Good Interview Questions To Ask (With Tips On What To Avoid)

Updated 5 September 2023

After the recruiter has asked you the crucial questions about the role you applied for, the next step is to ask a few questions that may help you decide whether the company suits you. It is necessary to prepare some questions to ask the interviewer so you can know specifics related to the company and its policies. Learning different interview questions to ask can help you prove to the recruiter that you are eager to learn more about your role and work with the organisation for which you are applying.

In this article, we discuss some good interview questions to ask the interviewer during an interview and see why it is necessary to ask them and also see a few tips on the questions you want to avoid during one.

Good Interview Questions To Ask

The following are examples of good interview questions to ask during a job interview session:

1. What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?

This question helps you know the specific duties related to the position. Sometimes, the vacancy advert might not list every task they require the employee to carry out. It is necessary to ask to know if they are things you can fulfil without issues or hidden roles not mentioned in the job post. The response also reveals the skills and experience necessary for carrying out the responsibilities.

2. Are there training opportunities within the role?

This question shows the interviewer that you prioritise personal skill development and you are ready to enhance your skill set necessary for the role for which you are applying. From the response, you also know if it is a job you can enjoy for the long term or not. Some companies believe their employees learn new skills independently, as there is an abundance of online courses available on every career path. They may not deem it necessary to invest in their employee's professional development. This is why asking this question helps you know the company's stance on employee training.

3. Are there progression opportunities within the company?

Knowing the progression opportunities can help you decide whether you want to be a part of the organisation. If there are ample opportunities to develop and enhance your skill set for more advanced roles, it can help you grow as a professional. Asking this question also shows that you are not joining the company for a short stint if it provides a conducive workplace.

4. Does the company have a five-year plan?

You can get information about the company's plans, for instance, if they are planning to expand to other cities and countries. That might mean them sending some staff to those cities or countries to help commence operations in the new office. It also gives you an idea of the company's job security so you can plan your career decision accordingly. The question also shows your eagerness to understand the company's operations and its strategy in the coming years.

5. What is the working culture of the company?

The workplace culture reflects the values and beliefs of the company's management. These values are crucial for the employees and help determine the atmosphere of the workplace environment. The response can tell you what to expect when you start working for the company. Through this question, you can also understand the necessary adjustments you require to make to fit into the work culture of the company.

6. Can I get more details about my team?

The response gives you insight into the people you are going to work with and the daily, monthly, quarterly, and yearly goals you may require to achieve. In addition, you get to understand the company's structure, such as the departments, managers, supervisors and various teams within the organisation. It also reveals the department's working method, for instance, if it permits autonomy or if there is a micromanagement approach.

7. How does the company measure employees' performance?

Different companies have methods for measuring their employees' performance, which depends on the company type. For example, a customer service-centred company might measure through reviews from customers, sales might measure through sales numbers, while a manufacturing company might measure the number of materials produced within a stipulated time. Understanding the key performance indicators (KPIs) of the role and how often they measure them can help you focus on the vital part of the job to improve productivity and achieve success in the position for which you are applying.

50 Other Questions To Ask An Interviewer

Some more interview questions to ask the recruiter include:

Do you have specific qualities you look for in a candidate?
What are the challenges encountered in this job?
Aside from what was in the job advert, are there other responsibilities expected of me?
What is a typical day in this position?
Is it mandatory for employees to work overtime?
How much travel does this position involve?
Is there a performance evaluation within the first 30 days of the job?
Is relocation a possibility?
Who do I report to in the department?
What is the total number of people working in the department?
Can I meet the departmental supervisor before accepting this position?
What are the company's values?
Is there a specific management style the company adopts?
Is there an onboarding policy for new hires?
What's the company's reward system for performing employees?
Does the company organise hangouts for team bonding?
When did the last team event happen?
Is there an office tradition that every employee knows?
Is celebrating birthdays or other anniversaries allowed in the company?
Do the company allow joint events with other companies?
What is the most enjoyable activity while working in the company?
Do you enjoy working in this company?
What is the best aspect of your job?
Do you think there is an improvement the management is yet to consider?
What personal attributes do you think an employee can possess to excel in this job?
Is this a newly created position, or has it existed for long?
Can you tell me why the former employee holding this position left?
What are the prospects for career advancement in this position?
What are the factors used for considering an employee for promotion?
Does the company offer employees opportunities to enrol in professional programmes with all expenses paid?
Does the company prioritise regular training of employees?
What training programmes are available to employees in this department?
How often is there a change in the company's management?
Do you require further clarification on my qualifications?
When can I expect to hear from you?
Do you have samples of the type of project I'd be working on in this position?
Who is your ideal candidate?
What are the essential skills and experience you expect from a candidate?
What are the biggest challenges attached to this position?
Is there a possibility of responsibility changes after the first six months of this job?
Are there opportunities for high performing employees to represent the company at conferences?
Is there a general performance review process in the company?
Is the performance review weekly, monthly or quarterly?
What are the performance expectations of the role within the first six months of the job?
Are their metrics used for evaluating performance?
How long have you worked in this position? Have you had a constant promotion?
Are there new products the company is looking forward to launching?
What are the current goals of the company? Are there plans in place to achieve them?
What are the next steps in the interview process?
Is there any information necessary to move forward with this process?

Related: How To Crack A Job Interview

What To Avoid Asking During An Interview

Here are some tips to help you understand what you require to avoid asking during an interview:

It is okay asking about the benefits of working in the organisation, but it is advisable to avoid asking too many questions about it.
Avoid questions with available answers on the company's website, so it does not seem like you did not research before the interview.
Listen intently to questions asked and answered during the interview, so you do not ask them again to ensure you are attentive and create a positive impression on the recruiting manager.
Choose open-ended questions that lead to a conversation between you and the recruiter.
Avoid asking personal questions.