"Do you have any questions for us?"

Most candidates say yes and then ask something generic. "What does a typical day look like?" or "What's the culture like?" These are fine — but they're forgettable. They don't differentiate you.

Practice answering the questions they'll ask you first.

Try Interview Prep Free →AI generates the exact questions you'll face for this role

Here are the questions that actually serve you — both by getting information you need and by leaving an impression worth having.

QUESTIONS THAT GET YOU REAL INFORMATION

"What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?"

This tells you what they actually need, not what the job description says they want. The gap between those two things is often significant. It also signals that you're already thinking about delivering results.

"What are the biggest challenges someone in this role typically faces?"

If they can't answer this, or give you only positive framing, that tells you something. If they give you a real answer, you learn what you're walking into — and you can address it before you leave.

"How does this team make decisions? What does collaboration look like day-to-day?"

This surfaces team dynamics, autonomy levels, and management style in a way that "what's the culture like?" never will.

QUESTIONS THAT MAKE YOU MEMORABLE

"Is there anything about my background that gives you pause that I could address?"

This one takes confidence. But it gives you an opportunity to handle an objection before it becomes a silent reason to pass on you. Most interviewers will appreciate the directness.

"What made the person who had this role before successful?"

Or if it's a new role: "What made you decide to create this position?" These questions show you're thinking about fit and context, not just whether you technically qualify.

WHAT NOT TO ASK IN A FIRST INTERVIEW

Anything about compensation, benefits, or time off in a first round — unless they bring it up. Questions about things easily found on their website. Anything that suggests you haven't done basic research. Save the practical questions for later stages when an offer is on the table.

FIRST, MAKE SURE YOU GET TO THE INTERVIEW

Great questions only matter if you get the interview. Scan your resume to make sure it is clearing ATS filters for the roles you want.

Scan My Resume Free →

← Back to Blog