the job interview: top questions to ask your interviewer

"Do you have any questions for me?"

This is a question that job interviewers usually ask near the end of the interview, and your answer should always be "yes." Asking questions will show your interest and enthusiasm in the position and allow you to find out if it is the right job for you.

As you prepare for the interview and research the company, you should take note of topics in which you would like more information. Prepare questions that are focused and open-ended in order to develop rapport with the interviewer.

Use the following examples of questions as a guide to preparing your own list of questions that are specific to the position and company for which you are interviewing.
 

Can you give me more detail about the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?

This question will allow you to learn the everyday responsibilities of the job. Most job postings will list a broad overview of the position, but most postings will not go into detail of the tasks that are required on an everyday basis. Knowing this information up front will help you better decide if the job position is the right fit for you.
 

How would the company help me develop?

Asking this question shows your desire for self-improvement and a willingness to grow and advance with the company. No matter the job position, you always want to be improving your skill set and learning new ideas. Find out what the company offers to employees to ensure continued learning, such as professional development classes, mentor programs, etc.
 

Can you tell me about the people that I would work with the most on a day-to-day basis?

This question allows you to find out more specific information about the culture of the company as well as the traits and values of the employees. Asking this question should help you find out if you fit in with the overall culture and work environment.
 

What is the history of the position? Or is it newly created?

Asking this question will give you an idea of why previous employees left the position. If the position has had a high turnover rate, you may want to think twice about accepting a potential job offer. If the position is newly created, then you have an opportunity to set the standard.
 

How do you define success for this position?

This question allows you to find out goals for which you should aim. When expectations are vague, you may be held to standards that you didn't know existed. You want to know exactly what the employer thinks a successful employee will accomplish in the job position.
 

What are the biggest opportunities facing the position or company right now?

This question will show your interviewer that you have a drive to seize opportunity. Asking this question will also help you learn more about where the company will be focusing their efforts and endeavors over the next several months or years.
 

What is the typical career path for someone in this position?

Inquiring about a career path for someone in the position will give you an idea of how career advancement works within the company. Do they promote from within? This question also displays to the interviewer that you have interest in growing with the company.
 

What are the next steps in the interview process?

This question demonstrates that you are eager to move forward in the interviewing process. This should always be your last question as it will help close the interview and lead to a discussion about the timeline for hiring so you can follow up appropriately.
 

To demonstrate an interest in the job position and to ensure the company is a good match for your qualifications and interests, you should always research and prepare a list of questions to ask your interviewer. For more tips about the job interviewing process, be sure to check out the articles in the Job Search & Interviews section of this website.