Smart Questions to Ask the Interviewer (That Show You’re the Right Hire)

Dr. Kristy Taylor, Certified Career Coach
Oct 1
4 min read

A job interview is not just about answering questions - it is also about asking them. Thoughtful questions help you learn if the role is a good fit, while also showing the employer you are prepared, engaged, and serious about the opportunity. Many candidates forget this step and miss their chance to stand out.

If you want to make a strong impression, you need to prepare smart questions to ask the interviewer. The right questions prove that you have done your research, understand the company’s challenges, and care about aligning your skills with their needs.

This article breaks down the types of questions that impress hiring managers, why they work, and how to use them strategically in your next interview.

Why Asking Questions Matters

Shows preparation: Coming in with thoughtful questions signals that you researched the company and the role.
Demonstrates curiosity: Employers want to see genuine interest in the team, the culture, and the mission.
Reveals fit: Questions give you the chance to learn about management style, expectations, and growth potential.
Builds confidence: The right questions create a two-way conversation rather than a one-sided interrogation.

Common Mistake: Asking No Questions at All

One of the biggest interview blunders is having nothing to ask. When a hiring manager asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” and you reply, “No, I think you covered everything,” it suggests a lack of enthusiasm.

On the other hand, asking thoughtful, relevant questions makes you look prepared and confident. It shifts the conversation from a candidate evaluation to a dialogue between two professionals exploring a potential partnership.

Smart Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Here are categories of questions that can help you shine, with examples for each.

1. Questions About the Role

These show you care about the day-to-day responsibilities and want to perform well if hired.

Examples:

What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?
What are the most important skills or traits needed to succeed here?
What would success look like in the first 90 days?
What are the biggest challenges someone in this position might face?

2. Questions About the Team

Asking about the team demonstrates that you are thinking about collaboration and culture, not just your own tasks.

Examples:

Can you tell me about the team I would be working with?
How does this role interact with other departments?
What qualities do your most successful team members share?
How does the team handle challenges or conflicts?

3. Questions About Leadership and Management

Employers appreciate candidates who think about leadership style and expectations. These questions help you understand what kind of guidance and feedback to expect.

Examples:

How would you describe your leadership style?
How do you measure performance for this role?
What is your approach to giving feedback and coaching?
What do you see as the top priorities for your team this year?

4. Questions About the Company

Asking about the organization signals that you are invested in the bigger picture and not just the role.

Examples:

What are the company’s long-term goals, and how does this department contribute?
How would you describe the company’s culture?
What do you enjoy most about working here?
What are the company’s biggest challenges right now?

5. Questions About Growth and Development

Employers value candidates who want to grow. Asking about development shows ambition and commitment to long-term success.

Examples:

What learning and development opportunities are available?
How does the company support career progression?
Are there opportunities to take on stretch assignments or cross-functional projects?
What does a typical career path look like for someone in this role?

6. Questions About the Hiring Process

These show that you are serious about moving forward and help you set expectations.

Examples:

What are the next steps in the hiring process?
When do you expect to make a decision?
Is there anything else I can provide to help with your decision?

Tips for Asking Questions Strategically

Prepare in advance: Write down at least 5 to 7 questions before the interview.
Listen actively: Adjust your questions based on what the interviewer already covered.
Prioritize: Ask the most important questions first in case time runs short.
Balance: Mix questions about the role, team, and company to show a well-rounded interest.
Keep it professional: Avoid questions about salary, vacation time, or benefits in early interviews unless the interviewer brings them up.

Examples of Strong Closing Questions

If you want to leave a lasting impression, close the interview with a thoughtful question that reinforces your interest.

Examples:

What excites you most about the future of this team?
Based on our conversation, do you have any concerns about my fit for this role?
What advice would you give to someone starting in this position?

These types of closing questions show confidence, self-awareness, and genuine engagement.

Use Smart Questions to Ask the Interviewer to Stand Out

Job interviews are a two-way conversation, not a test you pass or fail. When you prepare questions to ask the interviewer, you demonstrate professionalism, curiosity, and confidence. The right questions can reveal whether the role and company align with your goals, while also showing the employer that you are thoughtful and proactive.

Instead of walking away with doubts, you leave with clarity. Instead of being seen as just another candidate, you stand out as someone who thinks ahead and invests in understanding the bigger picture.

For your next interview, commit to asking at least five smart questions. This simple shift can turn a good impression into a great on and bring you one step closer to being the right hire.

Take the Next Step: Discover Yourself Career Events

If you are ready to strengthen your interview skills and career strategy even further, join me on October 13th for our Discover Yourself Career Events.

I will be hosting three interactive workshops designed to give you practical, actionable strategies:

Transition Like a Pro: Navigating Career Change with Confidence – Learn how to pivot smoothly and highlight your transferable skills.
The LinkedIn Playbook Master Class – Build a profile that gets noticed, leverage LinkedIn’s tools, and grow a network that works for you.
P.A.C.E. Yourself – Interview Like a Pro Master Class – Master your stories, prepare smart answers, and build confidence for any interview.