My Top 10 Interview Questions to Ask Your Interviewer: It's Not Just About Them

Interviews! They are often seen as one-sided interrogations where you’re in the hot seat, trying to impress someone in a suit with some rehearsed answers. The good news? The process is changing - candidates are becoming a lot more proactive in flipping the script and becoming the interviewer for a change.

This is a crucial topic for me and here on Equity Echoes - asking questions during an interview isn’t just about filling the awkward silence after you’ve already nailed (or butchered ??) your answers. It’s about discovering if the company, the role, and the people you’ll be working with are a good fit for you.

So here are the top 10 questions that I would always be ready to ask the interviewer. Having been in the interviewer's seat I can assure you that these questions will not only make you look like a thoughtful candidate, but they might just save you from accepting a position in which you would not be your most comfortable or efficient.

So let’s dive in.

1. What metrics or goals do you or would you use to evaluate my performance?

Not only does this question help you to understand the criteria for success but it can also help you in discovering any red flags especially if you are coming in as an experienced hire. If you have a good understanding of the industry you are heading into you may have good knowledge of realistic workloads or targets and for someone less experienced this is a good way to find out more about the metrics you will be measured on and to research them post-interview to avoid any unrealistic expectations from day one.

2. What are the most immediate projects that I would take on?

Use this chance to learn about your initial workload and how you can both prepare for it and start contributing as soon as possible after your start. It can also give you some insight into whether the projects match the information mentioned in the job advertisement.

3. What are the biggest challenges that I might face in this position?

This is a great way to show the interviewer how serious you are about the role and that you are willing to think ahead to overcome any potential obstacles.

4. Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?

I love this question. The team around you can define your work experience so it is really important that you understand the kind of dynamics you are stepping into. It also often showcases wider company culture and can help to understand if this is the right business for you.

5. What’s your favorite part of working here?

Similar to the previous question this can give you some further insight into the business culture and what potentially makes it unique - it is a subtle way to find out if their values align with yours!

6. What do you and the team usually do for lunch?

Another question I truly love when trying to find out more about the business culture. It is light-hearted yet can help you to gauge the social dynamics and “vibe” within the team and on the other hand, it shows the employer your interest beyond just the work itself.

7. What are the common career paths in this department?

This is a great way to assess whether the role and the company offer opportunities for growth, what these options may look like, and whether the timeline set out aligns with what you had in mind. It also is an opportunity to showcase your interest in a long-term career and growth with the business.

8. What gets you most excited about the company’s future?

A simple question that not only shows the interviewer’s passion for the business but also any potential milestones or changes that could be coming. Understanding business direction is so important, often we work with start-ups and scale-ups where the environment is prone to constant change so clarity can often help with preparation and adaptability.

9. What are your expectations for me in this role?

We all want to be successful in what we do and the key to this is often having clear expectations around your role. Show proactiveness and learn exactly what will be required of you in your first three or six months and further.

10. What am I not asking you that I should?

I like to close every interview with this question. Within an interview, things are prone to escaping us and questions we had prepared may get lost in the context of all the information that is being shared. Asking this question signals to the interviewer that we are not perfect yet we are looking to learn everything we can. But having been in the interviewer's spot it also is a great opportunity for us to share any important details that we may have missed or if the candidate is potentially not aware of.

Asking thoughtful questions in an interview is not just about finding a job —it’s about ensuring the workplace is one where you can thrive, be supported, and feel valued. These questions allow you to gauge whether a company truly prioritizes the right values and their diversity, equity, and inclusion beyond just a statement on its website. When it comes to diversity, equity & inclusion, understanding the company culture and team dynamics can give you strong insights into how inclusive the environment truly is.

I hope that these questions help or give you some ideas on areas to focus on during your next interview. Thank you for reading and as always let's make sure Equity Echoes!

Equity Echoes is your bi-weekly LinkedIn newsletter raising awareness on global topics related to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The focus is on facilitating discussion and sparking interest in supporting DEI change initiatives on a personal scale or a wider societal focus. If you have enjoyed this newsletter please like, subscribe, and share - let's make sure Equity Echoes.