Best questions to ask at the end of an interview

by Michael Cheary

The most important thing to remember is that an interview is a two way process…

You’re there to find out information about your employer as much as they’re there to find out about you – and the more details you know, the better you’ll be able to ascertain your suitability for the job. 

In other words, always be prepared for the obligatory ‘do you have any questions?’ line.

We’ve already covered some of the most common interview questions, but to avoid any embarrassing responses when it’s your turn to take the lead, here are some of the best interview questions to ask at the end of a job interview:

Why asking questions matters

Asking good questions at the end of an interview shows that:

• You’ve done your research on the company
• You’re serious about the role
• You’re thinking about how you’d fit into the team
• You’re considering your long-term career goals

Plus, the answers you get could help you decide if the job is actually right for you. Because the last thing you want is to accept an offer only to realise six months down the line that it’s not what you expected.

Job-specific questions to ask at the end of an interview

Questions that dig deeper into the specifics of the role indicate your interest in the position and what it entails. These could include:

What would my day-to-day responsibilities be?

The job description gives you an overview, but this question helps you understand what a typical day actually looks like. Are you going to be in back-to-back meetings, or will you have time to focus on independent work?

What are the biggest challenges in this role?

Every job has its challenges. Asking about them shows you’re realistic about what you’re signing up for – and that you’re ready to tackle them head-on.

How has this position evolved over the last few years?

This can tell you a lot about whether there’s room for growth in the role. If the position has expanded significantly, it might be a sign of career progression opportunities.

What are the expectations for this role in the first 30 to 90 days?

Understanding what’s expected of you early on can help you hit the ground running if you get the job. It also shows that you’re thinking ahead and planning for success.

What’s the typical career path for someone in this position?

If you’re ambitious (and let’s face it, most of us are), you’ll want to know where this role could take you. Are there opportunities for promotion? Could you move into different departments?

How does the company measure success in this role?

This helps you understand exactly what the company expects from you – and how they’ll measure your performance. You’ll get a clearer idea of what it means to ‘win’ in this job and whether your experience matches the company’s needs. Plus, you can tailor your own goals if you decide to accept the position. 

Who would I be working with most closely?

This helps you understand the team structure and who you’d need to build relationships with. It’s also useful if you want to do a bit of LinkedIn stalking before your next interview (we’ve all been there).

What training and development opportunities are available?

If you’re keen to keep learning and developing your skills, this is a must-ask question. It shows you’re invested in your professional growth – and that you’re thinking long-term.

On-the-job training: What you need to know

Company-specific questions to ask at the end of an interview

Want to show you’ve done your homework? These questions demonstrate that you’re interested in the company as a whole, not just the role:

Can you tell me more about the company culture?

Company culture can make or break your job satisfaction. This question gives you insight into whether the organisation’s values align with yours. Listen closely for values that match up with your own style of working. You might also discover what day-to-day life is like in the office, from collaborative projects to how people celebrate success.

What do you enjoy most about working here?

There’s nothing quite like getting the inside scoop from someone who actually works at the company. Their answer could reveal a lot about what it’s really like to work there. Sometimes, you’ll get a glowing review about team spirit or leadership; other times, you might hear something surprising that helps you decide if the fit is right. Plus, it gives you the chance to connect on a more personal level with your interviewer.

Where do you see the company in the next five years?

This shows you’re thinking about the bigger picture – and whether the company’s goals align with your own career ambitions. You’ll get a sense of the organisation’s stability and direction, and whether opportunities could open up for you as the company grows. It also shows the interviewer you’re considering a future there – not just a short stay.

What are the company’s current priorities?

Understanding what the business is focusing on right now can help you figure out where your role fits into the bigger picture. Their answer might give you the chance to talk about relevant skills or experience you have in those areas. It’s a great way to demonstrate that you’re ready to hit the ground running where it matters most.

How does the company support employee wellbeing?

Mental health and work-life balance are increasingly important to jobseekers. This question shows you value these aspects—and it could reveal a lot about the company’s approach to looking after its staff. Listen out for policies, programs, or just a genuine interest in employee happiness. After all, nobody wants to burn out before the probation period’s even over.

What makes your team successful?

Similar to asking about company culture, but with a focus on the specific team you’d be joining. Their answer could tell you a lot about how the team works together. You might learn about regular check-ins, creative brainstorming sessions, or a shared passion for Friday cake. Either way, you’ll get a sense of whether you’d thrive in their team dynamic.

How does the company approach professional development?

Do they offer training courses, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to attend industry events? If personal growth is important to you, this is worth asking about. You can find out if you’ll be supported in learning new skills or progressing in your career. It’s also a subtle way to show you’re ready for more responsibility down the line.

