The 30 Best Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview (Used by Top Candidates)

The interview is drawing to a close. You’ve answered every question confidently, and the hiring manager turns to you and says, “So, do you have any questions for me?” This is not a formality; it’s a critical opportunity. The questions you ask at the end of an interview are your final chance to demonstrate your intelligence, ambition, and fit for the role. Top candidates know this moment can be the deciding factor that separates a good applicant from the perfect hire. They use this time to gather crucial information and leave an unforgettable impression.

Demonstrate your genuine interest and preparation at every stage. A recent study presented by CNBC reveals that over half of hiring managers view a lack of enthusiasm as a significant red flag. This underscores the critical importance of thoughtful, well-researched questions. Don't just answer - engage and showcase your commitment to the role.

This guide provides a strategic list of the 30 best questions to ask, categorized to help you control the final minutes of your interview and prove you are the solution they’ve been looking for.

Why Asking Questions is a Non-Negotiable Advantage

When you ask insightful questions, you accomplish several key objectives simultaneously:

• You demonstrate genuine interest. Thoughtful questions show you’ve done your homework and are truly invested in the opportunity, not just looking for any job.

• You flip the script. The interview becomes a two-way dialogue, allowing you to evaluate whether the company is the right fit for you. This is just as important as them evaluating you.

• You uncover critical information. You can learn about company culture, team dynamics, and expectations that aren't listed in the job description. This insight is invaluable for your decision-making process.

• You reinforce your qualifications. By asking questions that connect your skills to the company's challenges, you subtly remind the interviewer why you are the best candidate for the job.

Not asking questions can be a major red flag for recruiters. It can signal disinterest, a lack of preparation, or a lack of confidence. Don’t let this simple mistake undermine an otherwise strong interview performance.

The Strategic Framework: Structuring Your Questions

Instead of a random list, approach your questions with a clear strategy. We've organized our list into five powerful categories that reflect the priorities of a forward-thinking candidate. This structure helps you gather comprehensive insights into the role and the organization.

The Five Categories:

1. Role & Responsibilities: Clarify expectations and success metrics.

2. Team & Culture: Understand the work environment and dynamics.

3. Company Strategy & Success: Align yourself with the bigger picture.

4. Professional Growth & Development: Assess your future within the company.

5. Closing the Interview: Understand next steps and reiterate your interest.

Have 3-5 questions prepared, but listen carefully during the interview. If one of your questions is answered organically, move on to the next one on your list. This shows you are an active listener.

Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-man-sitting-in-front-of-a-laptop-computer-PTranMqNl4M

Top 30 Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview

Here are the best questions to ask, organized by category, to make a lasting impact.

Questions About the Role and Your Responsibilities

These questions show you’re thinking like an employee who wants to hit the ground running and deliver results. They help you understand exactly what is expected of you.

1. "Can you describe what a typical day or week looks like in this role?"

• Why it works: It provides a practical, real-world glimpse into the daily tasks and pace of the job.

1. "What are the most immediate challenges or priorities that the person in this role will need to address?"

• Why it works: This shows you are a problem-solver who is ready to tackle key issues from day one.

1. "How will success be measured for this position in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?"

• Why it works: This is a classic question for a reason. It demonstrates a results-oriented mindset and a desire to meet and exceed expectations quickly.

1. "What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role?"

• Why it works: This is a direct, efficient question that shows you are focused on measurable outcomes and performance.

1. "Could you tell me more about the resources and tools available to help me succeed in this position?"

• Why it works: It indicates you're already planning how to be effective and want to ensure you have what you need to perform at a high level.

1. "Is this a new role, or would I be replacing someone? If so, what did the previous person go on to do?"

• Why it works: This question provides context on the role’s evolution and potential career trajectory within the company.

Questions About the Team and Company Culture

Understanding the team you’ll be joining is crucial for your long-term happiness and success. These questions help you assess if the environment aligns with your working style.

"Can you tell me about the team I would be working with?"

