Whether you’re a career-changer trying to break into a new field or a seasoned professional looking to level up—interviews can be an intimidating affair. With only an hour (or less) to pitch yourself as the right person for the job, there’s a lot to think about.
To make sure you make a great impression on hiring managers, it helps to go in armed with meaningful questions that demonstrate your skill and enthusiasm. We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list of the 50 best questions to ask in an interview, from team questions to culture queries.
Best questions to ask in an interview
We’ve separated the questions into types, including:
- Questions about the team
- Questions about the role
- Questions about the company culture
- Questions about the industry and market
- Questions about the company’s vision and strategy
- Questions about employee support
- Questions about performance
- Questions about company structure
- Miscellaneous questions
Let’s dive in!
Questions about the team
1. Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with and their roles?
Asking about the team you’ll be working with is fundamental for understanding the team structure and getting an idea of what your day-to-day will be like.
By learning more about who you’ll be collaborating with, you can assess how your skills and experience align with their responsibilities and expertise.
2. How would you describe the team dynamic and collaboration within the department?
The answer to this question can provide valuable insight into the work environment and help you determine if you’ll thrive in this setting.
A team that works seamlessly together is a team that succeeds, and probing about how the team collaborates shows you’re a team player who cares about developing meaningful interpersonal relationships with your colleagues for the greater good.
3. Are you looking to hire more people into this team in the next six months?
Asking this question shows that you’re curious about the company’s growth plans and interested in the success of the team you’ll be working with.
Depending on the answer, you can better understand the team’s trajectory—and what your own workload will likely look like in the coming months.
4. How does the team typically communicate and stay organized?
This is an extremely valuable question to ask—especially when interviewing for remote or hybrid jobs with global teams. Without collaboration and alignment, remote projects can easily become disconnected in remote settings.
This is a great opportunity to find out what tools, systems, and processes the company has in place to ensure seamless communication and collaboration between team members.
5. What opportunities are there for cross-team collaboration?
Asking this question during an interview is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it shows your potential employer that you value communication and teamwork. But, more importantly, it demonstrates that you’re keen to grow your skills and knowledge beyond your own team and job description.
Through cross-team collaboration, you can gain a better understanding of how the company operates as a whole—and even discover new solutions to problems that could benefit everyone.
Questions about the role
6. What qualities would a candidate need to be successful in this role?
This is one of the best questions to ask in an interview. Asking this question helps your interviewer feel confident that you’re serious about the role and are willing to put in the work to succeed.
It also gives you a distinct advantage. By getting the interviewer to outline the qualities that would make someone successful in the role, you can then demonstrate how you possess those qualities—and why you are the ideal candidate for the job.
7. Are you backfilling an existing position, or is this a new role?
This might seem like a nosy or imposing question, but knowing whether you’ll be filling an existing position or taking on a brand new role can help you better understand what will be expected of you.
For example, if you’re filling an existing role, you’ll want to find out why the previous employee left and what their successes and challenges were. On the other hand, if it’s a new position, you’ll want to know more about why the company is creating this role and what they hope the new hire will achieve.
8. How does this role contribute to the overall success of the company?
This question communicates an interest in the company’s mission and a commitment to helping achieve its objectives. It also shows that you’re not just looking for a job but a role where you can make a meaningful impact.
Understanding how your position fits into the company’s long-term strategy can also help motivate you to bring your best self to the job.
9. Can you tell me about any specific projects or initiatives I would be involved in?
This question allows the interviewer to delve deeper into the scope of your potential role, giving you a better understanding of what would be expected of you on a day-to-day basis.
You can also ask follow-up questions that show your enthusiasm to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in!
10. Are there opportunities for professional growth or advancement within this role?
The answer to this question will tell you one key thing: Whether this position will help (or hinder) your long-term career goals.
Seeking out a company that values employee growth and development can lead to a fulfilling and satisfying career path, so it’s important to find out what your future might look like if you take on this role—and how you’ll be encouraged to learn, grow, and develop in the long run.
Questions about the company culture
11. How would you describe the company’s culture and values?
This is arguably one of the most important questions on this list. The company’s culture can impact everything from how you work with coworkers to how the work gets done—and how growth is valued and encouraged.
By asking this question, you’ll gain insight into the company’s mission, priorities, and work environment, helping you determine if it’s a place where you can see yourself thriving in the long term.
