70 Interesting Questions to Ask in an Interview
Knowing the right questions to ask in an interview can be a key factor regarding employment. We have compiled a list of sensible questions to ask the HR or hiring manager during an interview that will help you stand out.
Since you’re here, you already know one important fact: if you want a chance at the job, you need to ask some questions after your interview.
But not just any questions: the best interview questions will not only provide you with the information you require but will also portray you in a favorable light.
So, today, we’ll prepare some great follow-up questions to ask an interviewer at the end of an interview, or even during the interview, to increase your chances of getting hired.
Demonstrate Your Interest in the Position
Before you can ask the big-picture questions, make sure you have a firm grasp of everything your job entails.
Here are some of the most important questions you should ask an interviewer:
1. What happens next in the interview/hiring process?
2. How long does your typical recruitment process take?
3. What are the primary duties of the position?
4. What would my typical day-to-day be like if I got the job?
5. What else can you tell me about the job besides what’s in the job description?
6. What should I expect to achieve in my first month/year on the job?
7. What is the key to success in this position?
8. What does it look like when this role is at its busiest and most difficult?
9. Would I have to travel for the job?
1o. What kind of hours are expected of me for me to perform the role to the best of my ability?
11. Is overtime expected or permitted?
12. Could you tell me a little bit about the person to whom I would directly report?
13. What is the new hire onboarding process like?
14. What number of people will I be working with?
15. What would be the ideal start date if I were hired for the position?
16. Do you anticipate any changes in the responsibilities of this role shortly?
If you understand the intricacies of your position and role, you can move on to larger and more general interview questions.
Pro Tip: Avoid asking yes/no questions to the interviewer. Similar to how they will save their yes/no questions for the job application, your few questions should elicit a detailed response. Many of these answers are also likely to be found online.
Show Your Interest in the Company
You’ve expressed interest in the position, but you should also demonstrate to the hiring manager or HR director that you are a team player who is proud to be a part of the organization.
Here are some sample common interview questions to demonstrate your interest in the company.
17. What is the work environment like here?
18. Can you tell me about the team?
19. What type of reinforcement model do you employ when correcting and instructing?
20. How long does the average employee stay in this position?
21. What is the position’s relationship to the rest of the organization?
22. How does senior management perceive/interact with the individual in this position?
23. Is there a specific career path that someone in this position is expected to take?
24. What are the growth prospects?
25. Could you tell me more about the company’s culture?
26. How would you characterize the company’s overall management style?
27. What do you/your coworkers enjoy most about working here?
28. How well do people with my background fit in here?
29. What information do you have about the company that isn’t widely known?
30. What type of leadership/management style do you encourage in the workplace?
31. What steps does the company take to bring an idea from conception to completion?
32. How much time do you think is spent developing new products/projects?
These questions demonstrate that you are concerned with the livelihood and success of the company as a whole, rather than just yourself and how you can get your work done.
Pro Hint: How many questions should an interviewer be asked? At the very least, make it two. One feels just a tad less irresponsible than asking no questions at all. Two or more make you appear well-prepared and genuinely interested in your job.
Interviews aren’t just about asking and answering questions. You must consider your smile, feeling calm and confident, getting a good night’s sleep, and other factors.
Demonstrate that You’re Impressive
Assume you want to draw attention to that impressive degree you worked so hard to obtain. You already told them on your resume, but how about this: “I’m proud to have received my Bachelor’s in International Relations and Diplomacy, and I’d love to put what I’ve learned to use if I get the job.” Do you think I’ll be able to use these skills and knowledge in this role?”
What do you think? You dropped it in there again, and this time you did it in a way that doesn’t come across as if you’re looking for a pat on the back.
33. What processes and technology do you employ to collaborate?
34. How do you assess performance and success in this position?
35. Employees are given feedback in a variety of ways.
36. Could you describe the process of receiving a performance evaluation?
37. What would you consider the most important accomplishments for someone in this position over the next year?
38. Are there any special projects you’d like me to work on soon?
39. What methods are used to document and share information across projects and departments?
40. What types of people thrive in this environment?
41. What kinds of things would I need to accomplish to advance in the position/company?
42. Is there anything else I can tell you about myself that will help you make a decision?
In an interview, ask intelligent questions so that you can leave a lasting impression.
Pro Tip: Avoid asking questions with broad possible answers. If you have a broad question, break it down into multiple, bite-sized questions and ask them one at a time.
Inquire about Difficulties and Competition
Inquiring about the company’s pain points and current challenges will allow you to begin a discussion about how you can add value to the company by resolving them.
Furthermore, inquiring about their competition and day-to-day challenges provides insight into whether or not the position is a good fit for you.
Here are some good interview questions about the company’s current challenges, struggles, and competition to ask interviewers:
43. You mentioned that the team was having some difficulties working together. How would my role contribute to better teamwork?
44. May I inquire as to why the previous employee left the position?
45. What blunders have people made in this situation?
46. Which competitors/products/targets cause you the most concern?
47. In the last year, how many employees have left the company?
48. What is the most recent change/challenge that the department/company/industry has had to face?
49. What are the current strategic priorities for the company as a whole?
50. What are the daily challenges you face that the person in this position should address?
Inquiring about the company’s competitors and pain points demonstrates that your mindset is already in place and your head is in the game. This will easily impress them and allow them to picture you in that position.
When asking the interviewer multiple questions, don’t limit yourself to one topic. Demonstrate an interest in all aspects of the company, rather than a specific item that may indicate a negative experience or a thorn in your side.
Inquire about Possibilities and the Future
It’s a good idea to ask an interviewer about your current responsibilities or the company’s day-to-day operations.
However, show them that you are a keeper by inquiring about growth opportunities. Show that you are interested in the company and the position by inquiring about how they plan to develop or progress.