• Why it works: It’s a simple, effective way to learn about your potential colleagues' backgrounds and roles.

"What is the team's biggest accomplishment in the past year?"

• Why it works: This question uncovers what the team values and celebrates, giving you insight into their priorities and successes.

"How does the team handle collaboration and communication? Are there regular meetings or specific tools you use?"

• Why it works: This shows you are a team player who understands that strong processes are key to efficiency and success.

"How would you describe the company culture here? What type of person tends to thrive in this environment?"

• Why it works: It helps you gauge whether your personality and work style will fit in, which is a major factor in job satisfaction.

"How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?"

• Why it works: A modern and important question that shows you value your well-being and are looking for a sustainable, long-term career.

"What is your leadership or management style?" (Ask this to your potential direct manager.)

• Why it works: It opens a dialogue about expectations, feedback, and autonomy, ensuring your manager's style aligns with how you work best.

Questions About Company Strategy and Success

Asking about the company’s broader goals demonstrates that you are a strategic thinker who wants to contribute to the big picture.

"What are the company's top priorities for the next year, and how will this role contribute to them?"

• Why it works: This directly links your potential contribution to the company's success, showing you are invested in its future.

"How does the company define and measure success?"

• Why it works: The answer reveals the company's core values—whether it prioritizes revenue, innovation, customer satisfaction, or employee growth.

"What do you see as the biggest opportunities for the company in the coming years?"

• Why it works: This is a forward-thinking question that positions you as an ambitious candidate who is excited about growth.

"Who are your main competitors, and what is the company's key advantage over them?"

• Why it works: It shows you have a commercial mindset and are interested in the company’s market position.

"Can you share more about the company's long-term vision?"

• Why it works: It shows you're looking for more than just a job; you're looking for a mission to be a part of.

"How has the company adapted to recent changes in the industry?"

• Why it works: This question demonstrates your awareness of the market and your interest in the company's agility and innovation.

Questions About Professional Growth and Development

Top candidates are always thinking about their future. These questions show you are committed to learning and growing with the company.

"What opportunities for professional development, such as training or further education, are available to employees?"

• Why it works: It signals your ambition and desire for continuous improvement.

"What is the typical career path for someone in this role?"

• Why it works: It helps you understand the potential for advancement and whether the company promotes from within.

"How are performance reviews conducted, and how often?"

• Why it works: This practical question shows you value constructive feedback as a tool for growth.

"Are there mentorship opportunities available within the company?"

• Why it works: It shows you are proactive about your development and value learning from experienced colleagues.

"What is one of the most valuable skills I could develop in this role?"

• Why it works: It demonstrates a forward-thinking perspective and a commitment to becoming a more valuable asset to the team.

"How do you empower your employees to take on new responsibilities?"

• Why it works: It reveals the company's trust in its people and its commitment to fostering autonomy and growth.

Questions for Closing the Interview

These closing questions ensure clarity on the next steps and provide one last chance to reaffirm your interest and suitability for the role.

"Is there anything about my background or experience that gives you pause?"

• Why it works: This is a bold, confident question. It gives you a final opportunity to address any potential concerns the interviewer might have.

"What are the next steps in the interview process?"

• Why it works: A professional and necessary question that shows you are organized and eager to move forward.

"Based on our conversation, do you believe I am a strong fit for the challenges this role needs to solve?"

• Why it works: This directly asks for feedback and shows your confidence in your ability to meet the company's needs.

"Is there anything else I can provide to help you with your decision?"

• Why it works: It's a polite and proactive closing that shows you are helpful and thorough.

"When can I expect to hear from you?"

• Why it works: It helps you manage your own expectations and provides a clear timeline for follow-up.

"Thank you for your time. After learning more about the role and the team, I am even more excited about this opportunity. What is the best way to follow up?"

• Why it works: This isn't just a question; it's a statement that reiterates your enthusiasm and professionalism. It leaves the interviewer with a strong, positive final impression.