12. What steps does the company take to foster a positive and inclusive work environment?
A positive and inclusive work environment leads to increased job satisfaction, higher employee retention rates, and fosters creativity and collaboration.
Without an inclusive working culture, toxicity can spread. By asking about the steps a company takes to cultivate a positive and inclusive atmosphere, you can gain insight into the company’s values, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and overall commitment to their employees’ well-being.
13. How does the company support a healthy work-life balance for employees?
Asking this question is crucial for ensuring you’re joining a company that values its employees’ health and well-being and understands the importance of a healthy work-life balance.
Ultimately, a company that prioritizes the well-being of its employees is more likely to have a productive, happy, and loyal team. Note: If they don’t have any policies, procedures, or initiatives in place for employee wellbeing, it’s a red flag!
14. Can you share any examples of how the company recognizes and celebrates employee achievements?
Everyone wants to be recognized for hard work—and knowing how a company handles recognition can give you insight into whether or not it’s a place you want to work.
By asking about this, you’re letting the interviewer know that you take the position seriously—and want to be part of a work environment that values its staff. It also shows you’re keen to contribute to the company’s success.
15. What is the company’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Similar to asking about an inclusive work environment, you want to show the interviewer that you value these principles—as well as ensure you’re entering a workplace that aligns with your values.
Any company can talk the talk; here’s where you find out if they walk the walk. What initiatives do they have in place? How are diversity, equity, and inclusion worked into the overarching values? How do they mitigate bias and cultivate inclusivity? Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics!
Questions about the industry and market
16. How does the company stay ahead of industry trends and changes?
This question is more than just a formality; it can reveal much about the company’s commitment to innovation, adaptation, and long-term success.
By asking this question, you can learn more about the company’s approach to staying current with market developments and future-proofing their operations (also helping you feel confident you won’t be out of a job soon!).
17. Can you provide insights into the company’s position within the market and its competitors?
It’s important to know where the company stands in the market and how it compares to its competitors.
This question can provide valuable insights into how the company fits into the larger industry, its competitive advantages, and how it plans to stay ahead of the curve. With this information, you can showcase how your skills and experience can help the company maintain its competitive edge.
18. What challenges or opportunities do you see in the industry that the company is focused on?
Asking this question shows the interviewer you’re already thinking about how you can add value to the company. It also demonstrates your interest in the company’s future plans, which could lead to a deeper conversation about the role and your potential contributions.
Understanding the challenges and opportunities in the industry can also give you an idea of how the company is positioned—and what potential roadblocks or successes you might encounter as an employee.
19. How does the company adapt to changes in the market to maintain its competitive edge?
Understanding a company’s ability to adjust its strategies to meet the demands of an ever-changing market can provide a glimpse into its overall success and potential for growth.
This question is also about your own job security—and making sure you’re betting on a company that’s well-placed to navigate the choppy waters of modern business.
20. Can you share any recent developments or innovations in the industry that the company is excited about?
Companies want to hire passionate, forward-thinking people with their finger on the pulse of emerging industry trends—and this question demonstrates exactly that.
Do your research before asking this question so you can anticipate their answer and add follow-up comments. The aim here is to get a real conversation going!
Questions about the company’s vision and strategy
21. What are the company’s long-term vision and strategic goals?
Understanding the company’s strategic goals can help you determine the role you could play in helping them achieve their overall vision and get to their “north star”.
It also helps you get a sense of what the rest of the team is currently working towards and gives you a chance to get excited about the bigger picture.
22. Can you share insights into the company’s growth plans or expansion strategies?
This might seem like a variation of the above, but this question takes a much more practical angle. It’s important to know the company’s north star, but you also want an insight into how they plan to get there on an operational level.
This can also help you understand if you’re part of a hiring surge and how they plan to grow sustainably.
23. How does the company align its employees’ work with its overall vision and strategy?
After hearing about the company’s big plans and strategic vision, you’ll want to ensure your work directly contributes to the bigger picture.
Here’s your chance to find that out by probing into the actual work you’ll be doing—and the role you’ll play in the company’s growth story.
24. What sets this company apart from its competitors?
If, before this point, you’ve been asked, “Why should we hire you?” Here’s your chance to hit them back with the same question.
Sure, the wording is slightly different—but you’re essentially asking why, from a culture perspective, this company is better than a competitor.
