15+ Best Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview (2023)

Do you have any questions?

Every (good) job interview ends with this sentence. You probably already know that if you want the job, saying “no” is not an option—

You need to go in prepared with a few smart, tailored questions.

But did you know just how important they are?

The questions you ask at the end of your interview have the power to reveal additional aspects of the role, impress the interviewer, and increase your chances of getting hired.

Ready to interview the interviewer and land your dream job?

This guide will show you:

  • 15+ good questions to ask at the end of an interview and show you’re the best candidate.
  • Tips on how to construct your own questions to ask at the end of an interview and what topics to avoid.
  • How many questions to ask at the end of an interview.

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Need more job interview advice? Check out these guides:

  • Common Second-Round Interview Questions
  • What Should You Bring to Your Job Interview

Here are the top picks for good questions to ask at the end of an interview:

1. From your experience, what's the best thing about working here?

This is the Swiss Army knife of interview questions. Just consider how many purposes it serves:

  • Helps you develop a rapport with the interviewer (remember: most people enjoy talking about themselves more than anything else)
  • Shows your interest in the company in general, not just the job itself
  • Reveals a lot about the company: even though it’s just the opinion of one person, the answer can tell you a lot about whether the job is a good fit for you
  • Opens up possibilities for follow-up questions you can ask, such as the challenges the interviewer faces or how they came to work for the company
  • Makes you memorable—it’s not an obvious question and candidates rarely think to ask it

2. Can you tell me more about your company values and how they're put into practice?

The second part of this question is especially important:

It shows you care about company culture and helps you find out more about the company’s approach to employees and customers in real life—not just on paper.

Pro tip: If you already know the company values, show the recruiter you’ve done your research. Rephrase the question: I’m interested in your company values of integrity, empowerment, and diversity. Could you tell me how they’re put into practice?

3. How do you evaluate and define success in this position?

Recruiters love hearing this question—

Nothing shows you’re a goal-oriented professional better than asking how you can be successful before you even get the job.

Plus, you’ll learn a lot about what’s expected of you. If the interviewer can’t answer this question, by the way, consider that a red flag: it suggests a lack of clear structure and expectations.

4. What professional development opportunities are available for this position?

Ambitious candidates eager to learn new skills will always have an edge over those who believe they’re already qualified enough.

As an added bonus, this question suggests to the interviewer that you plan to stay in your profession for the foreseeable future.

Remember that you’re asking about training and development opportunities, not promotions!

5. What are the main challenges for someone in this role?

Did you know that 61% of employees find that their jobs were misrepresented during interviews?

This question will help you manage your expectations of the role and find out exactly what awaits you if you get the job.

See more fascinating insights: HR Statistics: Useful Data on the Hiring Process, from Job Search to Interviews

6. What's the structure of the team/department?

You’ll find out how your future role fits into the organization and gain a better understanding of your responsibilities. Plus, you’ll learn who you’d be answering to and whether you’ll have any peers in similar roles.

7. What does the onboarding process look like for new employees in this role?

The answer to this question can be surprisingly revealing, especially if you’re not sure if the job’s seniority level matches your experience. If it turns out you’re expected to dive right in with no prep, it might be a red flag.

8. Where do you see the company in the next 3 to 5 years?

The tables have turned!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” has to be one of the most dreaded interview questions of all time. Well, now you can be the one asking it!

Revenge is not the name of the game here, though:

With this question, you’ll show you’re serious about this opportunity and that you’re in for the long haul. And you might get some ideas about future opportunities in the same company.

If you get a satisfactory answer, you can ask a follow-up question to show your commitment:

How would someone in this role contribute to achieving these goals?

9. What is the typical career path for someone in this position?

AKA, a sneaky way of finding out whether there could be an opportunity for a promotion anytime soon.

This question will help you determine whether you’re facing a career-building opportunity or a dead end. It’s not entirely self-serving, though: the recruiter will see you as an ambitious candidate, and that’s always a good thing.

10. What would you like to change in the company?

The interviewer may tell you about a problem they’re trying to solve right now, or an aspect of the job that might be frustrating, or the company’s plans for the future, or something else entirely—

In any case, you’ll get some useful insights into what it might be like to work there.

11. Can you describe a typical day for someone in this role at your company?

This one’s worth asking no matter your level of seniority or experience. It’ll help you verify your future responsibilities and the scope of the role. It’s especially useful for job titles that companies often misuse, like UX designer or sales representative.