What’s the company’s approach to flexible working?

With remote and hybrid working becoming more common, it’s worth understanding the company’s stance. Do they offer flexibility, or is it strictly office-based? You’ll want to know how rigid their policies are – and whether your work-life juggle will need to include Olympic-level time management. This can help you picture your life in the role and see if it fits your needs.

Questions to avoid

Whilst asking questions is important, there are a few topics you might want to steer clear of (at least in the first interview):

What’s the salary?

Unless the interviewer brings it up, leave this conversation for later in the process. Focus on showing why you’re the right person for the job first.

How much holiday do I get?

Again, this is information you can find out later. Asking about it too early might make you seem more interested in time off than the actual role.

Can I work from home?

If flexible working is genuinely important to you, it’s worth asking – but frame it in a way that shows you’re still committed to the role. For example: ‘Does the company offer any flexible working options?’

What does the company do?

This should be obvious from your research. If you don’t know what the company does by the time you get to the interview, you probably haven’t prepared enough.

General questions to ask at the end of an interview

These questions work for almost any interview, regardless of the role or industry:

What are the next steps in the recruitment process?

This is a practical question that shows you’re keen to move forward. Plus, it means you won’t be left wondering when (or if) you’ll hear back. It can also give you a sense of the company’s organisation and how fast you can expect things to move from here. If there are any additional stages, you’ll know how to prepare. And if you don’t hear back even after asking this, here’s why they haven’t called – and how you can get feedback.

Interview thank you email template 

When can I expect to hear from you?

Similar to the above, but slightly more direct. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the interview whilst showing your enthusiasm for the role. Not only does this show you’re genuinely interested, but it helps ease post-interview anxiety because you know when to check your inbox (rather than refreshing it every 10 minutes).

Can I provide you with anything else to help your decision?

This gives you a chance to address any concerns the interviewer might have about your application – and potentially turn a weakness into a strength. It demonstrates that you’re proactive, open to feedback, and committed to making a strong impression. Plus, it might open the floor for clarification or to expand on an answer that didn’t land as well as you’d hoped.

Is this a new position or an existing one?

If it’s a new role, you might ask why it’s been created. If it’s an existing position, you could ask who you’d be replacing (and whether they moved on to bigger things within the company). Knowing this can reveal a lot about team growth, company structure, or even hint at possible career development for you in the future.

How would you describe the team dynamic?

Understanding the people you’d be working with is just as important as understanding the role itself. This question gives you insight into whether you’d fit in with the team. It also helps you figure out if the environment is collaborative, competitive, super social, or more independent – so you know if it matches your own working style.

Do you have any concerns about my application?

A bold question, but one that could pay off. It gives you the chance to address any doubts the interviewer might have before you leave. By handling objections on the spot, you show confidence and a willingness to learn or adapt—qualities any employer will appreciate.

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Frequently asked questions about end of interview questions

How many questions should I ask at the end of an interview?

Aim for two to four questions. This shows you’re engaged without taking up too much time. If the interviewer has already answered some of your questions during the conversation, don’t feel obliged to ask them again – just acknowledge that they’ve covered it.

What if the interviewer has already answered all my questions?

That’s absolutely fine. You can say something like: ‘You’ve actually covered everything I wanted to know – thank you for being so thorough.’ This shows you were paying attention throughout the interview.

Should I prepare questions in advance?

Yes. Write down a list of questions before the interview, but be flexible. You might find that some get answered naturally during the conversation, or that new questions come up based on what you discuss.

Is it OK to ask about salary at the end of an interview?

Generally, it’s best to wait until you’re further along in the process – ideally after they’ve made you an offer. If the interviewer brings it up first, that’s a different story. Otherwise, focus on demonstrating your value before discussing compensation.

What if I genuinely don’t have any questions?

Try to have at least one or two prepared. If you’re really stuck, ask about the next steps in the recruitment process. Not asking anything at all might make you seem uninterested in the role.

Can I ask about work-life balance?

Yes, but frame it carefully. Instead of asking ‘What are the working hours?’, try something like ‘Can you tell me about the company’s approach to flexible working?’ or ‘How does the team manage workload during busy periods?’

Final thoughts

Remember, an interview is your chance to find out if the role – and the company – is right for you. So don’t be afraid to ask questions. The best employers will appreciate your curiosity and see it as a sign that you’re serious about the opportunity.

And if you’re still not sure what to ask? Pick two or three questions from this list that genuinely interest you, and go from there. The key is to ask questions that matter to you – not just questions for the sake of it.

Good luck with your interview. And remember, if you’ve made it to the ‘any questions?’ stage, you’re already doing something right.

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