Essential questions to ask (and avoid) in your next job interview

A young woman sitting in a foyer waiting for a job interview.

Image: Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock

By Taylah Berry
Educational Media Producer
UQ Student Enrichment and Employability Development

"So, do you have any questions for us?"

You’ve made it past the hard part and the end of the job interview is in sight. But before you cross the finish line, don’t brush over this last, crucial part. Despite having prepared for all the other questions an interview panel will throw at you, it's common to draw a blank on the last one: do you have any questions for us?

“No, I don’t have any questions” is exactly how NOT to respond.

To truly make an impression, consider asking thoughtful and relevant questions that showcase your eagerness and engagement with the position. Remember, the interview is a two-way street – while the employer is assessing your suitability for the role, you also have an opportunity to assess whether the company is the right fit for you. Seize this chance to gain valuable insights and clarify any doubts you may have.

Before heading to the interview, it's a smart move to prepare around 5 questions to ask your interviewer. Consider writing them down on a notepad instead of relying on your phone to avoid any distractions during the interview. Plus, you can use the notepad to take any additional notes that may come up during the conversation.

10 questions to consider asking during your next job interview

How would you describe the company culture? A healthy company culture is extremely important. Asking about the company culture can help you determine if the role is a good match for your values and working style.
What do you expect the successful candidate to achieve in the first 3–6 months? This question demonstrates that you’re thinking about how you can contribute to the company’s success. It also gives you a sense of what the company expects from you in the early stages of your employment.
What opportunities are there for professional development and advancement? Showing an interest in professional development and growth can demonstrate your ambition and willingness to learn, which many companies highly value.
Can you tell me about a time when someone in this role went above and beyond? Asking about previous successes in the role can give you insights into what’s possible and what the company values in its employees.
What are some of the most important qualities needed to succeed in this role? Asking this question shows that you’re interested in understanding the role and what it takes to succeed. It can also help you tailor your responses to better demonstrate how you meet these qualifications.
What is your favourite thing about working for this company? Asking about the interviewer’s personal experience can help build rapport and give you a sense of what it’s like to work for the company.
Can you describe the onboarding process for this role? This can give you an idea of both what to expect in your first few weeks and months on the job and the company’s expectations and goals for new hires.
Can you tell me about a recent project or initiative that the company has undertaken? Asking about recent projects and initiatives can demonstrate your interest in the company’s work. It can also help you understand the company’s priorities and goals.
What are the biggest challenges I might face in this position? This shows that you understand every role will come with challenges and you are willing to face them.
What does a typical day or week look like from someone in this position? This question shows that you are engaged, and it will give you insight into what to expect if you are successful.

Image: Drazen/Adobe Stock

Questions to avoid asking during your next job interview

While there are plenty of good questions to ask in a job interview, it's equally important to be aware of what NOT to ask. The questions you pose can reflect on your level of interest and motivation for the role.

Here are some more questions to avoid:

Never ask the interviewer any personal questions.
Avoid asking when you can start applying for other positions in the company, or how quickly you would be considered for a promotion.
Asking whether your potential employer does background checks can be seen as a red flag.
Never ask about gossip you’ve heard about the company.
Never ask if the company monitors email or internet usage.

Work environments have changed dramatically in recent years, with many workplaces offering flexible working arrangements. Asking about flexible working arrangements, such as working from home, is more acceptable now. Questions around salary are also valid but be careful how you frame the question. Don't ask about the salary if it is already clearly stated in the job advertisement. And don't ask about salary and benefits right away as it might come across as if you're solely focused on monetary gain, rather than having a genuine interest in the company and its values. It is also recommended to avoid any high-level negotiations until after you receive an offer.

Finally, avoid asking about basic information regarding the company or the position that can easily be found with a quick online search. This indicates that you didn't come prepared for the interview.

Remember, an interview is a two-way street – it’s not just about the company evaluating you, but also about you evaluating the company. Avoid questions that could be seen as disrespectful, presumptuous or self-centred. Instead, focus on asking thoughtful questions that demonstrate your enthusiasm and professionalism to increase your chances of standing out from the crowd.

Good luck!

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The UQ Careers and Employability team is committed to enhancing your employability by helping you to develop the capabilities that will make you effective in whatever work you choose to do.