Questions to Ask in an Interview: Ultimate Guide with Examples 2025

Everyone tells you to prepare answers for your next interview — but few tell you the truth: the questions you ask are just as powerful. They can turn an ordinary interview into a genuine, two-way conversation — the kind hiring managers remember. 💡

In this guide, you'll learn what questions to ask in an interview, why they matter, and how to use them to show confidence, curiosity, and leadership. We'll also explore good and best questions to ask an interviewer depending on your goals and interview stage.

Why Asking Smart Questions Matters

Your questions are not fillers. They’re signals — signs that you’ve done your homework, that you think strategically, and that you see yourself as a potential partner, not a passive candidate.

Strong candidates don’t just hope they’ll be chosen; they evaluate the opportunity, too. Thoughtful questions help you decide whether the company truly fits your values, growth goals, and working style.

Think of an interview not as an exam, but as a dialogue between equals — two people exploring whether they’d enjoy working together.

Step 1: Start with Curiosity — Questions About the Role

Begin by showing authentic curiosity about the position. Employers love candidates who go beyond the job description to understand the real impact of the role.

• “How does this role contribute to the company’s mission?”
• “What does success look like in the first six months?”
• “Which skills or traits have helped others thrive in this position?”

These good questions to ask in an interview show that you’re not just chasing a title — you care about making a difference.

Step 2: Show Strategic Thinking — Questions About Team and Leadership

Next, demonstrate that you think like a team player — and a future leader. Focus on collaboration, communication, and growth.

• “Can you describe the team I’d be working with?”
• “How do team members typically give and receive feedback?”
• “What leadership style works best here?”

These are among the best questions to ask in an interview because they reveal your emotional intelligence and long-term mindset. You're signaling that you’re serious about culture fit — something every employer values highly.

Step 3: Think Ahead — Questions About Growth and Development

High-performing candidates want to grow, not just perform. Asking about growth shows you’re proactive and career-oriented.

• “What learning or professional development opportunities are available?”
• “How do you support career progression within the company?”
• “What are some examples of people who started in this role and grew into other positions?”

These questions communicate ambition without arrogance — a rare and valuable combination.

Step 4: Evaluate Company Culture — Questions About Values and Work Environment

The interview is also your chance to see if the company deserves you. Don’t skip this part — culture fit determines long-term satisfaction more than salary ever will.

• “How would you describe the company’s culture in three words?”
• “How does the organization support work-life balance?”
• “What’s something the team celebrated recently?”

These questions to ask the interviewer help you understand what daily life looks like — beyond polished mission statements.

Step 5: End with Confidence — Questions That Leave a Strong Impression

End your interview with a question that shows vision, commitment, and courage. This final moment can shape how they remember you.

• “What challenges or priorities will this role tackle in the next quarter?”
• “What would make someone stand out as exceptional in this position?”
• “What are the next steps in the hiring process?”

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid asking about salary or benefits too early — save those for a later stage. Instead, focus on impact, contribution, and alignment. That’s what hiring managers notice.

What Are the BEST Questions to Ask in an Interview?

If you remember only one thing, let it be this: great questions are the ones that spark real dialogue. They invite the interviewer to open up — and they reveal how you think. Here’s a shortlist of the absolute best ones:

• “What excites you most about working here?”
• “How has this role evolved over time?”
• “What’s one challenge the team is currently facing?”
• “How does the company measure success in this department?”
• “If I were hired, what would be the first big project to tackle?”

Use these strategically throughout your interview — they’ll help you sound engaged, insightful, and confident.

Questions to Avoid Asking

Not every question works in your favor. Some can unintentionally signal poor preparation or self-interest. Here are a few to avoid:

• “What does your company do?” (You should already know.)
• “How soon can I be promoted?” (Focus on contribution first.)
• “Do you check references?” (This sounds defensive.)
• “What’s the salary?” (Wait until the offer stage.)

Replace those with forward-thinking alternatives — like “What are the biggest opportunities for improvement in this role?” — and you’ll keep the tone professional and positive.

Final Step: Follow Up the Smart Way

After your interview, send a short, warm thank-you note. Reference one or two points from the conversation — especially something you learned through your own questions. It reinforces your curiosity and helps you stand out from other candidates.

Conclusion: Turn the Interview Into a Conversation

When you walk into your next interview, remember: this isn’t an interrogation — it’s a two-way discovery process. The right questions to ask in an interview will not only impress your interviewer, but they’ll also help you decide if this opportunity is truly right for your next chapter.

Start building your confidence today. Review these good and best questions to ask in an interview, choose the ones that feel authentic to you, and practice them out loud. You’ll sound natural, thoughtful, and self-assured — exactly the impression every employer hopes for.

👉 Ready for more expert career insights? Explore our complete career development resources: Career Articles & Professional Resume Writing Tips.