12. What are some of the challenges that the company's facing right now?

You’ll get insights into the company’s current and future situation. For bonus points, ask a follow-up question regarding how someone in this role can contribute to overcoming those challenges—

You’ll come across as a proactive problem-solver and boost your chances of landing the job!

13. What was the team’s biggest achievement in the past year?

Get ready to learn more about the scope of the company’s activities and what’s considered an achievement in the context of your future role.

14. What are some of the most interesting projects you've worked on in this company?

The response you get will give you a better idea of the way the company works, with a specific example. And it helps to establish rapport with the interviewer and show your interest in the role.

15. Can I provide any further details that would be helpful in making your decision?

With this question, you’re providing the interviewer with the opportunity to ask you follow-up questions about what you discussed earlier. Perhaps they’d like you to clarify something you said in one of your responses, or they want to hear more details.

Plus, it shows you’re still interested in the opportunity after the main part of the interview.

16. What are the next steps?

Recruitment processes vary between companies and usually take 1 to 3 months, from application to offer. The average number of interview rounds within that time is 3, but there’s no rule that says this will be true in your case.

So, it’s good to find out what you’re in for. Perhaps you’ll get an offer after just 2 interviews, or maybe you’ll come back here for more question ideas as you get ready for your 5th round!

Tips on Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview

Here are a few things to consider when preparing your questions:

How many questions should I ask at the end of an interview?

Aim for around 3, but there's no hard rule—you'll have to read the room.

If the atmosphere is comfortable and the interviewer answers your questions with enthusiasm, you can ask a couple more questions. If they seem in a rush, however, stick to one or two most important queries.

All in all, prepare around 10 questions, just in case some of the answers come up naturally during the interview.

Can I ask about specific aspects of the job?

Absolutely! Ask about specific processes, procedures, and solutions the company has in place, and you'll learn more about the position and show your experience.

Just make sure your questions are relevant and fall within the responsibilities of the role, and include a couple of questions about the company as a whole.

How should I phrase my questions?

Apart from the obvious need to be polite, you should focus on asking open-ended questions, i.e. questions that require more than a yes or no answer. These usually start with why, what, how, or could you tell me about….

Here’s why—

If you keep asking closed questions like Are there opportunities for development? or Do you evaluate your employees’ performance?, you won’t find out much. Plus, the conversation will feel stale and awkward.

What questions should I avoid asking at the end of an interview?

Don't ask:

1. Questions about money, perks, and benefits (including when you can expect a raise)

Money can become something of an elephant in the room during interviews, especially if the salary wasn’t listed in the job advertisement.

Still—

In general, it’s inadvisable to ask about pay during your interview. If you need to ask, your best bet is to talk to the HR representative in charge of the recruitment process for this position.

Once you’re offered the job, you’ll find out everything about your salary and benefits, and you’ll likely have the chance to negotiate both.

Read more: How to Negotiate Your Salary: Guide, Examples, and Expert Tips

2. When you can take your first holiday

Asking about holidays during your interview will suggest that you’re already thinking about not working. You want the interviewer to remember you as someone eager to contribute instead.

3. When you can expect a promotion

The vast majority of promotions are earned. Not only will the interviewer be unable to answer this question, but they’ll also walk away with the idea that you’re arrogant and opportunistic (sorry!).

Instead, ask about the career path for this position (question #9 above).

4. Personal questions

Under no circumstances should you ask the interviewer about their personal life (marital status, children, etc.) or finances.

And yes—

This includes their salary.

Did you know that the interviewer can’t ask you about certain topics, too? Read more: Illegal Interview Questions: What the Company Can’t Ask You During Recruitment

5. How well you did during the interview and/or whether you got the job

These are simply in poor taste (and likely to disqualify you immediately).

It’s natural to want to know whether your interview went well, but to find out, you’ll have to wait for the company to reach out to you.

6. Questions about topics that are already covered in publicly available materials

If you ask the interviewer about something that’s plainly explained on the company website, for example, you’ll reveal that you haven’t done any research and likely destroy your chances of getting the job.

7. When you’ll get feedback on the interview

Instead, ask about the next steps in the hiring process (question #16 above).

You can (and should) message the company after your interview. Read more:

That’s all!

Hopefully, you now have a list of good questions to ask at the end of your interview—

Thanks for reading and good luck!

