Best Questions to Ask in an Interview

Interview preparation is key in impressing your prospective employer. It will give you the best chance to stand out above other applicants and prove that you’re the best person for the job.

Interviewers will almost always set aside time towards the end of an interview for the job applicant to ask questions. A good way to show your interest and enthusiasm is to have a list of questions ready to ask. Getting caught on the spot with nothing to say can not only be a little awkward, but it can also imply that you’re underprepared or uninterested in the finer details of the position, as well as the company.

You can use your question time to your advantage to learn more about the company culture, specific day-to-day responsibilities and the potential for future growth. You’ll be able to find out a lot of information about a company in your pre-interview research, however you can ask questions during the interview to determine whether it’s the right role for you.

We’ve listed the top questions that you can ask during your next interview. Remember to choose the questions that are most appropriate and adapt them to suit the employer and the role you’re applying for.

Role and Responsibilities

What specific qualities are you looking for in a candidate?
Is overtime expected?
Can you describe a typical day/week in this position?
What would be my key performance indicators (KPIs)?
What are some challenges faced in this role?
Can you tell me more about the team(s) I’ll be working with?
What are some of the projects I’d be working on initially?

Growth and Success

Is there an opportunity for growth within the company?
How is success measured in this position?
What does the company offer for professional development? E.g. training programs
How do you provide feedback, and how often could I expect to receive it?
What have previous employees done to succeed in this role?
What qualities are most important for success?
What would you expect me to achieve within 6-12 months in this role?

The Company

Can you describe the culture at work?
What type of people thrive in your organisation?
What do you like most about working here?
Where do you think the company is headed in the next 5 years?
How has the company changed in the last few years?
How many employees work in the company?
Does the company have any sustainability or social responsibility initiatives?

What’s Next

What’s your timeline for filling this position?
When can I expect to hear from you?
When are you hoping the successful candidate will start?
Is there anything else I can provide you with?
Is there anything else we haven’t covered that you think is important for me to know about working here?

Questions to avoid

There are a few topics that should generally be avoided during an interview. The following questions could position you in a negative light or suggest that you haven’t done any of your own research.

If I’m successful in getting the job, when can I take holidays?
What does the organisation do?
Did I get the job?
Is there drug testing on site?

An interview is your chance to ensure you can avoid any shocks or surprises in your first week. While these questions are a good starting point, it’s also important to brainstorm for yourself and have a good think about what you really want out of the job.

Ask questions, do your research and chat to people in your network who might be familiar with the company and its culture. With the right amount of preparation, you can land a job that you’ll love going to every day!

If you need help crafting a resume that will get you hired, or you’d like insight into the potential questions you might be asked in an interview, we’ve written some articles that might help.

How to Interview Job Candidates

How to Write a Resume That Will Get You Hired

FAQ'S

When will I get an opportunity to ask questions in an interview?

Interview structure will vary depending on the industry, company and role you’re applying for. In most cases, the hiring manager will set time aside towards the end of the interview. This also gives you a chance to ask questions that may arise in response to information provided to you during the interview.

How many questions should I ask?

Don’t overwhelm the hiring manager with questions, but have a list of around 3-5 prepared and ask whatever you feel is relevant and beneficial at the time.

How important is it to prepare for an interview?

Interview preparation is key in landing a new job! An interview is your opportunity to prove that you’re the best person for the job. Do your research, consider questions you might be asked and jot down some answers, and have your list of questions prepared prior to your interview.

Is it okay to ask about salary in an interview?

Salary negotiation is usually most appropriate towards the end of the hiring process. Employers will often ask what your salary expectations are, however if it’s not mentioned, it’s best to approach the subject in a second or third interview, when your skills, experience and qualifications have been covered and a job offer is likely.