20 Smart Questions to Ask in an Interview

When an interviewer says "Do you have any questions for us?", the right answer is always yes. The questions to ask in an interview are not just a formality — they show genuine interest, reveal how you think, and help you decide whether the role is right for you. This guide gives you 20 smart questions grouped by topic, plus the ones to avoid. To keep your interview prep organised across every application, get interview-ready with ApplicantGrid.

Why your questions matter

Asking nothing signals you are either unprepared or uninterested. Asking sharp questions does three things:

1. Impresses the interviewer by showing you have thought seriously about the role.
2. Helps you assess fit so you do not accept the wrong job.
3. Leaves a strong final impression, since the close of an interview lingers.

Prepare five or six in advance, then ask three or four based on how the conversation has gone.

Questions about the role

These good interview questions clarify what success looks like day to day.

1. What does a typical week look like in this role?
2. What are the most important priorities for the first three months?
3. How will my performance be measured?
4. What are the biggest challenges someone in this role faces?
5. Why is this position open? (New role or replacement? Both tell you something.)

Questions about the team and management

6. Who would I work most closely with day to day?
7. How would you describe the team's working style?
8. What is your management style? (If you are speaking to your future manager.)
9. How does the team handle feedback and development?
10. What do you enjoy most about working here? — a warm, revealing question for the interviewer.

Questions about growth and progression

These questions to ask interviewer signal ambition and long-term thinking.

11. What does career progression look like for this role?
12. What learning and development opportunities are available?
13. Can you tell me about someone who has grown within the company?
14. How do you support people moving into more senior positions?

Questions about the company

15. What are the company's main priorities for the year ahead?
16. How would you describe the culture here?
17. What recent change has had the biggest impact on the team?
18. How does the company measure success beyond individual roles?

Questions about next steps

End on a practical, confident note.

19. What are the next steps in the process?
20. Is there anything about my experience you would like me to expand on? — this lets you address any lingering doubt before you leave.

Questions to avoid

Not every question helps you. Steer clear of these, at least in a first interview:

• "What does the company do?" — you should already know. Read our common interview questions guide for how to research properly.
• "How quickly can I get promoted?" — comes across as entitled.
• Salary and holiday as your first questions — fair to raise, but not your opener.
• Anything answered on the website — it shows you did not prepare.
• "Did I get the job?" — puts the interviewer on the spot.

How to choose the right questions

Tailor your questions to the conversation. If the interviewer has already covered the team, ask about progression instead. A few tips:

• Prepare more than you need so you always have a fresh one ready.
• Listen actively and ask a follow-up based on something they said — this shows engagement.
• Match the question to the interviewer. Ask a manager about the team; ask HR about process and culture.

Strong questions pair naturally with strong answers. If you have not yet prepared your own responses, our STAR method guide shows you how to structure compelling examples.

Get interview-ready

The best questions to ask in an interview turn the final minutes into an opportunity, not an afterthought. Prepare a handful, listen carefully, and choose the ones that fit the conversation. Keep your prep, questions and interview stages organised by tracking your applications with ApplicantGrid, so you walk into every interview prepared and leave a lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions should I ask in an interview?

Ask three or four, chosen from five or six you prepared. Asking nothing signals disinterest, while asking too many can run over time. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity.

Is it okay to ask about salary in an interview?

Yes, but not as your first question. Let the conversation establish your fit first. If salary has not come up by the end and it is a later-stage interview, it is reasonable to ask about the range.

What if all my questions get answered during the interview?

Have a couple in reserve, or say so honestly: "You have covered most of what I planned to ask, but I would love to know what you personally enjoy most about working here." That keeps the dialogue going.

Should I write my questions down?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to bring a short, neat list. It shows you prepared and ensures you do not forget under pressure. Refer to it naturally rather than reading robotically.

What is the best final question to ask?

"What are the next steps in the process?" is a confident, practical close. Pairing it with an offer to expand on any part of your experience lets you address doubts before you leave the room.