Candidates prepare for interviews in diverse ways, depending on the knowledge and resources at their disposal. However, one of the aspects that job-seeking candidates rarely consider is knowing the right questions to ask in an interview. Asking questions when being interviewed is important for many reasons.
First, it provides more clarity beyond the written job description and company culture. You will be able to understand the true demands and expectations of the job you’re applying for.
Also, it highlights your interest in that role, proving to the interviewer that you’re properly motivated because you’ve researched the role and the organization.

In this article, we briefly discuss 15 smart questions to ask in an interview. We have also explained these questions to help you understand how they give you an edge over other candidates.
10 smart questions to ask in an interview about the role
If you are about to attend an interview, showing that you’re interested in learning more about the role is crucial, making you a wise and enthusiastic candidate. Here are some questions to ask in an interview
1. Can you share more details about the role?
This question shows that you’re interested in learning more about the role beyond what was provided in the job description. It allows the interviewer to provide more details so you can know what to expect if you get hired.
When the interviewer answers this question, listen attentively to their response and evaluate whether you see yourself working in that role.
2. How is success measured in this role?
Asking this question indicates that you are ready to put in valuable work and not just be an onlooker. All roles do not have the same metrics for measuring success, so it is important to have a specific view of how the organization measures success for the role you’re applying for.
3. What are the key challenges the department has been facing?
Hiring managers are mostly interested in hiring candidates who are potential problem solvers. Therefore, it is important to let them know you’re interested in knowing more about their challenges and how you can help. You can take a step further by providing possible solutions to these problems to impress the interviewer.
4. What are the tools and resources commonly used in this role?
Knowing more about the technologies, software, and tools needed to succeed in the role is crucial. While you may not know how to use all the tools, this knowledge prepares you for what to expect if you get hired.
5. Is this a new role or am I filling someone’s position?
This question can help you determine if the team or organization is toxic or if candidates are not meeting the role expectations. If you are filling a vacant position, you might be expected to perform better than the previous employee.
Also, if it is a new role, filling the position allows you to prove your worth and expertise to the organization. Therefore, asking this question lets you reassure the hiring manager of what they will gain from hiring you.
6. How does this role contribute to the organization’s goals and objectives?
Asking about the company’s goals and objectives enables you to acquire more insights into the strategic importance of the role.
You will understand how the role aligns with the company’s mission and vision. Therefore, you should expect to hear from the hiring manager about how the role contributes to the company’s success.
7. What are the key skills or qualities you need in the ideal candidate for this role?
Knowing more about a role’s crucial skills or qualities helps you better understand the valued competencies for that position. This information equips you with insights on tailoring your answers during the interview, allowing you to highlight your skills and expertise.
8. What are my immediate priorities when I begin this role?
This question highlights your zeal to contribute to the company positively and your dedication to understanding the crucial responsibilities of the role.
The response to this question is supposed to provide more clarity on the expectations for the first few days or weeks, allowing you to align your focus with the organization’s immediate needs.
9. What does the benefits package include?
When you ask this question, it shows your genuine consideration for your well-being. Gaining insight into the benefits package shows the organization’s commitment to the employee’s welfare. Learning about these details can notably impact your job satisfaction.
10. Does the organization provide resources for growth in this role?
Asking this question signifies your long-term dedication to professional growth and development within the organization.
When you ask this question, you will learn more about the organization’s commitment and investment in employee development. This may include mentorship opportunities, financial support for education, training programs, etc. Some hiring managers may find this appealing when candidates ask questions about this during their interview.
10 smart questions to ask in an interview about the company
Do you want to make an impression at your next interview, here are some questions to help you understand more about the company. Asking the right questions to ask in an interview can show your potential employer that you are an ideal fit for the position.
1. Can you describe the company culture?
When asking about the company culture, it is vital to understand the workplace in-depth. You can ask about their core values, communication style, team dynamics, etc.
While some of this information might be available online, the interviewer’s response provides more clarity, and it will help you decide if the company is a great place to work.
2. How does the company handle employees’ concerns?
This question helps you understand how well the organization caters to its employees. Asking this question tells the hiring manager you appreciate support and open communication.
Seek more information on the available channels for employees to give feedback. Learning how the company handles conflict resolution within and across teams is vital.
3. Does your company prioritize DEI(Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)?
Asking about an organization’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion shows the hiring manager that you value a workplace that prioritizes these initiatives.
It allows you to understand how the company handles these issues, helping you assess if you will feel supported and comfortable. These questions also help to hold the hiring manager and the organization accountable for their commitment to these concepts.
4. What are the company’s short-term and long-term goals?
Knowing the organization’s goals is vital for future planning and strategic alignment. This question helps you assess if your ambitions and skills align with the company’s strategic direction.
You can also have an idea of the company’s growth potential, and stability and better understand what is expected from you in helping the organization succeed.
5. How well do teams get along?
This question aims to highlight the team dynamics and the overall workplace culture. When you ask this question, you will gain more understanding of the collaborative structure of the company.
It provides enlightenment into the relationships among team members, which is vital for an effective work environment.
6. Does the company offer flexible work programs?
This question helps you understand if the company prioritizes the budding importance of work flexibility. It also helps you understand if the company is in touch with modern trends.
Asking about flexible work programs shows the hiring manager that you’re interested in achieving a healthy work-life balance.
7. What is the organization’s approach to work-life balance?
When you ask this question, it shows your interest in learning about the company’s philosophy and how they balance personal and professional life. This question provides more insight into the organisation’s dedication to the well-being of its employees.
The interviewer’s response will provide more clarity on practices, policies, and their overall work culture.
8. How does the company manage vacation time and sick leave for its employees?
This question helps you understand the organization’s structure for its employee’s well-being and its ideals for time off. Asking this essential question helps you verify if the company is dedicated to a healthy work-life balance or not.
9. Can you explain the onboarding process for new hires?
If you want to learn more about how a company incorporates new hires into its systems and operations, this is the ideal question to ask in your next interview. This question helps you learn more about mentorship opportunities, orientation programs, etc.
Learning more about the onboarding process provides a seamless transition and shows the company’s commitment to employee engagement and development.
10. How does the company stay ahead of competition and industry trends?
To learn more about the organization’s dedication to adaptability and innovation, you need to ask this question. This question shows the interviewer that you are interested in the company’s long-term success and strategic positioning. Listening to the interviewer’s response helps you understand how the organization embraces change and predicts industry shifts.