Did you have any trouble picking the right questions to ask? Perhaps you can suggest some questions that have worked well for you in the past? Let us know in the comments!

FAQs

What are the top 5 questions to ask an interviewer? ›

Smart questions to ask about the interviewer
  • How long have you been with the company?
  • Has your role changed since you've been here?
  • What did you do before this?
  • Why did you come to this company?
  • What's your favorite part about working here?
  • What's one challenge you occasionally or regularly face in your job?
Mar 3, 2023

What is a good question to ask in an interview at the end? ›

How could I impress you in the first three months? This is a good question to ask at the end of a job interview because it shows potential employers that you're eager to make a positive contribution to the organisation.

How do you close an interview? ›

Here are some common conclusions:
  1. "I am grateful for interviewing with you today. You have given me a clear overview of the position. ...
  2. "Thank you for making time to interview me for the open role. I am thrilled about the prospect of working in this position and being a part of a highly reputable team."
Mar 10, 2023

What are good questions to ask about a company? ›

Ask these questions to see what it's like from their perspective:
  • How has your experience with the company been?
  • Has the company culture changed since you started?
  • What do you like best about the company?
  • What's your favorite thing about working for this company?
Feb 27, 2023

What are 5 questions not to ask in an interview? ›

10 Interview Questions You Should Never Ask (and 5 You Always Should)
  • Anything Related to Salary or Benefits. ...
  • Questions That Start With “Why?” ...
  • “Who is Your Competition?” ...
  • “How Often Do Reviews Occur?” ...
  • “May I Arrive Early or Leave Late as Long as I Get My Hours In?” ...
  • “Can I Work From Home?”

What are the top 10 questions to ask as an interviewer? ›

25 Top Questions To Ask An Interviewee
  • What attracted you to apply for this position? ...
  • What steps do you take when making decisions? ...
  • What has your typical role on a team been? ...
  • How would your colleagues describe you? ...
  • What motivates you to work? ...
  • Name a work accomplishment that makes you proud?
Jan 22, 2023

What not to ask at the end of an interview? ›

Never ask about pay, time off, benefits, etc. (Wait until later in the process to inquire about these things.) Never ask “What does your company do?” • Never ask “If I'm hired, when can I start applying for other positions in the company?” • Never ask how quickly you can be promoted.

What is the STAR method in interviews? ›

The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are describing.

How do you ask smart questions in an interview? ›

Smart interview questions about the role
  1. What kinds of challenges can I expect in this role? ...
  2. Can you elaborate on the daily duties of this role? ...
  3. What's the training process for this role? ...
  4. Who would I be working with the most? ...
  5. What can I do to succeed in this role? ...
  6. What are some projects I would be working on?
Mar 6, 2023

What three things should you do when closing the interview? ›

How to close an interview
  • Ask questions.
  • Address any concerns.
  • Remind the interviewer of your strengths.
  • Express your interest in the job.
  • Ask about the next steps.
  • Offer additional information.
  • Leave the meeting politely.
  • Send a follow-up email.
Jul 21, 2022

How do you greet at the end of an interview? ›

Pleased/nice/glad to meet you. Pleased/nice/glad to meet you. Hello. If you have met before (at a job fair for example), the interviewer may greet you with "How are you?" A suitable response is "Fine, thanks." or "Very well, thanks."

Why should we hire you? ›

“I should be hired for this role because of my relevant skills, experience, and passion for the industry. I've researched the company and can add value to its growth. My positive attitude, work ethics, and long-term goals align with the job requirements, making me a committed and valuable asset to the company.”

What is a unique question to ask someone in an interview? ›

Who at your previous place of work gave you the most energy and why? If you could wave a magic wand, what problem in the world would you solve and why? What were your most and least satisfying jobs, and why? What is your five-year goal?

How many questions should I ask at the end of an interview? ›

Aoife Brady says candidates should always ask at least two or three questions. And if that's not enough to really find out all that you want to know, just check with the interviewer and they should be happy to tell you how many questions they have time to answer.

How do you respond to why should I hire you? ›

The first thing you should do when answering “why should we hire you?” is to highlight any skills and professional experience that are relevant to the position you're applying for. To make your answer all the more valid, make sure to always back up everything you say with examples, experiences, and achievements.

What 3 questions should you not ask when interviewing employees? ›

We recommend that you avoid asking applicants about personal characteristics that are protected by law, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin or age.

