When The Table Turns: How To Ask The Right Questions At The End Of Your Next Interview

We’ve all been there—that moment at the end of an interview when the tables turn, and the interviewer smiles at you and asks:

“Do you have any questions for us?”

It’s your golden opportunity to take control of the conversation. Yet, all too often, we freeze or fumble. Maybe you give a polite “No, I think we’ve covered everything,” or you toss out a standard question like “What’s the team like?”—only to leave the interview wishing you’d asked something more meaningful.

Believe me, I have seen candidates lose out on a role because they have seemed unprepared at this final stage!

Here’s the thing: the questions you ask aren’t just polite formalities—they’re your secret weapon.

They’re your chance to dig beneath the surface, uncover what truly matters, and figure out whether this company is the right match for you. After all, an interview isn’t just about convincing them you’re the best candidate; it’s about discovering if this is the kind of place you want to invest your time, energy, and future.

Remember: just as they’re evaluating you, you’re evaluating them. A great set of questions can reveal more about the company’s culture, values, and expectations than anything you’ll find on their website or in their job spec.

So why settle for surface-level responses when you could walk away with real insights that help you make a confident decision?

Game-Changing Questions to Ask in Your Next Interview

Here’s a refreshed list of impactful, real-world questions you can use in your next interview to go beyond the basics and get meaningful answers:

1?? Can you share an example of how the business has supported an employee’s development or progression through the ranks?

2?? How does this position contribute to the company’s overall goals?

3?? Can you provide examples of when the company has lived up to its stated values?

4?? What challenges is the team or business currently facing?

5?? What inspired you to join this company?

6?? What sets this business apart from its competitors?

7?? What does success look like for a top performer in this role?

8?? What insights can you share about why people have left the company or team in the past?

9?? What are your expectations of me if I join the business?

1??0?? Can you give an example of a change implemented based on employee feedback?

1??1?? Every business has areas for improvement—what’s next on your list of changes to address?

Why These Questions Matter

An interview isn’t just about selling yourself—it’s about ensuring the role and company are the right fit for you. These questions do more than scratch the surface; they show you care about the culture, challenges, and growth opportunities.

Even if the answers aren’t all positive, the willingness of the company to be transparent says a lot about the workplace culture. A great business won’t shy away from being honest, even about its challenges.

Go In With Your Eyes Wide Open

Moving to a new role is a huge decision. The more clarity you have upfront, the better equipped you’ll be to make the right choice. Take the time to prepare thoughtful, tailored questions that align with your priorities.

If you’re not sure where to start, feel free to borrow the questions above—they’ve worked for others, and they can work for you too.

Don’t shortcut yourself. Ask the questions that matter.

Best,

Richard