As your job interview wraps up, you’ll hear the inevitable question: “Do you have any questions for me?” How you respond can significantly impact the interviewer’s impression of you.
Asking the right questions shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals, work style, and values. According to a 2024 LinkedIn study, 47% of hiring managers say candidates who ask thoughtful questions are more likely to be employed than those who don’t.
To help you ace your following interview, we’ve curated the eight best questions to ask—insights, examples, and expert advice—to leave a lasting impression and evaluate whether the company fits you.
1. How has your company adapted to recent industry changes or technological advancements?
Being aware of industry trends—like AI integration, hybrid work models, or sustainability practices—shows you’re proactive and future-oriented. This question allows the interviewer to share how the company is evolving.
For example, according to PwC, in 2024, 76% of companies reported increased investment in AI tools. If the company highlights AI adoption, you can discuss how your skills with tools like ChatGPT or data analysis platforms can support their digital transformation.
Pro Tip: Ask how the company encourages employees to stay updated on industry changes—this can indicate how much they value continuous learning.
2. What qualities or skills define a top performer at your company?
This question signals that you’re not just looking to land the job—you want to excel in it. It helps you understand what the company values and how it measures success.
For example, suppose the interviewer mentions collaboration or adaptability. In that case, you can share a story using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to highlight how you’ve embodied these traits in previous roles.
Follow-up question: “Can you share a recent example of an employee who excelled in this role and what made them stand out?”
3. How does the company support employee development and career growth?
According to LinkedIn’s 2023 Workforce Learning Report, 94% of employees would stay longer at a company that invested in their career development. Asking about growth opportunities shows you’re thinking long-term and committed to professional development.
Look for answers that mention:
- Mentorship programs
- Tuition reimbursement
- Internal job rotations
- Leadership training
If the interviewer highlights structured learning programs, ask: “What types of skills or certifications do you prioritize for career advancement?”
4. Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with?
A role might look great on paper, but your future team will play a massive part in your day-to-day happiness.
Ask about:
- Team structure and size
- Standard collaboration tools (Slack, Asana, Microsoft Teams)
- Team bonding activities
Stat Alert: In 2024, 79% of employees reported that a positive team dynamic increased job satisfaction(Gallup). You can use this information to gauge whether the company’s teamwork culture aligns with your work style.
5. What are the biggest challenges someone in this role might face?
This question not only helps you prepare for the reality of the job but also gives you a chance to show how you’d tackle those challenges.
For example, if the interviewer mentions meeting tight deadlines, you can share a story about how you successfully managed multiple projects under pressure in a previous role.
Pro Tip: Follow up with: “Are there any resources or support systems in place to help employees overcome these challenges?”
6. How would you describe the company’s culture and core values?
Culture fit is a major predictor of job satisfaction and longevity. Research from Glassdoor shows that 77% of job seekers consider a company’s culture before applying.
If the company values diversity, flexibility, or work-life balance, highlight how these align with your priorities.
Example follow-up question: “Can you give me an example of how the company has demonstrated its commitment to those values in the past year?”
7. What do you personally enjoy about working here?
This question shifts the conversation to a more personal level. It encourages the interviewer to share their genuine experiences, which can give you deeper insights into the company culture.
According to Geoffrey Scott, Hiring Manager and Career Expert at Resume Genius:
“Candidates who ask about my personal experience show they’re genuinely interested in what it’s like to be part of the team—not just the job itself.”
Listen carefully to their answer—if they struggle to find something positive, that could be a red flag.
8. Based on our conversation today, do you have any career advice for someone like me?
This bold question leaves a lasting impression by positioning you as a lifelong learner. It creates a more personal, mentor-like connection with the interviewer.
According to a 2024 Harvard Business Review study, employees who seek out mentorship during the interview process are 38% more likely to receive job offers.
When the interviewer gives advice, thank them sincerely—and be sure to reference their advice in your follow-up thank-you email.
Final Thoughts: Most Powerful Questions to Ask at a Job Interview
Asking thoughtful, strategic questions during an interview helps you evaluate if the company is the right fit and positions you as a confident, engaged candidate. The best interviews feel like conversations—not interrogations—so use these questions to create a genuine dialogue.
Before your following interview, select 3-4 questions from this list and practice how you’ll phrase them. The more naturally your questions flow, the more memorable you’ll be to hiring managers.
And remember—an interview isn’t just about them choosing you. It’s also about you choosing them.
