"Do you have any questions for us?" is not a formality. Good questions show genuine interest, help you decide whether the job is right for you and leave a strong final impression. Here are the best questions to ask at the end of an interview, organised by goal and by type of role.
Why your questions matter
Interviewers notice when a candidate has nothing to ask; it can suggest a lack of preparation or interest. Thoughtful questions do the opposite, and the answers give you information you cannot find online.
Best questions to ask, by goal
Understand the role
- What does success look like in the first 90 days?
- What would a typical week look like in this role?
- What are the biggest challenges the person in this role will face?
Understand the team and manager
- How would you describe the team's working style?
- Who would I work with most closely?
- How do you prefer to give feedback?
Understand growth and learning
- What learning and development opportunities are available?
- Where have people in this role progressed to?
Understand the organisation
- What are the team's priorities for the next year?
- How has the team changed recently, and what is coming next?
Close the interview well
- Is there anything about my experience you would like me to clarify?
- What are the next steps in the process, and when can I expect to hear back?
Questions by type of role
| Role | Good question to ask |
|---|---|
| Sales | How are targets set, and what proportion of the team usually meets them? |
| Retail and hospitality | How are shifts scheduled, and what does training look like for new starters? |
| Teaching and teaching assistant | How do teachers and support staff collaborate on lesson planning and pupil support? |
| Healthcare | What does the induction and supervision process look like for new staff? |
| Management | What are the strengths of the current team, and where do you see the biggest development needs? |
| Technical roles | What does your development and release process look like, and how is technical debt managed? |
Questions to avoid
- Anything easily answered on the company website.
- Salary and benefits in a first interview, unless the interviewer raises them (it is fine to discuss them once there is clear mutual interest or an offer).
- "Did I get the job?" or other questions that put the interviewer on the spot.
- Questions that sound negative, such as "How strict are you about working hours?"
How many questions should you ask?
Prepare five or six and ask two or three, depending on time. Some will be answered during the interview, so listen and adapt. Writing them down in a notebook is perfectly acceptable.
Preparing for a UK or public-sector interview? Practise with our competency-based interview questions and answers.
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to ask no questions at all?
It is better to ask at least one. If all your questions were answered, say so and ask about next steps.
Can I ask about remote or hybrid working?
Yes, especially if the job ad is unclear. Frame it around how the team works: "How does the team balance office and remote days?"
Should questions differ in a final interview?
Yes. In later rounds, ask more about priorities, expectations and the team, since you will already know the basics.
Conclusion
Ask a few thoughtful, specific questions about the role, the team and next steps. They will help you stand out and help you decide whether the job is right for you. Before your interview, review our guides to the STAR method and "tell me about yourself".