38 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview

Job-Specific Questions

1. What do you expect from me in this role?
2. What are the top priorities for me to focus on during the first 90 days?
3. How does the performance review process work here, and how often are evaluations conducted?
4. What key metrics or goals will my performance be measured against?
5. What immediate projects will I be responsible for?
6. When can I expect to take on responsibilities like [client meetings, managing my own accounts, collaborating with other departments, etc.]?

Team-Related Questions

1. What skills are currently missing from the team that you’re hoping to fill with this new hire?
2. What challenges should I anticipate in this role?
3. Do you foresee any significant changes in my responsibilities over the next six months to a year?
4. Can you describe the team I’ll be working with?
5. Who will I collaborate with most closely, and which departments or teams will I interact with?
6. Can you tell me more about my direct reports? What are their strengths and challenges as a team?

Questions for Your Potential Boss

1. How long have you been with the company?
2. How long have you been in a management role?
3. What do you enjoy most about working here?

Company-Related Questions

1. What are the company’s current goals, and how does my team contribute to achieving them?
2. What excites you most about the company’s future?
3. How would you describe the company’s core values?
4. How has the company evolved in recent years?
5. What are the company’s growth and development plans?

Culture-Related Questions

1. How do you typically onboard new employees?
2. If the position is remote, how does the company ensure remote employees are integrated into the company culture?
3. What do new employees often find surprising when they start?
4. Is there anything I should read beforehand to help me align with my colleagues’ shared knowledge?
5. What’s your favorite office tradition?
6. What do you and the team usually do for lunch?
7. Does the company organize any joint events with other departments?
8. How is working here different from anywhere else you’ve worked?
9. How has the company culture evolved since you joined?

Professional Development, Career Paths, and Opportunities

1. What learning and development opportunities are available in this role?
2. How does the team foster professional growth?
3. Can you provide examples of career paths starting with this position?
4. What are the typical career trajectories within this department?
5. How are promotions usually handled here?
6. Where have successful employees in this role advanced to?

Closing Questions

1. Is there anything I haven’t asked you that I should have?
2. Is there anything else I can provide to help with your decision-making process?
3. Is there any clarification needed regarding my qualifications?
4. What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Questions to Avoid

• Don’t ask about salary or benefits too early in the process, such as “What’s the starting salary?” or “Can you tell me about health insurance or paid leave policies?”
• Avoid trying to close the deal with questions like, “So, do I have the job?”
• Don’t ask questions you could easily find through a quick internet search, as it shows a lack of preparation.

Final Tip:

This is your chance to continue showcasing your interest and find out if the job is a good fit for you. Choose questions that are most relevant and important to you and be mindful of time. If you’re down to the final minutes of the interview, focus on 2-3 key questions. You’ll have more opportunities to ask once you have the offer!