Here are some sample questions to ask an interviewer about the company’s opportunities and future at the end of an interview:
51. How do you recognize and reward employees for their efforts?
52. Do you think the role will grow in the future?
53. Do you have any on-the-job experience?
54. Is there room for professional development? If so, how do they appear?
55. How many people have recently joined the company?
56. Is the company expanding?
57. What do you want the company to be in five years?
58. What are the company’s long-term objectives?
59. How open is the company about its operations, revenue, and plans?
They will be overjoyed if you demonstrate that you care about the company’s future success. This is one of the most effective ways to succeed in an interview.
Pro Tip: When they ask if you have any questions for them, the biggest no-no is to say, “No, nothing comes to mind.” This demonstrates a lack of interest and planning. Always ask the interviewer at least two questions!
Avoid Inappropriate Questions and Wrap it Up
Let’s face it: you need the money, and that’s probably the main reason you want this job.
However, you should not make it so obvious. You don’t want your hiring manager to think you’re only concerned with money. Keep salary, promotion, benefits, perks, and other remuneration questions out of your interview.
In addition, we mentioned that inquiring about the company’s culture is a great way to demonstrate your interest. However, if they have a website dedicated to explaining their company culture, as IBM and Netflix do, asking this question will make you appear as if you couldn’t be bothered to do even the most basic research or preparation.
Another common blunder is asking how the interview went or if you got the job posting during the interview. Save this for a follow-up email, or better yet, wait for them to approach you with their decision. Finally, don’t show your impatience by inquiring as to when you’ll hear back from them.
All of these are big no-nos.
When the interviewer asks, “So, do you have any questions for me?” here are some of the worst final questions to ask:
60. So, how did I fare in my interview?
61. So, how about it? Is it true that I got the job?
62. How frequently do you give raises?
63. How frequently do you give out bonuses?
64. What kind of perks and benefits can I look forward to?
65. When should I expect to hear from you?
66. When do you intend to make a job offer to someone?
67. What exactly does this company do?
68. How soon after you hire me can I request vacation time?
69. What’s your favorite part about working at the company?
70. Who will I be working most closely with?
When it comes to interviews, contrary to what your elementary school teachers may have taught you, there are stupid questions. The majority of them are “me” questions, in which you prioritize your interests over the interests of the company.
Pro Tip: Avoid asking too many questions. You want to appear to have done no research before the interview, and you don’t want to overstay your welcome. Take cues. If they appear to be losing interest, wrap it up!
The Big Idea
“Well, that’s about it,” the interviewer says. “Do you have any questions?” You have to ask something to demonstrate that you’re prepared and that you care.
In an interview, make sure to ask at least two good questions:
You’re Interested – Ask the interviewer questions that demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the position, the company, and any immediate tasks or special projects you may be assigned.
You’re Impressive – Instead of simple yes/no questions, ask the employer questions that are deep and meaningful. Allow your questions to emphasize how qualified you are for the role. Understand how to ask good questions.
You’re Perceptive – Inquire about the company’s future and opportunities for the role, as well as their current struggles, pain points, and challenges.
What to Say in an Interview
You will almost certainly have to prepare for a slew of job interviews throughout your career. Every interview is unique because each job and interviewer are unique. That being said, there are a few things that never change in a job interview.
In an interview, there are eight things you should always say (and mean):
1. You are Familiar With the Company
Show the interviewer that you’ve done your homework by discussing your knowledge of the company. Examine their website, social media, recent articles, and anything else you can find before the interview.
Learn about the company’s scope and current events. Weave this knowledge into your responses, and the interviewer will notice your genuine interest in the company.
2. You’re Experienced
Every interviewer will inquire about your previous work experience. Use this question as an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to do the job. Discuss relevant things you’ve done and the outcomes of your work. Explain how your success with a previous project will allow you to do something else for this company successfully. Show your worth.
3. You’re a Team Player
One of the most desired qualities by employers is the ability to work in a team. An interviewer wants to know how you have previously worked in a team and how your team succeeded. Describe your role on the team and how you contributed to its success.
4. You’re Teachable
Employers want to know that you are willing to adapt and learn new methods. Discuss your desire to continue learning about your industry.
Inform them that you are constantly reading articles about industry trends and seeking advice from mentors (and that you actually do these things, not just say so). When referencing publications or blogs that you read or follow, be specific.
5. You’re Driven
When you describe yourself as “motivated,” you are expressing a few things to your interviewer. First and foremost, you want to see the company succeed. Second, you are a hard worker. Both of these demonstrate to employers that you can be relied on to do your job. Describe how your motivation has changed.
6. You’re Enthusiastic
An enthusiastic job candidate is someone who will not take the job for granted. “Excited,” she says, “I really want the job and will give it my all if I get it.”
The interviewer will pick up on your enthusiasm for the role and turn it into a very positive impression of you. Employers want employees who are upbeat. Your enthusiasm demonstrates your optimism.
7. You Have a Strategy
The most important goal of your interview is to show how you will benefit the company (not how they will benefit you). Don’t lose sight of this crucial distinction during your interview. Explain to employers how you would carry out the job’s responsibilities and why you would be the best at putting your ideas into action.
Obviously, you won’t have all of the details worked out, but you should have some general ideas that you think would work well and why.
8. You’re Willing to Grow
This is a nice bonus because it may not always be true before an interview. However, if you know you want to work for the company, state this in your interview.
Your interviewer wants to know that you’re invested in the company and don’t intend to leave soon. Mention it in your interview if you think you’d like to work for the company for a long time.
These things are the same whether you are applying for a job as an engineer or an office clerk. If you keep these points in mind, you’ll fare better in all of your job interviews.
You will ace your interview if you follow these steps and you will undoubtedly be the most impressive interviewee for many miles.