Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview
March 27, 2025
While most candidates focus on perfecting their answers, asking the right questions is just as important. Thoughtful, strategic questions not only demonstrate your interest but also help you stand out and determine if the company is the right fit for you.
We’ve curated key questions from The Harvard Business Review article “38 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview” that are sure to impress hiring managers and provide the insights you need to make an informed career decision.
Understanding the Role
To ensure the job aligns with your skills and career goals, consider asking:
- What does success look like in this position?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first six months?
- Can you describe a typical day in this role?
- What are some of the biggest challenges someone in this position might face?
- How does this role contribute to the company’s overall goals?
Company Culture
A great job isn’t just about the work, it’s about the people you work with. To gain insight into the company and team dynamics, consider asking:
- Can you tell me about the team culture and how people collaborate here in this company?
- How does the company promote work-life balance?
- What are some company traditions or events that employees look forward to?
- How does the team resolve conflicts or disagreements?
- What qualities make someone successful within this team?
Growth & Development
If long-term career growth is important to you, consider asking:
- What professional development opportunities are available in this company?
- Can you provide some examples of employees who have progressed within the company?
- Does the company offer any training programs or courses?
- Are there any opportunities to work on cross-functional projects?
- In what ways does the company support the employees in achieving career goals?
Leadership & Management
Gaining insight into how managers support their team can give you a clearer picture of your potential experience in the role.
- How does the team leaders provide feedback?
- How does team leaders handle employee concerns and communicate?
- Can you describe a recent challenge the team faced and how it was addressed?
- How does the company recognize high performance?
- How often do the team leaders check in with their employees?
Challenges & Expectations
Asking the right questions helps you gain a realistic overview of the job.
- What are some of the challenges that this position might face?
- What benchmarks will be used to evaluate success in this role?
- How does the company handle challenges or setbacks?
- What skills are most important in this role?
- What common mistakes do new hires in this role make?
Closing the Interview
Before wrapping up the interview, be sure to ask about the next steps of the interview process. Show your enthusiasm by asking these questions:
- What are the next steps in the hiring process?
- Do you need any additional information from me to move forward?
- What’s your favorite part of working in this company?
- When can I expect to hear back regarding the next steps?
Stand Out in Your Next Interview
Here are a few reminders to help you stand out in your next interview:
- Always tailor your questions to the company and role you applied to.
- Aim for open-ended questions to spark a discussion.
- Stay engaged and ask for follow-ups if needed.
Ask the Right Questions to Land Your Next Job
Asking the right questions can make all the difference in securing your next job. Ready to ace your interviews? Apply now at Gordian Staffing!
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