47 Unique Interview Questions to Ask Employers
Are you ready to knock your next job interview out of the park? Answering questions is only part of the game—what really helps you stand out is asking the right questions in return. The job market today is more competitive than ever, and employers want to see that you’re not just interested in filling a position but also curious about how you can thrive in the role and contribute to the company.
Here’s the thing: asking thoughtful questions isn’t just about impressing your interviewer (though that’s definitely a bonus). It’s also your chance to learn if the company’s culture, expectations, and goals are a good match for you. In fact, a recent LinkedIn study found that candidates who asked engaging, role-specific questions during interviews were 47% more likely to get hired. That’s proof that good questions can give you a serious edge.
So, take a deep breath, get your pen and paper, and let’s explore some unique questions you can use to impress your interviewer—and, more importantly, find out if this job is the right fit for you.
Importance of Asking Questions During Your Interview
Asking questions during an interview isn’t just polite—it’s essential. It shows the interviewer that you’ve put thought into the opportunity and are genuinely interested in learning more about the company and the role. Beyond that, it’s your chance to figure out if this is the right place for you. After all, interviews are a two-way street.
Think of your questions as a way to get the inside scoop on the things that really matter, like the company’s culture, growth opportunities, and how success is measured. Employers value candidates who show curiosity and engagement because it signals that you’re serious about contributing to the team. According to Glassdoor’s 2024 Hiring Trends Report, 88% of hiring managers say they’re more likely to move forward with candidates who ask thoughtful, role-specific questions during the interview.
Use this time to get clarity on the things that could make or break your experience in the role. Don’t hold back—your questions might just be the reason you land your dream job.
Need tips on how to answer common interview questions? Check out our sample interview questions and answers!
Questions to Ask About the Job
When it’s your turn to ask questions, focusing on the job itself is a smart move. You want to understand exactly what you’re signing up for—what your day-to-day will look like, how success is measured, and what kind of impact you’ll have on the company’s goals. Not only will these questions help you decide if the job is the right fit, but they’ll also show the interviewer that you’re already thinking about how to contribute.
Here are some examples of questions that can give you a deeper understanding of the job:
- What does a typical day look like in this position?
- What qualities or skills do you think are most important for success in this role?
- What does success in this position look like to you and the company?
- Can you share an example of a project someone in this role has completed successfully?
- How does this role support the company’s broader goals?
- What kind of training or onboarding is provided for this position?
- Are there opportunities for professional growth and advancement in this role?
- What are the biggest challenges someone in this role might face, and how can they overcome them?
Questions to Ask About the Company
Getting to know the company beyond the surface level is just as important as understanding the job. By asking questions about the organization, you’ll get a sense of its values, culture, and goals—and whether they align with what you’re looking for. Employers also appreciate candidates who show genuine interest in their mission and how they operate.
Here are some thoughtful questions to ask about the company:
- What are the company’s core values, and how do they influence daily operations?
- How does the company define and measure success, both internally and with customers?
- Can you describe the company culture and how it impacts employee satisfaction?
- What steps is the company taking to stay innovative in its industry?
- How does the company support employees’ professional development and career growth?
- How does the company encourage a healthy work-life balance for employees?
- Are there any recent achievements or milestones the company is particularly proud of?
- What strategies does the company use to stay connected with and respond to customer needs?
Questions to Ask About Training and Development
If you’re looking to grow in your career, asking about training and development opportunities is a must. Employers love seeing candidates who are eager to learn and improve because it shows you’re invested in your success—and theirs. Plus, understanding what kind of support the company offers can give you a clearer idea of your potential path within the organization.
Here are some smart questions to ask about training and development:
- What does the onboarding and training process look like for new hires?
- Are there structured programs for professional growth and skill development?
- Has the company launched any recent training initiatives?
- How does the company measure the success of its training programs?
- Are there opportunities for coaching, mentoring, or peer learning?
- Does the company sponsor certifications, advanced degrees, or other educational opportunities?
- Are employees encouraged to attend industry events like conferences or workshops?
- How do leaders here support team members in achieving their personal career goals?
Questions to Ask About How Your Success Will Be Evaluated
Understanding how success is measured in a role can help you hit the ground running and exceed expectations. When you ask about performance metrics, feedback processes, and evaluation methods, you’re showing that you’re serious about delivering results. It also gives you valuable insight into whether the company’s expectations align with your work style.
Here are some great questions to ask about how success will be evaluated:
- How will you define success for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- What key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to measure success in this position?
- How does the company conduct performance reviews, and how often do they take place?
- What does the feedback process look like? How do managers support employees in meeting their goals?
- Are there opportunities to set personal or professional goals within the role?
- What tools or resources are available to help employees track and achieve success?
- How does the company celebrate or reward top-performing employees?
- Can you share an example of how an employee in this role exceeded expectations?
Questions to Ask About Company Culture
Company culture can make or break your experience at work, so it’s worth digging into what life at the company is really like. Asking about culture helps you assess whether it’s the right environment for you and shows employers that you’re thinking beyond the job description and looking for a place where you can thrive.
Consider these questions to get a better sense of the company’s culture:
- How would you describe the company’s overall culture and work environment?
- What strategies does the company use to encourage collaboration and teamwork?
- How does the company support employee well-being and work-life balance?
- Are there any recent initiatives to improve employee engagement or morale?
- How does leadership communicate with employees and promote transparency?
- Are there opportunities for employees to get involved in community service or volunteering?
- How does the company handle conflict resolution and maintain a positive work environment?
Questions to Ask About the Team
The people you’ll be working with can have a big impact on your job satisfaction and overall success. Asking about the team dynamics, work styles, and collaboration methods gives you a glimpse into how your future colleagues operate—and whether you’ll thrive working alongside them. Plus, it shows the interviewer that you value teamwork and want to contribute to the group’s success.
Here are some insightful questions to ask about the team:
- Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with and their backgrounds?
- How does the team typically collaborate on projects or solve problems?
- What is the team dynamic like, and how do team members support one another?
- How are responsibilities divided among the team members?
- How does the team celebrate wins or milestones?
- Are there any recent successes or challenges the team has faced that you can share?
- How does the team handle communication and decision-making?
- Are there opportunities for team members to cross-train or learn from each other
Questions to Avoid Asking
While asking questions during your interview is essential, there are some questions you should steer clear of. Certain topics can come across as inappropriate, self-centered, or premature, potentially leaving a negative impression on the interviewer. It’s important to approach your questions with professionalism and keep the focus on learning more about the job and company.
Here are some questions to avoid asking:
- How much time off will I get?
- How often do employees receive raises?
- Does the company have any political affiliations?
- What’s the racial or ethnic makeup of your staff?
- Are you interviewing other candidates for this position?
- Are you married? Do you have kids?
- Has the company laid off employees recently?
As a rule of thumb, save personal or benefit-related questions for after you’ve received an offer, and try to stay away from anything that could be perceived as intrusive or irrelevant to the position.
Instead, focus on learning more about the job responsibilities, company culture, and growth opportunities. Maintain a professional demeanor and try using these unique questions at your next interview to display your genuine interest in the company and position!
Ready to master your interviews? Explore more interview tips and resources to help you shine every step of the way!
