Top 5 Questions You Should Ask the Interviewer

Top 5 Questions You Should Ask the Interviewer

Professional Growth

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Did you know that the questions you ask in an interview can be just as important as the answers you give?

When you’re sitting in a job interview, it’s easy to think it’s all about impressing the interviewer. You prepare for their questions, practice your answers, and hope to show you’re the right fit.

But here’s the thing: an interview isn’t just about them picking you—it’s also about you figuring out if the job and company are right for you. Asking smart, thoughtful questions shows you’re interested and helps you learn more about what you’re stepping into.

In this post, I’ll share the top five questions you should ask your interviewer. These questions are simple, practical, and can make a big difference in how you approach your next career move.

Why Asking Questions Matters

Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about why asking questions is so important. First, it shows you’re engaged. When you ask something meaningful, it proves you’ve done your homework and aren’t just there to nod and smile. Second, it gives you power. Instead of just reacting to what they say, you get to steer the conversation a little and dig into what matters to you. Finally, it helps you avoid surprises later. You don’t want to start a job only to realize it’s not what you expected. These five questions will help you stand out and make a decision you feel good about.

1. “What Does Success Look Like in This Role?”

Let’s start with a question that gets to the heart of the job: how do they measure success? Every company has its own way of deciding if you’re doing well. Maybe it’s hitting sales targets, finishing projects on time, or keeping customers happy. By asking this, you’re showing you care about doing a great job—and you’re also getting a clear picture of what they expect.

For example, if you’re interviewing for a marketing role, success might mean growing their social media followers by 20% in six months. Or if it’s a customer service job, it might be solving 95% of complaints on the first call. Knowing this upfront helps you decide if their goals match your skills and work style. Plus, it shows the interviewer you’re already thinking about how to succeed.

Why it works: This question proves you’re focused on results and gives you insight into whether the job’s demands fit you.

2. “What’s the Biggest Challenge Someone in This Role Will Face?”

No job is perfect, and every role has its hurdles. Asking about the biggest challenge tells the interviewer you’re realistic and ready to tackle tough stuff. It also gives you a sneak peek into what might stress you out or push you to grow.

Maybe the challenge is a tight budget, a fast-paced environment, or a team that’s still figuring things out. Whatever it is, hearing it straight from the interviewer helps you decide if it’s something you can handle. For instance, if they say, “You’ll need to juggle five projects at once,” and you thrive under pressure, that’s a green light. But if you prefer a slower pace, it might be a red flag.

Why it works: It shows you’re not afraid of hard work and helps you spot potential dealbreakers early.

3. “How Would You Describe the Company Culture Here?”

Company culture is a big deal. It’s about how people treat each other, how work gets done, and what the vibe feels like every day. Asking this question lets you see if you’ll fit in and enjoy showing up to work.

The interviewer might say it’s collaborative, with lots of teamwork and open communication. Or maybe it’s more independent, where people focus on their own tasks. They could mention fun perks like team lunches or a casual dress code—or warn you about long hours if that’s the norm. Listen closely to their tone, too. If they light up talking about it, that’s a good sign. If they stumble or sound unsure, it might mean the culture isn’t a strength.

Why it works: You spend a lot of time at work, so this question helps you check if the environment feels right for you.

4. “What’s the Next Step in the Hiring Process?”

This one’s short and sweet, but it’s a must-ask. It shows you’re eager to move forward and keeps you in the loop about what happens next. Interviews can feel like a waiting game, so getting clarity here saves you from wondering, “When will I hear back?”

The answer might be simple: “We’ll let you know by next Friday,” or “There’s a second round of interviews.” It could also reveal more steps, like a skills test or meeting the team. Either way, you leave the room knowing what to expect, and that’s a win. Plus, it signals to the interviewer that you’re serious about the opportunity.

Why it works: It keeps you informed and shows you’re proactive without being pushy.

5. “What Do You Like Most About Working Here?”

This question flips the script and lets the interviewer share something personal. It’s a friendly way to build a connection and get an insider’s view of the company. People love talking about what they enjoy, so you’ll likely get an honest, unscripted answer.

Maybe they’ll say they love the supportive team, the chance to work on cool projects, or even the free coffee in the break room. Whatever it is, it gives you a glimpse of the positives you might experience, too. And if they struggle to come up with something, that’s a clue—maybe the job isn’t as great as it seems.

Why it works: It’s a light, positive question that builds rapport and reveals what keeps people happy at the company.

How to Ask These Questions

Now that you’ve got the top five, here’s how to use them well. First, don’t fire them off like a checklist. Pick two or three that feel most relevant to the job or your concerns, and weave them into the conversation naturally. For example, after they explain the role, you could say, “That sounds interesting—what does success look like in this position?” Timing matters, too. Save one or two for the end when they ask, “Do you have any questions?” That’s your golden moment.

Also, listen to their answers. If they’re vague or dodge a question, ask a follow-up—like, “Could you give an example of that?” It shows you’re paying attention and want real answers. And don’t be afraid to take notes. Jotting down key points looks professional and helps you remember details when you’re weighing your options later.

What Not to Ask

While asking questions is smart, some can backfire. Avoid anything that sounds like you’re only in it for yourself, like “How soon can I get a raise?” or “How much vacation time do I get?” Those are fair to wonder about, but save them for later—after you’ve got an offer. Also, steer clear of questions you could’ve Googled, like “What does this company do?” That just shows you didn’t prepare.

Stick to questions that show curiosity and help you understand the job better. The five above strike that balance perfectly.

Putting It All Together

Let’s imagine you’re in an interview for a graphic design role. You could ask:

    • “What does success look like for a designer here—hitting deadlines or wowing clients with creativity?”
    • “What’s the biggest challenge, like tight turnarounds or picky clients?”
    • “How would you describe the culture—is it laid-back or high-energy?”
    • “What’s the next step in the hiring process?”
    • “What do you like most about working here?”

With answers to these, you’d know if the job matches your skills, style, and goals. You’d also leave the interviewer thinking, “Wow, they’re thoughtful and interested.”

Final Thoughts

Interviews can feel nerve-wracking, but asking the right questions turns them into a two-way street. You’re not just there to prove yourself—you’re there to learn if this is your next big step. The top five questions—“What does success look like?”, “What’s the biggest challenge?”, “How’s the culture?”, “What’s next?”, and “What do you like here?”—give you a solid mix of insight and confidence. They’re easy to ask, show you’re engaged, and help you make a smart choice.

Next time you’re in the hot seat, don’t just wait for their questions. Take a deep breath, smile, and ask a few of your own. You’ll walk out feeling more in control—and maybe even excited about what’s ahead. So, which of these questions will you try first?

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