20 Smart Questions to Ask in Your Next Interview

"Do you have any questions for us?"

This is your chance to show thoughtfulness, do due diligence, and leave a strong impression. Yet many candidates blow it with generic questions or—worse—no questions at all.

Here are 20 questions that actually impress interviewers.

About the Role

1. "What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?"
2. "What are the biggest challenges someone in this position would face?"
3. "How has this role evolved since it was created?"
4. "What would you most want me to accomplish in my first year?"
5. "Can you tell me about the team I'd be working with?"

About the Team and Culture

6. "How would you describe the team culture?"
7. "How does the team handle disagreements or conflicting priorities?"
8. "What's your management style?"
9. "What do you enjoy most about working here?"
10. "How does the company support professional development?"

About the Company

11. "What's the company's biggest priority right now?"
12. "How has the company changed in the last year?"
13. "What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the company?"
14. "How does this team contribute to the company's overall goals?"

About Growth

15. "Where have successful people in this role gone on to?"
16. "What opportunities are there for growth within the team?"
17. "How is performance evaluated here?"

Closing Questions

18. "What are the next steps in the interview process?"
19. "Is there anything about my background that gives you hesitation?"
20. "Is there anything else I can provide to help with your decision?"

Questions to AVOID

• "What does your company do?" (Shows you didn't research)
• "How much vacation do I get?" (Too early; save for offer stage)
• "How quickly can I get promoted?" (Sounds like you're already looking past this role)
• "Did I get the job?" (Puts them on the spot)
• Anything easily found on their website

Pro Tips

• Prepare 5-7 questions (some will be answered during the interview)
• Tailor to the interviewer: Ask the recruiter about process; ask the hiring manager about the role; ask team members about culture
• Take notes: It shows you care about their answers
• Listen actively: Ask follow-up questions based on their responses

The Power Move

One of the best questions you can ask:

"Is there anything about my background or this conversation that makes you hesitant about my fit for this role?"

This gives you a chance to address concerns directly—and shows confidence.

Remember

Interviews are two-way streets. You're evaluating them as much as they're evaluating you. Smart questions help you figure out if this is actually a place where you want to work.