What are 10 tips for an interview? ›

Top 10 interview tips
  • Be prepared. Being prepared for whatever interview you have is key to impressing the organiser. ...
  • Dress for success. ...
  • Be confident in your strengths. ...
  • Look over your CV. ...
  • Arrive early. ...
  • Try to relax. ...
  • Listen. ...
  • Be specific.

Do you have to ask questions at the end of an interview? ›

Asking some thoughtful questions at the end of your interview is a simple way to show your enthusiasm for the job. Finding questions to ask your interviewer is a crucial part of preparing for any job interview. Asking questions is a simple way to show that you're truly interested in the role and the company.

What personal questions should I ask an interviewer? ›

Here some great questions to ask your interviewer that shows active interest in the job:
  • Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role?
  • How could I impress you in the first three months?
  • Are there opportunities for training and progression within the role/company?
Feb 21, 2023

What are 4 things you should not do during an interview? ›

15 Things You Should NOT Do at an Interview
  • Not Doing Your Research. ...
  • Turning Up Late. ...
  • Dressing Inappropriately. ...
  • Fidgeting With Unnecessary Props. ...
  • Poor Body Language. ...
  • Unclear Answering and Rambling. ...
  • Speaking Negatively About Your Current Employer. ...
  • Not Asking Questions.

What not to say in an interview? ›

Things you should never say in a job interview
  • Anything negative about a previous employer or job. ...
  • "I don't know." ...
  • Discussions about benefits, vacation and pay. ...
  • "It's on my resume." ...
  • Unprofessional language. ...
  • "I don't have any questions." ...
  • Asking what the company does. ...
  • Overly prepared answers or cliches.
Mar 10, 2023

What are the 5 hardest interview questions and answers? ›

The most difficult interview questions (and answers)
  • What is your greatest weakness?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • What's something that you didn't like about your last job?
  • Why do you want this job?
  • How do you deal with conflict with a co-worker?
  • Here's an answer for you.

What are some hints for a successful job interview? ›

Tips for a Successful Interview
  • Be on time. ...
  • Know the interviewer's name, its spelling, and pronunciation. ...
  • Have some questions of your own prepared in advance. ...
  • Bring several copies of your resume. ...
  • Have a reliable pen and a small note pad with you. ...
  • Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a smile.

What's your greatest weakness? ›

Answer “what is your greatest weakness” by choosing a skill that is not essential to the job you're applying to and by stressing exactly how you're practically addressing your weakness. Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination.

What are mind blowing questions to ask interviewer? ›

Following are 10 questions you can ask the interviewer that will really wow the person and deliver memorable impact: What do you think people like the most about working in this organization? What is the most important personality trait common among your top performers? What would your customers say about your company?

How can I sound smart in interview? ›

How to sound smarter in your interview
  1. How to fine-tune the art of listening. ...
  2. Ask smart questions. ...
  3. Tell stories. ...
  4. Know how to answer the “weakness” question. ...
  5. Connect the dots. ...
  6. Tell them something they don't know. ...
  7. Do NOT do this.
Sep 24, 2021

How do you ask more intelligent questions? ›

How to ask smart questions
  1. Think about what you already know. Reviewing your existing knowledge on a subject can help you pinpoint any gaps. ...
  2. Confirm what you want to learn. ...
  3. Create a draft of your questions. ...
  4. Refine your questions. ...
  5. Ensure simplicity. ...
  6. Ask your questions confidently and politely.
Jun 24, 2022

What is the first thing you should do after finishing an interview? ›

After the Interview
  • Send a thank you note within 24 hours of the interview. ...
  • Evaluate your performance. ...
  • Think about what you learned about the position and employer during the interview. ...
  • After a first round interview you may be called back for additional rounds of interviews depending on the employer's process.

What should I say to impress in an interview? ›

  • I Am Very Familiar With What Your Company Does. ...
  • I Am Flexible. ...
  • I Am Energetic and Have a Positive Attitude. ...
  • I Have a Great Deal of Experience. ...
  • I Am a Team Player. ...
  • I Am Seeking to Become an Expert in My Field. ...
  • I Am Highly Motivated.

What to say after an interview? ›

How to Write a Thank You Email
  • Address the email to the person who interviewed you and make sure you spell their name correctly. ...
  • Thank the person for their time and consideration.
  • Briefly highlight your draw to the organization. ...
  • Express your continued interest in the job opportunity.
  • Offer to answer any questions.
Nov 30, 2022

What is your biggest accomplishment? ›

'My greatest achievement' examples could include:
  • Giving a great presentation at work.
  • Beating sales targets.
  • Training for and completing a marathon.
  • Organizing a successful charity event.
  • Mentoring a coworker or fellow student.

