40 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview

Interviews can be nerve-wracking. You’re trying to impress, stay composed, and remember all those rehearsed answers. But here’s a secret weapon most people overlook: smart questions.

Asking thoughtful questions during an interview not only shows you’ve done your homework, but it also helps you figure out if the role and company are the right fit for you. This is your chance to steer the conversation, demonstrate your curiosity, and leave a lasting impression.

Ready to crush your next interview? Here’s a guide to 40 smart questions you can ask, tailored to make you stand out—plus tips to adapt them to any industry or role.

Questions About the Role

Understanding the job is step one. Use these questions to dig into the responsibilities and expectations:

1. What does success look like in this role over the next three, six, and twelve months?
2. Can you describe a typical day or week in this position?
3. What challenges have others faced in this role, and how did they overcome them?
4. What tools, technologies, or processes does your team rely on to get work done?
5. How much autonomy does this role offer in decision-making?
6. Are there any immediate projects or initiatives I’d be working on?
7. How does this role interact with other departments or teams?
8. What opportunities are there for creativity and innovation in this position?

Pro Tip: Tailor these questions to the job. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, you could ask, “What campaigns have had the biggest impact here, and how does this role contribute to them?”

Questions About the Team

The people you work with can make or break your experience. These questions help you learn more about the team dynamics:

9. Who will I work most closely with, and how would you describe their working style?
10. What’s the management style of the person I’d report to?
11. Can you tell me about the team’s biggest recent success?
12. How does the team celebrate milestones or achievements?
13. What’s the balance between individual work and collaboration on this team?
14. How does the team handle disagreements or conflicting ideas?
15. Are there team-building activities or events you regularly participate in?
16. What’s the team’s biggest challenge right now?

Pro Tip: For a tech role, you might ask, “How does the team collaborate during big product launches?”

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Questions About Growth and Development

A great job isn’t just about what you do today—it’s about where it can take you.

17. What learning opportunities, like training or workshops, are available?
18. Does the company have a mentorship program or support informal mentoring?
19. What career paths have others taken after starting in this role?
20. Are there clear opportunities for internal promotions or role changes?
21. Can you share an example of someone who has grown significantly within the company?
22. How does the company support employees who want to learn new skills?
23. What would success in this role unlock for me in terms of future growth?

Questions About Company Culture

Culture fit is critical, and these questions help uncover the company’s vibe:

24. How would you describe the company’s culture in three words?
25. How does the company prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion?
26. Can you share an example of how the company has supported employees during a tough time?
27. How does the company balance work-life priorities?
28. Are there regular opportunities for employees to give feedback to leadership?
29. What’s a tradition, ritual, or company-wide event that employees look forward to?
30. How does the company celebrate success at both the individual and team levels?

Example Adaptation: If you’re applying for a remote position, try, “How does the company build a sense of community among remote workers?”

Questions About the Company’s Future

You want to join a company with a vision. These questions help you understand where they’re heading:

31. What are the company’s top priorities over the next few years?
32. How has the company adapted to recent industry changes?
33. Are there plans to expand into new markets or launch new products?
34. What’s the company’s approach to staying ahead of competitors?
35. How does this role contribute to the company’s long-term goals?
36. Can you share a recent example of how the company embraced innovation?
37. What are the biggest challenges the company is facing right now?

Pro Tip: If you’ve done your homework, reference specific company initiatives. For example, “I read about your recent expansion into Europe. How will this role support that growth?”

The Big Finish

Leave a lasting impression with a question that shows you’re confident and proactive:

38. Is there anything about my background or experience that gives you pause?
39. What are the next steps in the hiring process, and how can I prepare?
40. Do you have any advice for someone starting in this role?

Make These Questions Work for You

Here’s the thing: no two interviews are alike. That’s why these questions are flexible—tailor them to the role, industry, and company.

And don’t stop at just asking the questions—engage with their answers. If they mention a recent challenge, ask how they solved it. If they describe a team dynamic, share how you thrive in similar environments.

In Sum

Asking smart questions in a job interview isn’t just about looking prepared—it’s about showing that you’re invested in finding a job that works for both you and the employer.

So, the next time someone says, “Do you have any questions for us?” smile, take a deep breath, and dive in with confidence.

You’ve got this!