25. Can you provide examples of how the company has overcome challenges and achieved success?
Any successful company will have faced its fair share of obstacles on the road to success. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand those obstacles and how the company overcame them.
This demonstrates that you not only care about the company’s history and how it operates, but it also reveals a level of engagement and critical thinking employers appreciate in their new hires.
Questions about employee support
26. Does the company provide opportunities for socialization in the workplace?
Perks and salary are important, but it’s also vital to consider the social aspect of work. After all, we spend most of our hours working—and having downtime to get to know your co-workers better will only help you collaborate more effectively.
Social events can range from company-wide retreats to after-work hangs.
27. What policies and resources does the company have in place to support employees’ mental health?
This can feel like an awkward question, but ultimately, you want to work for an employer that recognizes and prioritizes mental health.
Knowing that resources and policies are available to support you in times of mental stress can make a huge difference in how you approach your work, especially when things become overwhelming.
28. How does the company encourage learning among its employees?
A company committed to employee training and development is not only interested in retaining its staff but also in building a motivated and skilled workforce.
Investing in employee training gives the company a competitive edge and makes it easier for employees to adapt to new challenges. So don’t forget to ask!
29. Can you tell me about the company’s approach to employee feedback and suggestions for improvement?
If you’re investing in a company’s success and growth, you also want to know you’ll be able to have your say—and make suggestions for how the company can become an even better place to work.
A company that’s open to (and actively encourages) constructive criticism is a company that values its staff and wants to hear what they have to say.
30. How did the company support employees during the pandemic?
The pandemic radically changed the way businesses operate, and it’s crucial to find a company that truly puts its employees first.
Asking “How did the company support employees during the pandemic?” during an interview can be a great way to get a sense of the company culture and how they respond to challenging situations.
Did they retain their staff? Was it a seamless transition to remote? How did they support their employees’ mental health during this time?
Questions about performance
31. Can you provide some insights into the company’s financial stability and growth?
While the interviewer might not be comfortable sharing the numbers with you, they’ll (hopefully) reassure you about the financial position the company is in—and, ultimately, that your job will be safe for longer than the short term.
It’s natural that you’d want to join a financially stable company, so don’t be afraid to ask the money question!
32. What are some recent company milestones or achievements?
This gives the interviewer a chance to do some #humblebragging about the company and its achievements—with the added bonus of giving you tangible examples of how the company is doing overall.
Their answer will also tell you how the company celebrates its wins.
33. How does the company measure success and performance?
Here’s where you showcase your analytical chops.
This question tells your interviewer that you’re able to hold yourself accountable when it comes to your performance—and that you’re committed to achieving success or understanding what went wrong if you didn’t.
Read next: A complete 2024 guide to marketing metrics
34. What is the company’s approach to making important decisions?
This question can reveal so much about the company’s values and culture—plus provide insight into how they prioritize different factors regarding business matters.
It also shows the interviewer you’re thinking beyond just day-to-day tasks and care about the company’s overall success.
35. Can you tell me about the company’s track record of success?
Not only does this display your curiosity and desire to know more about the business, but it also allows you to gain insight into what the company has accomplished in the past and where it may be headed.
It’s important to know if the company has a history of success and growth or if they’ve encountered any major setbacks.
Questions about company impact and values
36. How did the company come up with its values?
A company’s core values represent the principles and behaviors that guide its operations, influence its culture, and determine how it approaches everything from decision-making to customer service.
By understanding a company’s values, you can get some additional context and backstory about how the company was founded—giving you a better sense of whether or not you’d be able to live and breathe those values every day.
37. Can you provide examples of the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility?
Employers are becoming increasingly aware of their social responsibility and are looking for employees who share that mindset.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is more than just a buzzword; it’s a philosophy that shapes a company’s culture—and asking this question will tell you whether they’re taking it seriously.
38. Does the company donate to charities or support external initiatives?
A company that donates to charitable causes is a company with an authentic commitment to making a positive impact—not just making money.
As an employee, being part of an organization that values giving back will no doubt help you feel more fulfilled and purpose-driven in your work. So don’t be afraid to discuss this topic in your next job interview!
39. How does the company engage with and support local communities?
Asking the interviewer how the company engages with local communities shows you’re invested in more than just a paycheck. It also opens up the conversation for you to discuss your own community involvement and how you could contribute to the company’s efforts.
