What Questions To Ask In An Interview?

Published: 5 December 2023
What Questions To Ask In An Interview?

Interviews are as much about you getting a feel for your potential employer and their company, as they are about to assessing your suitability for the role. Once you’ve been asked a variety of work-related and culture fit interview questions, you’ll often have the chance to ask a few questions of your own.

This is your chance to dig a little deeper into your potential role and show the interviewer that you’re interested in working for the company. There are a range of questions to ask a manager in an interview which can help you do this and ensure you leave the room with everything you need to know.

Here are seven of the best questions to ask in an interview and how they can benefit you…



1. What does the day-to-day work involve?

You should ask this question in your interview if you want to get a sneak peek into how the job works in real life, not just what's written in the job description. It's easy to look at a list of the roles and responsibilities, but if you're applying for a job, you want to know what you'll be doing every day and how much.

Asking this question also helps you understand how much of your daily tasks will be related to the job title. For instance, if you're applying to be a designer, you might find out that administrative work is part of the role, for example, communicating with clients and planning schedules.

2. What are the opportunities for progression?

Asking this question can give you an idea of whether you can imagine yourself staying in the job for a long time or if it's more of a short-term thing. Many companies offer great chances for personal growth and exciting career opportunities, but some may be advertising a job with fewer possibilities. Questions about career growth can help you figure out which type of company it is and if it's a good match for you.

This question can also make you look like a more appealing candidate to the employer. By asking it, you're showing that you're eager to succeed and that you can picture yourself thriving in this company. The employer will see this as a positive sign, setting you apart from other applicants who might be just looking for a temporary job or a stepping stone.

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3. What's the company culture like?

This might be the most important question on the list. Knowing about the culture at a company is really important because it can greatly affect your experience there. Whether the atmosphere is naturally friendly, a bit forced, or almost nonexistent can tell you a lot about the people you'll be working with and if you'll get along with them.

It's true that you can't fully understand a company's culture with just one answer, but there are signs you can look for with culture fit interview questions. For instance, if employees make an effort to spend time together, like having lunch or hanging out after work, it's a good sign that the company has a welcoming environment. On the other hand, if employees only spend time together during company-organized events or not at all, it might mean the work environment is not as friendly.

4. What are the initial projects you'll be working on?

Nothing says "I'm ready to get started" like asking about what you'll be doing right from the beginning. Learning about your tasks can be a big motivator and make you feel like you're already part of the team. Asking about work shows the employer that you're looking ahead and imagining yourself as a valuable team member.

On a personal level, knowing which projects you'll start working on right away helps you prepare, so you can start working efficiently. Whether it's researching a topic or practicing a task, knowing what you'll be working on is helpful for both you and the employer.

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5. What are the company’s values?

Different companies have different values, and that's okay. Asking this question in an interview can give you a glimpse into how the company works. It's pretty clear when a company's values are genuine or just for show.

Now, think about it: Do you agree with the company's values? If the values they talk about match your own, it's a good sign that this job might be right for you. If you don't connect with the company's values, it could be a hint that this role might not be the best fit.

6. Is the company planning to grow?

Asking about the company's plans for growing their business is a great way of learning about any new opportunities which may soon become available to you. With that in mind, you should remember that it shouldn’t be taken as a negative if their answer is no. It’s common for a company to maintain its current size during periods of continued success. The stability that is earned from this can result in re-investments into the company in the form of new tools, equipment and pay rises.

To learn more about the company’s ‘current state’ and how other employees have found their experience, you may want to do a little research of your own on websites such as Glassdoor.

7. What are the next steps in the hiring process?

The smart way to finish an interview is by asking about the next steps. It's helpful for the employer to let you know how long it will take for the hiring process and when you might hear from them. This helps you know what to expect and plan your time well, especially if you're excited to start soon.

It also shows the employer that you're interested and eager to move forward, giving them a positive impression that you would be a great fit for the company.

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So next time you sit down for a job interview try asking any of these interview questions to help you shine as a candidate. Whether you’re interviewing for the next step in your career or taking your first steps, nothing shows interest like returning some questions to the interviewer.

For more interview and career tips to help you pursue your passion, visit our Career & Skills Hub.


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