Asking Great Questions

Questions Reveal Character

At some point in every interview, you'll be asked: "Do you have any questions for us?"

This isn't a formality. The questions you ask reveal:

  • Whether you've done your homework
  • What you actually care about
  • How thoughtfully you approach decisions
  • Whether you're genuinely interested

"No, I think you've covered everything" is a missed opportunity — and a small red flag.

What Questions Accomplish

They Show Interest

Thoughtful questions demonstrate you've researched the company and thought seriously about the role.

They Gather Information

You're making a big decision too. Questions help you evaluate whether this is the right fit.

They Build Rapport

Good questions create conversation. Interviewers often enjoy discussing their work and perspectives.

They Differentiate You

Most candidates ask generic questions. Thoughtful, specific questions make you memorable.

Categories of Questions

About the Role

What you're trying to learn:

  • What would my actual day-to-day look like?
  • What does success mean in this position?
  • What are the real challenges?

Example questions:

  • "What would you expect me to accomplish in the first 90 days?"
  • "What's the biggest challenge someone in this role typically faces?"
  • "How do you measure success for this position?"
  • "What would a typical week look like?"
  • "What are the most important things I'd need to get right in the first six months?"

About the Team

What you're trying to learn:

  • Who would I work with?
  • How does the team function?
  • What's the team culture like?

Example questions:

  • "Can you tell me about the team I'd be joining?"
  • "How does this team collaborate with other departments?"
  • "What's the management style on this team?"
  • "How does feedback typically work here?"

About the Manager

What you're trying to learn:

  • What's it like to work for this person?
  • What do they value?
  • Will I be supported?

Example questions (when interviewing with your potential manager):

  • "How do you like to work with your direct reports?"
  • "What's important to you in someone in this role?"
  • "How do you support professional development?"
  • "What's your approach to feedback?"

About the Company

What you're trying to learn:

  • Where is the company headed?
  • Is this a healthy organization?
  • What are the real priorities?

Example questions:

  • "What are the company's biggest priorities this year?"
  • "How has the company changed in the last few years?"
  • "What are the biggest challenges the company is facing?"
  • "What's the company's approach to [relevant topic from your research]?"

About Growth and Future

What you're trying to learn:

  • Is there room to grow?
  • What happens after this role?
  • Is this a long-term opportunity?

Example questions:

  • "What paths have people in this role typically taken?"
  • "How does the company support professional development?"
  • "Are there opportunities for growth in this role?"

About the Interview Process

What you're trying to learn:

  • What happens next?
  • How should I follow up?

Example questions (at the end):

  • "What are the next steps in the process?"
  • "When should I expect to hear back?"
  • "Is there anything else you'd like to know about me?"

Crafting Great Questions

Make Them Specific

Generic: "What's the culture like?" Specific: "I read that the company emphasizes innovation. How does that show up in day-to-day work?"

Generic: "Is there room to grow?" Specific: "What skills would I need to develop to advance to the next level from this role?"

Build on the Conversation

The best questions reference something discussed during the interview:

"You mentioned the team is going through a transition. What does that mean for someone joining now?"

"You said stakeholder management is important here. What does that look like in practice?"

Show Your Research

Questions that demonstrate you've done homework are impressive:

"I noticed you recently launched [product]. How has the team adapted to that?"

"I read that the company's strategy involves [X]. How does this role contribute to that?"

Make Them Answerable

Don't put interviewers in awkward positions with questions they can't or shouldn't answer:

  • Confidential information
  • Detailed salary discussions (save for HR/recruiter)
  • Questions that seem to challenge their authority

Questions to Ask Different Interviewers

Recruiter or HR

  • Process and timeline questions
  • Benefits and practical matters
  • General culture questions

Hiring Manager

  • Role-specific questions
  • Success metrics
  • Working style and expectations
  • Team dynamics

Potential Peers

  • Day-to-day reality
  • What they wish they'd known
  • Team culture honestly
  • What they like and dislike

Senior Leadership

  • Company direction
  • Strategic priorities
  • How this role fits the bigger picture

Questions to Avoid

Easily Answered Online

"What does your company do?" suggests you didn't prepare.

Self-Focused Too Early

"How much vacation do I get?" isn't wrong, but early interviews should focus on the role and value you bring.

Negative or Challenging

"Why is the turnover so high?" might be a valid concern, but the phrasing sounds accusatory.

Nothing at All

Never say you have no questions. It suggests disinterest or lack of preparation.

A Question Strategy

Before the Interview

Prepare 5-7 questions. You may not ask all of them — some may be answered during the conversation.

Tailor questions to who you're meeting:

  • Technical questions for technical interviewers
  • Strategic questions for senior leaders
  • Day-to-day questions for potential peers

During the Interview

Take notes on things to follow up on. Great questions can emerge from the conversation.

At the End

Choose 2-3 questions appropriate for that interviewer. Save questions about process for HR/recruiter.

End with something like: "Is there anything else you'd like to know about me, or anything I can clarify?"

AI Prompt: Question Development

I'm interviewing for [role] at [company].

What I know about the company:
[Your research]

Who I'm interviewing with:
[Interviewer roles]

Help me develop thoughtful questions for each interviewer that:
1. Show I've done my research
2. Help me evaluate if this is a good fit
3. Are specific to this role and company
4. Would impress in an interview

What's Next

Some interview questions are particularly tricky — gaps, weaknesses, and salary. Let's tackle those.

Next chapter: Difficult situations — gaps, weaknesses, salary, and the questions that trip people up.

Technical and Skills InterviewsDifficult Situations