Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview
Learn how asking questions can help you stand out in an interview
You’ve written your resume, applied to jobs and finally landed an interview. You’ve practiced your answers and feel prepared for every question, until the last one, when the recruiter turns the tables and asks, “Do you have any questions for me?”
This final question might seem small, but it can be one of the most important moments of the interview. Why? Because it’s an opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from every other person the recruiter is interviewing for the job – the job you know should be yours.
Why ask questions at the end of an interview?
Recruiters want to hire people who really want the job you’re interviewing for. Asking questions shows genuine interest in that specific position and helps you look like a serious candidate, not someone who is applying for any available job and hoping for the best.any people don’t ask questions during interviews. For this reason, asking a thoughtful question can set you apart. However, some questions are better than others. Let’s dive into how to ask good questions.
How to come up with good questions for your interview:
- Do your research. It might seem backwards, but the more you know about something, the easier it is to ask good questions. Before your interview, visit the company’s website and social media. Look at Glassdoor to discover what former employees think about working there. If you’re really struggling to find information, try the Better Business Bureau or Wikipedia. You don’t have to visit every source of information about the company, even a little research will help you think of questions you can ask.
- Review the job description. It might seem silly to review the job description for the job you applied for, but it’s likely there are details about the job you’ve forgotten. Taking just a few minutes to review the job duties and expectations will certainly spark some questions in your mind.
- Take notes. At the beginning of the interview, ask the recruiter if you can take notes. It will help you remember the conversation and it gives you the opportunity to write down questions you think of during your interview.
- Ask about company culture. When you visit the company’s website, read the About page to learn about the history of the company and their values. This can help you think of questions about management style or how employees are celebrated. You can also ask questions like “What do you enjoy most about working here” or “What would you change about the company if you could.”
- Ask about the hiring process. It’s ok to ask how long it might take before a decision is made or about next steps. This shows the recruiter that you’re interested and really want the job.
Examples of great questions
If you’re really having a hard time thinking of questions, try one of these:
- How do you see this company evolving over the next 5 years? Asking this question can help you understand the company’s direction and stability.
- Can you tell me about the team I might be working with? This helps you understand what your day-to-day life on the job might be like.
- How would a top performer in this role be different from the rest of the team? This question demonstrates that you want to be successful in your new job.
- What does success look like for someone in this role after the first year? You show the interviewer that you’re planning to stay with the company when you ask this question. This matters because it is expensive to recruit, hire, and train new employees. Companies want to hire people who will fit into the role and stay in the job.
Questions to avoid during an interview
You might really want to ask about pay — and that’s understandable. But bringing it up too soon can work against you. Employers want to see that you’re excited about the job, not just the money. It’s usually best to focus on the role first and let pay come up later.
It is also important to stay away from questions that can be easily answered by visiting the company’s website or rereading the job posting.
FAQs about interview questions
- Should I save all my questions for the end of the interview? Most of the time, yes. The interviewer will usually leave time for them. If the interview feels relaxed and conversational, it’s okay to ask a question during the interview — just be sure to save at least one for the end.
- Should I ask if they have any hesitation about hiring me? This can seem like a scary question to ask, but it is actually an opportunity. Asking if the interviewer has any concerns about you gives you the chance to share additional information that can change the way the interviewer sees you.
- What if I’m nervous about asking questions? It’s ok to be nervous. Most interviewers expect it. Your nervousness is simply one way you are telling yourself the interview matters – and that’s what the recruiter will see. Asking questions isn’t about trying to sound impressive, it’s about showing that you care.
Our best interview tip
Take your time. You might feel pressure to answer (or ask) every question quickly but that’s not necessary. It’s ok to pause, take a breath, and think. This makes you appear thoughtful and shows that you want to make sure you are doing your best. Most recruiters schedule more than enough time for an interview, so take your time.
If you need help preparing for an upcoming interview, your local Goodwill Workforce Connection Center is here to help. Reach out to schedule a mock interview. We’ll review the job description, ask you questions that are similar to the ones you’ll likely hear in your interview, and help you practice your responses.