You’re in an interview and the interviewer asks if you have any questions. What do you say?

As a hiring manager, I am impressed by candidates that ask insightful questions. This tells me the candidate has done their homework and have invested themselves in my company before they step in the door. As a candidate, especially for an external position, culture is very important to me. I’ll have at least one or two questions that would give me an idea of the company culture and team dynamic. In addition, I will research the company to better understand their vision and ask questions around their roadmap and overcoming specific challenges. I found it helpful to have 5-10 questions so they can be spread out in the situation of having multiple interviews. It helps me decide if the company is a good fit for me.

When asked, I would inquire about the company culture, growth opportunities, team dynamics, and the interviewer's experience. Asking insightful questions demonstrates interest and allows me to better understand the role and company fit.

As a recruiter, I've observed that when candidates inquire about the company and demonstrate research efforts, it reflects their motivation to secure the position. To excel in this aspect, it's crucial to utilize resources such as the company's website, Glassdoor, and local equivalents. These platforms typically offer valuable insights, though they may not always provide detailed information about your potential team, so it's worth probing into that aspect. Employers' expectations can often be ambiguous until you directly ask about them. Therefore, align your questions with your primary priorities and the aspects of a job that you value most.

You are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you. Don't be afraid to ask the interviewing manager how they handled a difficult employee who was bringing the team moral down. Or, ask how the company ensures employees have adequate work-life balance. Consider the things previous managers or employers have done that made you want to leave the company, and use that to formulate questions for the interviewer to prove they won't put you in similar, poor situations.

One thing I like to do is ask if there's anything in my resume or that we have discussed today that would cause you not to choose me for the position. This allows one last opportunity to clear-up any questions or miscommunications they may have and restate your qualifications.

When asked if you have any questions, I've always concluded with the following question and each time was offered the position - "When can I start?"

It’s always important to come prepared with questions. Remember - interviewing process goes both ways! - Where do you see this organization, or department.. in the next three to five years - What do you anticipate the top priority for the person fulfilling this position? - What’s the biggest challenge you see facing the person coming into this role? - How would you describe the org’s culture?

When an interviewer asks if you have any questions, it's an opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the role and gain valuable insights. "I appreciate the opportunity to ask questions. Can you tell me more about the company culture and how teams collaborate here? Additionally, I'm curious about the company's approach to professional development and opportunities for growth within the organization. These aspects are important to me as I consider my fit and potential long-term contributions. Thank you for sharing your insights." This response shows initiative, interest in the company, and a focus on personal growth—all essential qualities in a prospective candidate.