"Do you have any questions for us?" is not a formality — it's part of the evaluation. Strong candidates use it to show they're seriously assessing the role, not just hoping for any offer. Going blank, or asking only about salary and time off, leaves a weak final impression. "Nope, I'm good" is the interview equivalent of leaving a first date without asking a single question: technically allowed, quietly damning.
Why your questions matter
The questions you ask reveal what you care about and how you think. Thoughtful questions signal genuine interest and give you the information you need to decide whether the role is right for you as the interviewee. Always have three to five ready, and adapt them based on what came up in the conversation.
Questions about the role
- What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days, and in the first year?
- What are the biggest challenges the person in this role will face?
- How is performance measured here?
Questions about the team
- How is the team structured, and who would I work with most closely?
- How does the team handle disagreements or competing priorities?
- What's one thing the team is great at, and one thing it's working to improve?
Questions about growth
- What does growth or progression look like from this position?
- How does the company support learning and development?
- Can you tell me about someone who's grown into a bigger role here?
Questions about the company
- What are the team's or company's top priorities over the next year?
- How would you describe the culture in a way that wouldn't show up on the careers page?
- What's changed most about working here in the last year?
Questions to ask at the end of an interview
- Is there anything about my background you'd like me to expand on?
- What are the next steps in the process, and when can I expect to hear back?
The first of these is quietly powerful — it surfaces and lets you address any hesitation before you leave the room.
What to avoid
- Anything you could Google. "What does the company do?" signals you didn't prepare.
- Leading with salary and perks. There's a time for compensation — it isn't your first question.
- Yes/no questions. Open-ended questions get you real information and a real conversation.
- No questions at all. It reads as disinterest, even when you're genuinely keen.
Prepare your questions the same way you prepare your answers — and tailor them to the specific role and the people in the room.
These closing questions are the last leg of a longer race. Nail the opener with "tell me about yourself" and prep the whole loop with how to prepare for a technical interview.
Frequently asked questions
- How many questions should I ask the interviewer?
- Have three to five thoughtful questions ready, and adapt them based on the conversation. Asking none reads as disinterest; asking only about salary and perks leaves a weak impression.
- What questions should I not ask in an interview?
- Avoid anything you could easily Google, leading with salary and benefits, and simple yes/no questions. Ask open-ended questions about the role, team, growth, and priorities instead.
