Good questions to ask in an interview: a candidate guide

Going into a job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but remember it is an opportunity for you to assess if the opportunity and organisation is a right fit for you.

One of the best ways to make a good impression and understand if it’s a good match is to ask insightful questions. Asking questions is your way of showing that you are prepared and interested in the role.

It goes without saying that you don’t need to ask all of these questions in the job interview. Instead, decide which are important to you and come up with a list of questions to ask the hiring manager. There are two rules when thinking of questions:

1. Make sure they are research based or specific to the opportunity & company.

2. Care about the answer.

Read below for some good questions to ask an interviewer as an interviewee.

Questions about the role

• Can you describe the day to day responsibilities of this role? Understanding the daily tasks will give you a clearer picture of what a typical day will look like.

• What are the most immediate projects that need to be focused on? This question shows that you’re eager to jump right into the role and be productive from day one.

• What are your expectations for this role 3/6/12 months in? This will show you the priorities of the company and your role should you be successful and choose to take the opportunity.

Questions about the team

• Can you tell me about the team that I’d be working with? Knowing who you’d be working with helps you to understand the dynamics and whether you will mesh with them.

• Who would I be directly reporting to? Understanding the team hierarchy will ensure you know who you will be collaborating with closely on a day to day basis.

• How are projects/tasks distributed within the team? Understanding distribution will provide a good insight into team and company dynamics.

Interested in learning more about work-life balance? Read our blog on achieving work-life balance in the tech industry.

Questions about growth and development opportunities

• What opportunities are there for professional development? Showing interest in growth opportunities shows that you’re looking to build a long-term career with the company.

• How does the company support employees in achieving their career goals? Understanding the company’s commitment to your career progression can help you to decide if it’s the right place for you.

• Can you provide examples of career paths that began in this role? This can illustrate potential career trajectories and success stories within the company, giving you an idea of your future prospects.

Questions about the culture and the company

• Can you describe the company culture? Understanding the culture helps you find out if you’ll be happy and productive in the work environment. For more tips on finding out which company culture is right for you, discover our blog post.

• What do you enjoy most about working there? Hearing a personal perspective on the company’s strength can be helpful.

• What are the core values of the company and how do they influence the workplace? Ensuring that the company’s values align with your own can be a significant factor in job satisfaction and overall fit.

Questions about evaluation

• How often are performance reviews conducted? Regular feedback is essential for your growth and knowing the review process can help you understand how your performance will be evaluated.

• What are the key metrics for success in this role? This helps you understand what is expected of you and how you can excel in the position.

Asking thoughtful questions not only shows your interest and enthusiasm about the role and company, but it equips you with valuable information to make an informed decision.

Remember: an interview is a two-way street! It’s just as much about you finding the right fit as it is the employer finding the right candidate.

Looking to kickstart your career in tech, business or banking? Discover our current roles today.