57 Best Questions to Ask in an Interview: A Comprehensive Guide to Impress Your Potential Employer

Are you gearing up for an upcoming job interview? Congratulations! This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills and experience. However, interviews are a two-way street, and it’s equally important for you to evaluate whether the company and role are the right fit for you. One of the best ways to gather valuable insights is to ask thoughtful questions during the interview.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 57 best questions to ask in an interview, covering various aspects of the job, company, team, culture, and more. By asking these questions, you’ll demonstrate your interest, gain a deeper understanding of the opportunity, and leave a lasting impression on your potential employer.

Questions about the Job

1. What does a typical day or week look like in this role?
2. What are the most immediate projects that need to be addressed?
3. Can you provide examples of the projects I would be working on?
4. What skills and experiences are you looking for in an ideal candidate?
5. What attributes does someone need to have in order to be successful in this position?
6. What types of skills is the team missing that you’re looking to fill with a new hire?
7. What are the biggest challenges someone in this position would face?
8. What sort of budget would I be working with?
9. Is this a new role, or will I be taking over for an employee who is leaving?
10. How does this position contribute to the company’s overall goals?
11. Do you expect the main responsibilities for this position to change in the next six months to a year?

Questions about Training and Professional Development

1. What does your onboarding process look like?
2. What learning and professional development opportunities are available to employees?
3. Will there be opportunities for stretch assignments where I can learn and use new skills?
4. Are there opportunities for advancement within the company?
5. Would I be able to represent the company at industry conferences or events?
6. Where have successful employees previously in this position progressed to?

Questions about Evaluating Your Success

1. What are the most important things you’d like to see someone accomplish in the first 30, 60, and 90 days on the job?
2. What are the performance expectations of this position over the first 12 months?
3. What is the performance review process like here, and how often would I be formally reviewed?
4. What metrics or goals will my performance be evaluated against?

Questions about the Interviewer

1. How long have you been with the company?
2. Has your role changed since you’ve been here?
3. What did you do before joining this company?
4. Why did you choose to work for this company?
5. What’s your favorite part about working here?
6. What’s one challenge you occasionally or regularly face in your job?
7. What part of your job are you most excited about over the next few months?
8. Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects you’re particularly interested in?

Questions about the Company

1. I’ve read about the company’s founding, but can you tell me more about [another significant company development]?
2. What direction do you see this company heading in over the next few years?
3. Can you tell me about your new products or plans for growth?
4. What are the current goals that the company is focused on, and how does this team work to support hitting those goals?
5. What gets you most excited about the company’s future?
6. What are the company’s most important values? (Note: Make sure this isn’t easily Google-able!)
7. How does the company ensure it’s upholding its values?

Questions about the Team

1. Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?
2. Who will I work with most closely?
3. Who will I report to directly?
4. Can you tell me about my potential direct reports?
5. What are the team’s biggest strengths and challenges?
6. Do you expect to hire more people in this department in the next six months?
7. Which other departments work most closely with this one, and how do they collaborate?

Questions about the Company Culture

1. How would you describe the work environment here – is the work typically more collaborative or more independent?
2. How does the team form and maintain strong bonds?
3. Can you tell me about the last company event you did together?
4. What’s your favorite office tradition?
5. What do you and the team usually do for lunch?
6. Does anyone at the company or on this team hang out outside the office?
7. Do you ever do joint events with other companies or departments?
8. What’s different about working here than anywhere else you’ve worked?
9. How has the company changed since you joined?
10. How has the organization overcome challenges with remote work?
11. How does the company ensure that remote and hybrid employees are given the same opportunities and standards as in-office employees?

Questions about Next Steps

1. What are the next steps in the interview process?
2. Is there anything else I can provide you with that would be helpful?
3. Can I answer any final questions for you?

By asking these questions, you’ll demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and company, gain valuable insights to help you make an informed decision, and leave a lasting impression on your potential employer. Remember, an interview is a two-way conversation, so don’t hesitate to ask thoughtful questions that will help you determine if the opportunity is the right fit for you.

Good luck with your interview!