58 Job-Winning Questions to Ask in an Interview

What to Do Before Picking Questions to Ask During an Interview

Writing a resume, cover letter, and job application is an understandably challenging part of the job search process. And yet, a job interview is where most people experience their highest stress levels. In fact, a JDP survey found that job interviews are the second-most feared activity people engage in, only next to public speaking. 

Interview nerves could come down to the fear of being unable to answer difficult questions. Hiring managers are usually a lot more forgiving on that end than you’d expect. What they’re less likely to forgive is what you ask after they say, “do you have any questions for me?”

When you don’t ask questions, hiring managers may assume you aren’t prepared. The same goes if you only ask very surface-level or inappropriate questions.

Before you prepare what you’ll ask in an interview, start with these steps.

Research the Company

Research different aspects of the company that will impact your role and your experience as an employee. Check out the company’s ‘About Us’ page, publicly-available employee benefits information, corporate social responsibility statements, and, if available, the most recent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report.

Research Your Interviewers

Google the person (or people) who will be conducting your interview. Get to know their role in the company, whether or not you’ll be working directly with them, and in what capacity. Asking about their personal experience with the company and more about what their day-to-day looks like can be a good practice.

Review the Job Description Carefully

The job description is one of the most important things to consider as you think about questions to ask. There may be information that isn’t very descriptive, providing an excellent launching point for clarification questions.

Think About Your Personal and Professional Goals

Think about and list your personal and professional goals. Use them to choose questions to help you better understand whether the company will help you achieve those goals.

Once you better understand the company, the interviewers, the job, and yourself, you’ll choose questions more confidently.

Here are some interview questions to ask an employer divided by intention. In the name of being prepared, pick a few questions from each category, and don’t be afraid to pick more than you think you’ll have a chance to ask.

Interview Questions to Ask For Clarification

Use a question from this list if you didn’t understand something from the job description or interview.

Here are some clarification questions you can use directly or modify as needed:

Interview Questions to Ask About Your Role

The job description can only tell you so much. Come prepared with some role-specific questions to ask your interviewer.

Here are some questions to ask that will expand on your role in the company:

Interview Questions to Ask About Employee Benefits

The job description likely touched on employee benefits. If you research the company, you may have also uncovered additional benefits that weren’t listed. However, if you still have questions about benefits, a second or third interview is a good time to ask about the type and breadth of your potential benefits.

Here are some questions that will help you get a better understanding of the company’s available benefits:

Interview Questions to Ask About Your Interviewers

Your interviewer(s) might appreciate some personal questions about their history and role with the company.

Here are some questions to ask that will help you learn more about your interviewers (without coming off as too personal):

Interview Questions to Ask About the Company

Doing your research will answer many questions you may have about an employer. However, there will likely be things you want to know that are not published on the company’s website or in media sources.

Here are some questions to ask that will help you show more than a surface-level interest in the company:

Questions About the Interview and Hiring Process

Every employer has a different hiring process. Don’t assume anything — it’s always safer to ask.

Here are some questions to help you better understand the next steps in the interview and hiring process:

What to Consider Before Asking Questions After an Interview

Taking the time to research and write down questions to ask an interviewer will boost your confidence. Nevertheless, it’s still possible to send the wrong message if your delivery isn’t in tune with the ebb and flow of the interview.

As you plan for your next interview, consider the following strategies.

Go into your interview with confidence. Only a small percentage of applicants to any job posting will get an interview. If you’re one of those lucky few who’ve properly optimized their resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and made it through screening, that’s a great sign. Help yourself stand out by asking strategic interview questions that show you’re looking for more than just a paycheck.