Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview. You’ve prepped your answers, practiced your STAR method, and perfected your elevator pitch. But a job interview isn’t just about them grilling you; it’s a two-way street. The questions you ask are just as crucial as the answers you give. They demonstrate your engagement, critical thinking, and genuine interest in the role and company culture.
Asking insightful questions can elevate you from a good candidate to an unforgettable one. Conversely, asking the wrong questions can quickly sink your chances.
Here are 7 questions you absolutely must ask, and 3 you should always avoid.
The 7 Questions You MUST Ask
These questions are designed to show your strategic thinking, assess fit, and gather vital information that will help you decide if this role is right for you.
1. “What does success look like in this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?”
○ Why it works: This question shows you’re thinking proactively about performance and hitting the ground running. It prompts the interviewer to articulate clear expectations, giving you a roadmap for success and insight into their measurement of performance.
2. “What are the biggest challenges someone in this role would face?”
○ Why it works: This demonstrates your realistic understanding that no job is perfect and that you’re prepared to tackle obstacles. Their answer can reveal important aspects of the role’s demands, team dynamics, or company priorities.
3. “How would you describe the company culture and what’s your favorite part about working here?”
○ Why it works: Culture fit is paramount. This question helps you gauge if you’d thrive in their environment and provides a personal touch from the interviewer. Their “favorite part” often highlights a core value of the company.
4. “What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?”
○ Why it works: This signals your ambition and desire for long-term commitment and continuous learning. It’s a key indicator of whether the company invests in its employees and offers a career path, not just a job.
5. “How does this team typically collaborate, and how often do you communicate with other departments?”
○ Why it works: This uncovers crucial information about workflow, teamwork, and cross-functional relationships. It shows you understand the importance of collaboration and want to integrate effectively.
6. “Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?”
○ Why it works: This demonstrates your interest in your future colleagues and your ability to be a team player. The answer can provide insights into team size, dynamics, and how individuals contribute to collective goals.
7. “What are the next steps in the hiring process?”
○ Why it works: This is a non-negotiable question. It shows your enthusiasm, helps manage your expectations, and provides a clear timeline. Always end with this to leave a professional impression.
The 3 Questions You Should NEVER Ask
These questions can make you seem self-absorbed, unprepared, or simply unprofessional.
1. “What does your company do?”
○ Why it’s bad: This immediately flags you as someone who hasn’t done their homework. In today’s information age, there’s no excuse for not researching the company beforehand. It signals a lack of interest and professionalism.
2. “How much does this job pay? / What are the benefits like?” (In the first interview)
○ Why it’s bad: While compensation is important, bringing it up too early can make you seem solely focused on money rather than the opportunity or value you can bring. These discussions are typically reserved for later stages of the interview process, or after a job offer is extended. If asked about salary expectations, defer respectfully or give a broad range based on your research.
3. “Can I work from home / leave early on Fridays?” (Unless explicitly mentioned as a benefit)
○ Why it’s bad: Asking about perks or flexibility too soon can suggest you’re more interested in what the job can give you rather than what you can contribute. While work-life balance is important, questions about specific arrangements are best saved for when you have a job offer in hand, or after the interviewer brings up work arrangements themselves.
Final Thoughts
Remember, an interview is your chance to shine, but it’s also your chance to assess if the company and the role are the right fit for you. By asking thoughtful, strategic questions, you not only impress the interviewer but also gather the critical information you need to make an informed decision about your next career move. So, go forth, ask smart questions, and land that dream job!