How to Ask the Right Questions in an Interview: 22 Questions You Should Consider

There’s nothing worse than realizing a few months into your new job that it isn’t what you expected. Whether it’s the work itself or the management, that sinking feeling can be frustrating, leaving you wishing you’d asked more questions during the interview process. I’ve been there myself, and through my own experiences, I’ve learned that asking the right questions can make a huge difference in avoiding these missteps.

But why don’t people ask enough questions in interviews? For many, it comes down to fear of being judged negatively—appearing unprepared or even annoying to the interviewer. Others simply aren’t sure which questions will get them the clarity they need. However, avoiding questions entirely can also work against you.

That’s why asking thoughtful, insightful questions is crucial. But what should you ask?

Here are 22 key questions that can help you make a well-informed decision about your next role:

1. What’s the organization’s revenue model?
2. What level of internal support can I expect in this role?
3. What keeps you up at night about the future of the organization? How does this role engage with those issues?
4. How are mistakes handled? What is the policy around making mistakes?
5. What sort of training is offered for upskilling your current workforce?
6. Why is this position open?
7. What projects are in the works that I would assist with?
8. Why are you here? (directed at the interviewer)
9. How do you handle conflict? What kind of conflict?
10. How does the team celebrate successes and handle mistakes (or even failures)?
11. When was the last time you took a vacation?
12. What was one thing the last person in this role did really well that you hope I can continue or improve upon?
13. What does the company/team planning process look like? How do folks decide what to work on? And what happens when plans change?
14. Even though we can’t see the future, try to imagine a world 6-12 months from now. How will you know the team made the right hire for this role?
15. What do you anticipate to be the biggest challenge for someone in this role?
16. If I were to join the team, what should I have accomplished in the next year?
17. If anyone I’m interviewing with has been with the company 10+ years, what has kept them there for so long?
18. How have you worked with this position in the past? How are you expecting to work with this person once the role is filled?
19. How is success measured in this role?
20. What do you enjoy about working here?
21. What will a typical day look like? What would I really be focused on most of the time?
22. What problem, challenge, or issue is the company trying to solve now, and what makes it difficult?

The right questions not only help you understand the role better but can also give you insight into the company’s culture, management style, and future prospects. Asking these questions can help you avoid that sinking feeling later on, ensuring your next job is the right fit from the start.

EliteHire Solutions is dedicated to helping professionals find the right opportunities. Ready to explore new career options? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you land the perfect role.