By asking this question, you’re showcasing your dedication to making a positive impact—and that’s the kind of attitude any employer would be lucky to have on their team.
40. Can you share any employee-driven initiatives or programs that make a positive impact?
Not only does this show that you’re interested in the bigger picture, but it can also give you a sense of how much the company values its employees and their contributions.
It also indicates how much wider company buy-in and support you might get for your own ideas.
Questions about company structure
41. Are there any opportunities to talk to the CEO?
If you’re interviewing for a startup role, the CEO might work closely with the rest of the team. They might even be the one interviewing you.
But in larger companies, it can be a little trickier to get face time with the CEO—which is why it’s good to ask about initiatives (i.e., a monthly Q+A) the company has in place to give everyone in the company a chance to ask big-picture questions to the captain steering the ship.
42. Can you provide insights into the company’s organizational structure?
This question will tell you how teams are organized, who you’ll report to, how decisions are made, and what the overall hierarchy looks like.
This will give you an idea of which roles you could grow into and where your role fits into the wider company ecosystem.
43. What is the management philosophy within the company?
Your relationship with your manager can have a huge impact on your experience and job satisfaction.
By asking about the company’s management philosophy, you can get an idea of its values and prioritization. Are they focused on fostering creativity and innovation, or are they strict in their policies and procedures?
44. How does the company promote transparency?
Transparency and open communication are crucial components of any healthy work environment. Employees are empowered when their leaders are open and honest in their communication, leading to a more engaged and loyal workforce. Plus, more transparency means a better flow of information, reduced misunderstandings, and fewer conflicts within teams. It’s safe to say that this is an important question to ask!
45. What tools and systems does the company use?
Understanding a company’s tech stack can provide important insights into how it operates—especially in remote settings, where tools are crucial for collaboration.
This can also help you determine if you have the necessary skills to hit the ground running in the role. If the company uses tools you’re proficient in, now’s your chance to highlight it!
Read more in our guide to the essential UX tools in 2024.
Miscellaneous questions
46. What is the onboarding process like for new employees?
The onboarding process might seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact on your success in the role. Knowing what to expect during the onboarding process can help you confidently navigate your first few weeks at the new company—and hit the ground running as soon as possible.
Generally speaking, a company that has a thoughtful, thorough onboarding process is much more likely to be invested in its employees’ long-term success.
47. What’s your favorite thing about working here?
This question allows the interviewer to share their personal experiences and thoughts about the company, giving you an insight into what’s so amazing about working there.
If there are any perks or positives that aren’t listed on the site, they’ll give you the inside scoop—helping you ultimately make a more informed decision.
48. What does the rest of the interview process look like?
This is a classic question to ask in an interview for a reason. Asking this shows you’re keen on the position and eager to continue in the process.
It also allows you to gain insight into the job’s hiring process and timeline, which can help you manage your expectations. For example, they might reveal additional interviews or assessments that you should prepare for.
49. What’s a piece of advice you would give to someone to help them succeed in this role?
This question cleverly helps the interviewer envision you in the role and see how receptive you are to suggestions.
Not only does this question help you stand out as a thoughtful and considerate candidate, but it also helps you gather valuable information that could help you settle into your new role faster—and start adding value from the get-go.
50. Do you have any reservations about me that I can address right now?
When you’re in an interview, focusing on presenting yourself in the best possible light is natural. However, it’s equally important to take the time to ask for feedback on your performance so far.
This is where the question “Do you have any reservations about me?” can be a game-changer. By asking this question, you’ll demonstrate that you’re open to feedback and willing to address any concerns the interviewer may have. It also gives you a chance to clear up any misunderstandings or provide additional context the interviewer may have missed.
Round-up
Congratulations on taking the first step towards finding success in any interview—researching the types of questions to ask! Now that you’ve read through our list of 50 key questions to ask in an interview, you’ll no doubt have everything you need to leave a lasting impression on your interviewers.
Remember: Interviews are a two-way street, and you’re also trying to figure out if the role is right for you.
The final takeaway? Don’t be formulaic. Asking a unique question relevant to the role, company, or industry will go a long way in demonstrating your enthusiasm for the position. It’s all about showcasing your personality and seeing if there’s a good culture fit—so if you have a burning question, ask it. Now’s your chance!
To learn more about acing your interview, check out these resources: