Show you’re prepared, curious, and serious about the job.
You’ve researched the company, practiced your answers, and nailed your elevator pitch. But then comes that inevitable moment:
“Do you have any questions for us?”
This isn’t just a polite wrap-up—it’s a chance to demonstrate your curiosity, emotional intelligence, and long-term thinking. In fact, the questions you ask can leave a lasting impression on the hiring team.
A CareerBuilder survey found that nearly one-third of hiring managers say candidates who don’t ask questions appear unprepared or disinterested. So if you’re tempted to say “Nope, I’m good”—think again.
Here are five thoughtful, high-impact questions to ask during your next interview—plus what they reveal to both you and the employer.
1. “What does success look like in this role after six months to a year?”
Why this matters:
You’re showing that you care about more than just landing the job—you want to excel in it. This question signals that you’re focused on performance, alignment, and long-term contribution.
It also helps you uncover:
- Whether expectations are realistic
- How success is measured (metrics vs. soft skills)
- What kind of onboarding or support you can expect
For example, the answer might reveal that the role has aggressive goals but little training—which could be a red flag. Or it might show that success is tied to collaboration and initiative, which tells you what traits the team values.
What it reveals to you:
- How quickly you’re expected to ramp up
- What goals or milestones you’ll be measured against
- Whether the company has a clear roadmap for success
What it signals to them:
- You’re outcome-driven
- You think beyond the short term
- You care about doing the job well, not just getting hired
2. “Can you describe the team I’ll be working with and how they collaborate?”
Why this matters:
Culture and communication matter just as much as job duties. This question helps you uncover the personality and structure of the team—whether it’s collaborative or independent, tight-knit or distributed, supportive or siloed.
You might learn:
- Whether the team meets regularly or works asynchronously
- If there’s a flat structure or clear hierarchy
- How managers give feedback and recognize good work
This is especially important in hybrid or remote environments. The way people work together—and how well they support one another—can shape your entire experience on the job.
What it reveals to you:
- The team’s working style and dynamic
- The level of mentorship or autonomy you can expect
- Whether you’d enjoy the day-to-day environment
What it signals to them:
- You’re thoughtful about how you collaborate
- You want to contribute to the team—not just work solo
- You value communication and cohesion
3. “How does this role contribute to the company’s broader goals or mission?”
Why this matters:
Every job exists for a reason. By asking this, you’re showing that you’re not just focused on tasks—you’re motivated by purpose, mission alignment, and impact.
It also helps you avoid roles where you might feel like a “cog in the machine.” You’ll learn:
- If the role is strategic or tactical
- How your work affects customers, teams, or business goals
- Whether the company values transparency and mission-driven work
This can be especially powerful in mission-oriented companies or startups, where roles evolve and visibility into the big picture matters.
What it reveals to you:
- Whether your values align with the organization’s
- How meaningful or visible your contributions will be
- How clearly leadership connects individual roles to business outcomes
What it signals to them:
- You’re thinking holistically
- You want to do work that matters
- You’re likely to stay engaged and motivated
4. “What are some common challenges people in this role have faced?”
Why this matters:
No job is perfect—and you’re smart enough to know that. Asking about challenges shows that you’re realistic, self-aware, and ready to face obstacles with resilience.
It also helps you identify any dealbreakers before you accept the offer. Maybe the role has a high turnover rate. Maybe communication with other departments is tough. Maybe KPIs are unclear. Whatever the case, better to know now than three weeks after you’ve started.
Even better, this question opens the door to discuss how you’ve handled similar challenges in the past, which gives you a second chance to showcase your problem-solving mindset.
What it reveals to you:
- The realities of the day-to-day job
- How honest and self-aware the company is about its weaknesses
- Whether you’re equipped—or willing—to face the challenges
What it signals to them:
- You’re not afraid of hard work
- You prefer transparency over fluff
- You’re already thinking about how to succeed in the role
5. “What are the next steps in the interview process?”
Why this matters:
It might seem basic, but this question serves two purposes:
- It shows initiative and professionalism
- It gives you peace of mind on what to expect next
Hiring timelines can vary wildly. Some companies move fast. Others take weeks or months. Asking about the process helps you follow up appropriately, manage your expectations, and gauge how serious they are about moving forward.
According to Greenhouse, 84% of candidates are more likely to accept a job offer when they’re given a clear hiring timeline. And when you ask this, you’re more likely to get it.
What it reveals to you:
- How quickly the company is moving
- What additional steps (assessments, references, etc.) are coming
- Whether communication will be prompt or vague
What it signals to them:
- You’re organized and respectful of the process
- You’re genuinely interested in moving forward
- You’re not afraid to ask direct, professional questions
Bonus Tips: How to Ask Like a Pro
- Come prepared with 3–5 solid questions so you’re not caught off guard—and can skip ones that get answered earlier in the conversation.
- Tailor your questions to the person you’re speaking with. Ask managers about team leadership. Ask peers about day-to-day workflow. Ask HR about benefits and flexibility.
- Avoid asking questions you could answer with a quick Google search, like “What does your company do?”
- Engage actively. Listen closely to their answers—and follow up if something stands out.
Final Thought
“Do you have any questions for us?” is your moment to shift from interviewee to decision-maker. It’s your chance to evaluate the company, clarify what matters most to you, and leave the interviewer with a strong impression of your mindset and priorities.
So don’t wing it—and don’t skip it. Ask questions that show you’re engaged, curious, and serious about not just getting the job, but thriving in it.
