Ask a Recruiter
Q: I know I’m supposed to ask questions in a job interview, but I never know what to ask. What kinds of questions make the right impression?
A: Great instinct — asking good questions is one of the most underrated parts of the interview process!
It’s easy to feel like the employer is the one in charge, but interviews should be a two-way street. You’re not just trying to get the job — you’re trying to figure out if this is a place where you’ll thrive. Thoughtful questions help you learn more about the role, the team, and whether this is the right move for you.
Let’s break it down: Some questions are useful in nearly any interview. Others will help you go deeper into what makes this opportunity unique.
Here are a few solid questions that work almost anywhere:
Why is this role open?
This can tell you a lot. Is it a new position? Was the last person promoted? Did they leave unexpectedly? You‘ll get clues about team dynamics, opportunity for growth, or potential red flags.
What does success look like in this role? In the first six months? The first year?
This helps you understand what’s actually expected of you. Plus, it gives you a chance to say: “That sounds like a great fit for my background! Here’s why.”
What are the biggest challenges someone in this role might face?
No job is perfect. This question shows maturity and can prompt a candid conversation. Again, it also opens the door for you to speak to your experience and how you’d tackle those challenges.
What qualities help someone thrive on this team?
Every team has its own vibe. This question helps you figure out whether your style meshes with theirs — and lets you talk about what makes you a great collaborator.
And don’t forget this one at the end of every interview:
What are the next steps in your process?
It’s simple, but it matters. Knowing their timeline gives you clarity and a polite reason to follow up if you don’t hear anything.
Want to stand out? Ask questions that show you’ve done your homework. These should be specific to the organization you’re interviewing with — and they don’t have to be complicated.
Here are some examples:
- “I saw your CEO was interviewed recently about your plans for national growth — how do you see that affecting this department?”
- “I noticed the company recently switched to a hybrid work model. How has that transition been for your team?”
- “I read in the job description that this role uses Salesforce, but I also have experience with HubSpot — do you use that here too?”
If you can reference something recent — a new product launch, a rebrand, a community initiative — even better. These questions show curiosity, preparation, and enthusiasm.
Bottom line: Asking thoughtful questions helps you make a better decision and leaves a great impression. So go in with a few questions in your back pocket — and don’t be afraid to make it a real conversation.
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