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Bonus: Winning Questions to Ask at the End of an Internal Interview

When interviewing for a new role within your current company, your questions should reflect your insider knowledge. Here are a few powerful questions to ask at the end of an internal interview:

"How does this role fit into the company's strategic direction for the next five years, and how is that different from my current understanding?"

• Why it works: It shows you're thinking about long-term alignment and leverages your existing knowledge of the company.

"What new skills or perspectives are you hoping to bring to the team with this hire that may be different from the existing team dynamic?"

• Why it works: This acknowledges you know the team but are focused on how you can add new value.

"Given my history with the company, what concerns might you have about my transition into this new department or role?"

• Why it works: It's a confident way to proactively address potential biases or concerns about your transition.

Questions You Should Never Ask

Just as important as knowing what to ask is knowing what questions to ask at the end of an interview to avoid. Asking the wrong question can undo all your hard work. Steer clear of:

• "What does your company do?" This shows a complete lack of preparation.

• Questions about salary, benefits, or vacation time (too early). Save these for when you have an offer in hand, unless the interviewer brings them up first.

• "Can I work from home?" Frame this question around company policy on flexible work arrangements rather than a personal preference.

• Any question that starts with "Why shouldn't I work here?" It comes across as negative and confrontational.

• Vague or generic questions. Show you’ve put thought into your inquiries.

Final Key Takeaways

This table provides a quick reference to the core strategies discussed in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What questions should I ask at the end of an interview for an internship?

Focus on questions that demonstrate your eagerness to learn and contribute. Good options include:

• "What will a typical day look like for an intern in this role?"

• "How does the company support intern development and growth?"

• "Are there opportunities to work on meaningful projects or collaborate with full-time team members?"

What questions to ask at the end of an interview for a manager position?

Target strategic and leadership-focused questions, such as:

• "What are the biggest challenges facing your team this year?"

• "How do you measure managerial success here?"

• "What leadership style is most valued in this organization?"

What is the 80/20 rule in interviewing?

The 80/20 rule suggests that candidates should spend 80% of the time listening and 20% talking. This approach allows you to absorb valuable information and tailor your responses and questions strategically.

How to tell if an interview went well?

Signs of a successful interview include:

• The conversation felt natural and engaging.

• The interviewer described next steps or showed enthusiasm about your fit.

• You spent time discussing specifics about your potential role or contributions.

• The interviewer answered your questions thoughtfully and encouraged follow-up.Aim to have 3-5 well-prepared questions. You may not get to all of them, but it’s better to have more than you need. This shows you are prepared and genuinely interested.

What if the interviewer answers all my questions during the interview?

This is a great sign that you had a thorough conversation! In this case, you can say something like: "You’ve actually answered all of my key questions throughout our conversation, which I really appreciate. Based on what we've discussed, I'm even more confident that my skills in [mention a key skill] align with the challenges of this role. Could you just confirm the next steps in the process?"

Is it okay to bring a list of questions to the interview?

Absolutely. Bringing a notepad with your prepared questions is a sign of professionalism and preparation. It shows you take the opportunity seriously. Don't read from it like a script, but use it as a reference to guide your conversation.

What are some good questions to ask at the end of an interview for a remote position?

For remote roles, focus on communication, culture, and connection. Good questions include:

• "How does the team maintain a strong sense of culture and connection while working remotely?"

• "What tools and processes are in place for remote collaboration and communication?"

• "Are there opportunities for in-person gatherings or team-building events?"

About the Author

Nathan Trousdell is the Founder & CEO of Navero, an AI-powered hiring platform rethinking how companies find talent and how candidates grow their careers. He has led product, engineering, and AI/ML teams across global startups and scale-ups, co-founding Fraudio (a payments fraud detection company that raised $10M) and helping scale Payvision through to its $400M acquisition by ING.

Nathan writes on the future of work, hiring fairness, and how AI must improve - not replace- human decision-making in hiring. He combines nearly two decades of experience in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship with a passion for empowering both teams and talent, ensuring hiring is fairer, faster, and more human.