Ace the Interview: Essential Questions to Ask (and which to avoid)

You’ve made it past the initial stages of the job search process and landed an interview – congratulations! While you’re researching the company and preparing responses to common interview questions, it is just as important to remember an interview is not just about the employer determining your fit for the job role. An interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the company and whether it aligns with your career goals and values. 

To accomplish that, you’ll need to arrive prepared to ask some well-thought-out questions of your own.

In this post, we'll explore the questions you should ask during an interview. Just as important, I will also outline the questions to avoid. Posing thoughtful inquiries can not only help you gather crucial information but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the position. So, what questions should you ask?

Questions to Ask

Can you describe the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
Be careful with this one, especially if interviewers discussed responsibilities in the opening of the interview. If not, asking questions about the daily tasks and expectations will help you gauge how your skills align with the job’s requirements and if you will enjoy the work.

How does the company support the professional growth and development of its employees? Demonstrating your commitment to self-improvement is crucial and shows that you have a long-term perspective on your career growth and development. As a candidate, learning how the company invests in employee development shows they value their workforce and prioritizes nurturing talent.

What is the company’s approach to work-life balance?
Striking a balance between work and personal life is vital to your overall well-being, so inquire about the company’s policies and culture regarding prioritizing employee wellness. Then, compare what you hear with other information you’ve gathered from research.

What qualities do successful employees on this team possess?
This question highlights the company’s values, giving you insight into the organization's expectations and if you would thrive in such an environment. Asking about the company climate or work environment can help you gain an understanding of how employees collaborate, communicate, and support each other and can give you a glimpse into whether it aligns with your own values and preferences.

What are the biggest challenges facing the team/department/company right now?
This question offers you the opportunity to share what you may have learned from research about the current state of the company or industry, but never in a negative way. Inquiring about challenges displays a proactive approach to problem-solving and allows you to assess whether the challenges align with your strengths.  

This is by no means an exhaustive list. In addition to these, you should generate your own questions as a result of your research, examination of the job description, and from any networking you’ve done with current or former employees.

Interview Questions to Avoid

How much does this position pay?
Questions related to salary or best saved for negotiations or when you have determined you are a finalist for the position. 

How many vacation/sick days do I get?
Benefits and leave policies are important, but the answer to this question can often be found on the company’s Human Resources page or in the job call or description. If not, wait until an offer is extended to inquire about leave policies. 

How quickly can I expect to be promoted?
While it’s good to show ambition, this question can give the impression that you’re not fully committed to the position to which you are applying. 

Self-serving questions like these reflect an immaturity about the hiring process. They can also communicate a WIFM (“What’s in it for me?”) mentality. It’s important to demonstrate you are taking your job search seriously and that you are strategically evaluating your fit for the position.

Take the time to outline your questions well in advance of your interview, but listen actively for other points of inquiry during the interview. Asking thoughtful and relevant questions during a job interview is crucial to making an informed decision about your potential employer and the role you are applying for. Not only will your questions demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the position, they also allow you to gather valuable insights that might otherwise not be uncovered.