These are the questions you should be asking at the end of a job interview

Job interviews are nerve-wracking which is why preparing some key questions for the end of the interview can be a good way to keep your nerves down.

From asking about salary expectations to finding out more about organisational culture, there’s a lot you might want to know and only a short amount of time to ask.

The questions a candidate asks tells an interviewer a lot about them, their fit for the role, as well as their motivations and personality fit for the team. 

We’ve put together this list of questions to help both interviewers and interviewees prepare, ensuring you both get the most out of the interview experience.

Best questions to ask at the end of an interview 

Let’s take a look at some of the best interview questions a candidate can ask during the hiring process. 

“What are the daily responsibilities of this role?”

Asking about the daily responsibilities of the role not only shows an interviewer that you’re organised and want to be prepared, it also gives you the chance to work out if the role will suit you. 

This question will give you an insight into what skills and experience are required, and an understanding of what the employers’ expectations are – all useful information to have before the job is offered and work begins.

“What are the first projects I will work on?”

Discussing the initial projects that the successful candidate will be working on is a good way of ensuring everyone has the same expectations.

The last thing anyone wants is to arrive on their first day and discover they’re in charge of a multi-million pound project ,or that they’re picking up a project that’s been left in disarray. 

For an interviewer, this question shows that a candidate is engaged, organised and keen to get started.

“Is this a new role or will I be taking over from someone else?”

Asking this interview question shows an interviewer that a candidate is thinking about how they will fit into the team. 

If the role previously belonged to someone else then there may be incomplete projects to be picked up, or existing systems to understand. A brand new role, however, offers more initial scope to make your mark quickly. 

“What are the company training and progression opportunities?”

This is a great  question to ask at the end of the interview as it shows the interviewer that the candidate is serious about their career and their future within the organisation.

As an interviewee, it allows you to find out if the role aligns with your own future goals. It’s a great chance to bring up any specific requirements you may have in terms of progression and training too.

“Could you tell me more about the team I would be working with?”

This will allow everyone to figure out exactly where you will fit in within the existing company structure, who you will be reporting to, and who may be reporting to you.

Asking this question also gives the opportunity to talk about any previous teams you’ve worked in and how they relate to this one.

“What is the performance review process? Andow often will I be formally reviewed?”

Asking about performance reviews shows an interviewer that a candidate is serious about the role and doing it to the best of their ability.

Not only does it showcase professionalism, but it also offers insight into how employees are supported and the overall organisation culture.

“What’s your favourite thing about working here?”

Asking the interviewer a personal question like this, while still related to the role, can mean you can build up a camaraderie with them from Day One.

People love to talk about themselves and personal questions offer a unique insight into the company values and working environment that can’t be found anywhere else.

Why do interviewers ask “do you have any questions”?

Interviewers ask “do you have any questions” for a variety of reasons, mainly to find out more about the candidate and their fit for the role.

Some of the insights an interviewer may be hoping to get from asking this question are:

1. Is the candidate prepared? If you have prepared questions to ask, it already shows that you’re taking the interview seriously.
2. Are they a good fit? The questions you ask, and how you respond to the answers, will show if you would fit in well at the organisation.
3. How engaged are they with the role? Having questions to ask shows that you’re actively engaging with the interview, suggesting that you care whether or not you get the job. Something every interviewer wants to see.

Final thoughts

Interviews are daunting and if you’re unprepared then being asked “do you have any questions?” could make or break your chances of success. 

Preparing a few interview questions ahead of time will help to keep your nerves down and showcase you in the best light. Don’t overdo it, a couple of questions is plenty, and make sure you don’t ask about something that’s already been covered.

For interviewers, opening up the interview to questions allows you to see if a candidate is prepared and engaged or if they are simply going through the motions.

And for more hiring advice, take a look at our expert guide to the recruitment process. 

Check out our other guides to answering interview questions:

• How to answer ‘tell me about yourself’
• How to answer ‘why do you want to work for us?’
• How to answer ‘what are your weaknesses?’
• Illegal questions you shouldn’t be asked in an interview
• How to prepare for a job interview

Lucy Nixon - content writer

With 10 years experience in the digital marketing industry, Lucy is a content writer specialising in ecommerce, website building and all things small business. Her passion is breaking down tricky topics into digestible and engaging content for readers. She's also committed to uncovering the best platforms, tools, and strategies, researching meticulously to providing hand-on tips and advice.