Why should we hire you 5 best answers? ›

You should hire me because I have the qualifications, experience, and attitude to contribute to your company. I am a quick learner, adaptable, and possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, I am passionate about this field and eager to contribute to your team's success.

What makes you stand out from other candidates? ›

These can be professional skills, areas of expertise, personal qualities, or any relevant experience. Also, consider any impressive accomplishments from your past or career goals that speak to your commitment to the field. Think of ways to out-do the other candidates.

Why do you want this job? ›

Talk about specific examples of how you can help this company achieve their goals and highlight any relevant transferrable skills that will make you stand out as the right candidate. Write down any recent achievements you can talk about or any challenges you've faced recently that might be related to this new job.

What is the 20 interview rule? ›

The 20 Interview Rule is simple: Before You Write a Line of Code, Interview 20 Real, Potential Customers. Not your friends. Not people you know. They have to be real potential buyers.

How long should a good interview last? ›

In-person job interviews last between 45 and 90 minutes on average. If an interview lasts 15 minutes or less, it's probably not a good one. If it's 30 minutes long, it's just not long enough. That said, 45 to 90 minutes is the golden number - and that's not just one of the random interview facts.

What is most important to you in your next position? ›

The best way to answer “What is most important to you in your next position?” is to link everything back to the position and company. Ultimately, the goal is to show the interviewer why you fit with the company's mission and culture.

What do you say in Tell me about yourself? ›

Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values. Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received.

Why do you think you are qualified for this position? ›

You can talk about skills from the job posting or your transferable skills. And you don't have to limit your qualifications to paid work. Whatever uniquely qualifies you for the position could come from volunteer work or from experiences at school.

How do you handle stress and pressure? ›

Taking steps to manage stress
  1. Track your stressors. Keep a journal for a week or two to identify which situations create the most stress and how you respond to them. ...
  2. Develop healthy responses. ...
  3. Establish boundaries. ...
  4. Take time to recharge. ...
  5. Learn how to relax. ...
  6. Talk to your supervisor. ...
  7. Get some support.
Jul 1, 2014

What are 10 most common interview questions and answers? ›

10 most common interview questions and answers
  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What attracted you to our company?
  • Tell me about your strengths.
  • What are your weaknesses?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
  • Tell me about a time where you encountered a business challenge?

What are 5 good interview tips? ›

Tips for a Successful Interview
  • Be on time. ...
  • Know the interviewer's name, its spelling, and pronunciation. ...
  • Have some questions of your own prepared in advance. ...
  • Bring several copies of your resume. ...
  • Have a reliable pen and a small note pad with you. ...
  • Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a smile.

What is the STAR method in interviewing? ›

The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are describing.

How do I look sharp in an interview? ›

5 Ways to Look and Sound Sharp in an Interview
  1. Dress like the boss. Unless you're trying to get a job at Disney, leave the Mickey Mouse tie at home and stick to a more traditional pattern. ...
  2. Speak the lingo. Before your interview, learn the talk of the industry. ...
  3. Get rid of non-words. ...
  4. Practice your stories. ...
  5. Ask questions.

How do I sell myself in an interview? ›

When you're talking about yourself and your experience, keep the following six points in mind.
  1. Be the Solution. ...
  2. Be Specific. ...
  3. Prepare Sound Bites. ...
  4. Prepare to Talk About Your Resume. ...
  5. Be Aware of Nonverbal Communication. ...
  6. Be Positive.

Why am I good fit for this job? ›

You need to highlight why you're the best match for the role by explaining the accomplishments, skills, or personality traits that set you apart. However, don't criticize other candidates while you do so. Maintain a positive tone and keep the response focused on what you can offer, rather than what others can't.

Why should we hire you please? ›

Q1: How do I answer the question, "Why should we hire you?" A: When answering, focus on your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you the best fit for the role. Highlight how you can contribute to the company's success and address their specific needs and requirements.

What is your strongest interview question? ›

When answering, mention what your top strengths are, provide examples on how you've used them in the past, and finally, describe the results you've gotten. Be super specific with your answers. Don't just say “I'm good at X” - really dive deep and give the interviewer a comprehensive answer.

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