10 questions to ask in a job interview

Job interviews aren’t just about proving you’re the best person for the role, they’re also your opportunity to find out whether the company is right for you. Asking thoughtful questions shows confidence, preparation, and genuine interest, and helps you avoid accepting a role that doesn’t match your goals or working style.

Here are 10 interview questions candidates should consider asking, and why they matter.

1. “What does success look like in this role within the first 6 to 12 months?”

It’s good to start with a question that’s less about what the company can offer you and more about what value you can bring. It also helps you understand expectations early and avoid surprises after you start. Plus, if you get the role, clarifying priorities and performance metrics early helps you to hit the ground running and deliver results the company truly values.

2. “How is feedback typically given?”

Feedback styles vary widely and can affect your motivation and development. Asking the question shows you’re keen to improve, and their answer should shed light on whether feedback is regular, supportive, and constructive - or infrequent and reactive. 

You may find that the way they do things isn’t ‘wrong’; it just doesn’t suit you personally. Some people need more regular and encouraging feedback while others prefer to get on with minimal input.  

3. “What opportunities are there for professional growth?”

This signals that you’re thinking beyond the first few months. Plus, if you’ve got set career goals in mind, it’s important to know if this is somewhere you can achieve them. Is there established criteria in place for progression? Does the company invest in employee development, or expect growth to be self-directed? It’s better to find out now, rather than feel frustrated further down the line. 

4. “What does a typical day or week look like in this role?”

Job descriptions rarely capture the full picture. In fact, quite often, they cover everything except the actual tasks you’ll be undertaking on a day-to-day basis. By asking this question, you’ll learn how your time will actually be spent and whether the work matches your expectations.

5. “How does the company support work-life balance?”

This question is especially important in today’s always-on work culture. The answer often reveals whether balance is genuinely supported or simply talked about. Their reaction to the question might also be quite revealing(!)

6. “What are the biggest challenges someone in this position will face?”

Every role has difficulties. Broaching the topic demonstrates a mature and realistic approach. You can then assess whether the challenges align with your skills and appetite for growth.

7. “What do people enjoy most about working here?”

This invites a more personal, authentic response. Often, how a company describes itself and how employees talk about it differs. This is a good way to discover what employees truly value - whether that’s autonomy, flexibility, purpose, or people. You could even ask the interviewer themselves how long they’ve worked there and what’s made them stay. 

8. “Why is this role open right now?”

A lot of interviewers will open by explaining how the vacancy came to light, but if they don’t, it’s worth asking the question. The answer could be something positive like company growth or internal promotion, or it might be down to underlying issues that affect your decision, such as a high staff turnover. 

9. “How would you describe the team I’d be working with?”

Work is rarely done in isolation. Asking about your potential future colleagues and how they collaborate shows you’re a team player. You’ll gain insight into team dynamics and communication norms.

10. “Are there any concerns about my experience that I can clarify?”

This is a confident way to address potential doubts head-on. It gives you a chance to resolve hesitations and shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.

Interviews are a two-way decision

Asking strong questions isn’t just about impressing the interviewer, it’s about protecting your time, energy, and career direction. The right questions help you spot red flags, confirm alignment, and choose roles where you can do your best work and grow.

Remember: a great job isn’t just one that wants you - it’s one that works for you.

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