Questions to Ask the Interviewer: 5 Smart Questions to Ask

Interviewing for a job is a crucial step in the hiring process. Job seekers connect with recruiters, apply for an open position, and then might receive an invitation for a job interview—an important step that can lead to a new hire’s job offer. Interviews might happen in person at the workplace, on a video conference call, or over the phone and can be just as important as what is on your job application.

Regardless of the interview location, interviewees who dress up for their appointment, understand the company values and the specific job description, and prepare thoughtful job interview questions can stand out in the hiring process. Asking great questions can lead to the next interview, should there be multiple rounds, which can lead to an offer.

It is essential to ask good questions during the interview to show interest in the company and the job. Asking specific questions about management styles, company culture, and the workplace’s most significant challenges will show a spark. Inquisitive applicants are likelier to impress the interviewer to vouch for that candidate to move on to the following job interview. Not preparing questions for the discussion can raise a red flag to hiring managers and lead them to believe the interviewee did not research the company or take their career path seriously.

Often, an interviewee will have a chance to ask questions at the end of the interview. Applicants should prepare a list of questions in advance. Follow these tips to prepare questions:

• Ask questions along the way. You don’t have to save your best questions for last. Of course, don’t interrupt the interviewer, but speak up if there is a pause or you have a thought. The hiring manager will appreciate your engagement, enthusiasm, and interest.
• Know what is important to you. A job interview is also your chance to see if this work culture makes sense for you. If you value teamwork or professional development opportunities, know how this potential job will measure up.
• Review the company’s website and social media pages. Get a feel for the organization’s mission statement, culture, and size to understand your potential workplace's nature better.
• Understand the job description. Enter the interview process with a clear sense of the job responsibilities. Be familiar with the information in the job description to avoid asking repetitive questions.

There are countless bright questions you might ask your interviewer. These common interview questions can turn a one-sided interview into a more engaging dialogue:

1. 1. Can you describe a typical day at work? You may preface this by saying, “I saw the work entails X. How does that translate into day-to-day duties or operations?”
2. 2. How would you describe the company culture? It is helpful to hear how an insider feels about work-life balance, camaraderie, and overarching culture to see if this office fits you.
3. 3. What did you do before this job? This personality question can break the ice, build a rapport, and give you a sense of people’s career trajectories at the company.
4. 4. What metrics will you use to evaluate my performance? This question demonstrates your interest in learning to be a valuable asset to the team.
5. 5. What types of skills is the team missing that you’re looking for in a new hire? When the interviewer answers this question, you can tell them about your skills that match their needs.

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