a question that could easily be answered by visiting the company’s website and reading the “About Us” page. By doing that, you’re telling the recruiter or hiring manager you didn’t do simple research on the company or role before your interview, which indicates that you may not be the best person for the job. Here are some questions you should refrain from asking during the interview stage: 

• What’s the salary for this role?
• How much vacation time do I get?
• How quickly can I be promoted?
• What exactly does your company do?
• How soon can I take time off?

Don't ask about salary or benefits now. While you may have a certain number in your head you want to make known early on, the time to negotiate is either when you’re in the finalist stage or have been offered the job – not at the beginning of the hiring process. 

You should also avoid closed questions, which only require a “yes” or “no” answer. Ideally, you want your question to start a conversation with the interviewer, and closed questions rarely accomplish that goal.

Question your way to success

Consider your job interview a conversation. Instead of just answering questions, consider it an opportunity to connect with the interviewer and learn more about the role and company.

By asking thoughtful questions, you demonstrate your genuine interest and get valuable input about the role and team, which can help you make the right decision about your career path. So, prepare your questions, engage in the conversation, and impress your next interviewer. 

Aced the interview questions? Now, solidify your interest with a powerful thank-you email. Head over to our free guide with templates to craft the perfect thank you letter and leave lasting impressions. 

This article was originally published in 2019 and has been updated with new information.