What questions should I ask in an interview?

1. The Recruiter: Talent Scout and Gatekeeper

Recruiters are responsible for managing the initial steps of the hiring process, so your questions here should be focused on understanding the company’s basic expectations and culture.

Questions to Ask:

• "What are your expectations for me in this role?"
  • Why ask? This shows that you’re thinking ahead about how you can meet the company’s needs and perform well.
• "What are the company’s plans for growth and development?"
  • Why ask? Demonstrates your long-term thinking and interest in contributing to the company's success.
• "What’s the most important thing I should accomplish in the first 90 days?"
  • Why ask? Shows that you’re ready to hit the ground running and achieve key objectives quickly.

These questions reflect your desire to understand the role and your interest in aligning your performance with company goals.

2. The Hiring Manager: Decision Maker and Department Lead

At this stage, you’re talking to the person who will supervise you, so focus on how you can contribute to the team’s success and the expectations they have.

Questions to Ask:

• "What metrics or goals will my performance be evaluated against?"
  • Why ask? It signals that you are results-driven and care about meeting and exceeding expectations.
• "What are the most immediate projects that I would take on?"
  • Why ask? Helps you understand the priorities of the role and shows you're eager to contribute right away.
• "Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?"
  • Why ask? Demonstrates your interest in teamwork and understanding the dynamics of your future colleagues.

These questions help you understand what success looks like in the role and how you’ll fit into the bigger picture.

3. The HR Representative: Policy Enforcer and Offer Negotiator

HR interviews often focus on company culture, values, and logistics, so you’ll want to ask questions that reveal how well you align with the company’s broader mission and policies.

Questions to Ask:

• "How would you describe the company’s values?"
  • Why ask? This shows you care about whether your personal values align with those of the company.
• "How do you typically onboard employees?"
  • Why ask? Signals that you’re planning ahead for how you can integrate quickly and start contributing.
• "Is there anything I should read before starting that would help me have a shared understanding with my colleagues?"
  • Why ask? Shows you're proactive about understanding the company's culture and expectations.

These questions show that you’re thinking about the long-term and how to fit into the company from day one.

4. The Technical Interviewer: Subject Matter Expert and Skills Assessor

In technical interviews, your goal is to show your proficiency in required skills, but asking smart questions can also show that you understand the role’s demands and challenges.

Questions to Ask:

• "What are the biggest challenges I might face in this position?"
  • Why ask? Demonstrates your interest in preparing for potential obstacles and shows that you're a critical thinker.
• "What types of skills is the team missing that you’re looking to fill with a new hire?"
  • Why ask? This shows that you’re thinking about how your expertise can complement the team’s needs.

These questions help you demonstrate that you’re thinking strategically about how you can solve problems and fill gaps in the team.

5. The Panel Interview: Cross-Functional Evaluators

In panel interviews, you’re often speaking to individuals from different departments. Asking questions that show you’re thinking about cross-functional collaboration and impact is key.

Questions to Ask:

• "Who will I work with most closely? What other departments will I interact with?"
  • Why ask? Shows that you’re considering the bigger picture and how you’ll collaborate across the organization.
• "What’s your favorite part of working here?"
  • Why ask? This adds a personal touch and can help you gauge employee satisfaction and cultural fit.

By asking these, you’ll demonstrate that you understand the importance of teamwork and interdepartmental collaboration.

6. The CEO or Senior Leadership: Culture Guardian and Final Approver

When speaking to senior leadership, you want to focus on long-term vision and alignment with the company’s mission.

Questions to Ask:

• "How has the company changed since you joined?"
  • Why ask? It shows that you’re interested in the company's growth and evolution.
• "What gets you most excited about the company’s future?"
  • Why ask? This demonstrates your enthusiasm for being part of a growing and evolving organization.

These questions indicate that you’re not just focused on the present but are committed to the company’s future success.

Why Asking Questions is Important

During an interview, asking questions is an opportunity to show your proactive mindset and preparation. Thoughtful questions demonstrate genuine interest, how you'll contribute, and ensure the role aligns with your career goals. It's also a chance to assess if the company is the right fit for you. Make your questions count!