At the end of your interview, you will typically be asked if you have any questions. We encourage you to say yes and take the opportunity to learn more about the role and company you might be joining. This allows you to interview the company and determine if it feels like a good fit. Asking questions will help you learn things that may not be shared on paper, online, or in the talking points from the organization.

Below is a breakdown of questions you can ask to help you learn more about the role and company.

Learn more about the role

• What would a typical day for this role look like?
• What does success look like in this role?
• What skills do you think are the most important to succeed in this role?
• What are the opportunities for growth in this role?
• What are some of the challenges a person in this role may face?
• Can you describe the typical career path for a person in this role?

Learn more about the company

• How would you describe the culture of the company?
• What is the office environment like?
• What are the most important company values?
• What are the biggest goals for the company?
• How has the company changed over the last few years?

Learn about the team/department you might join

• What are the goals for this team for the near future?
• How does this team contribute to the company goals?
• What is a current project this department/team is working on?
• What makes this department/team unique?
• Do the managers encourage innovation and creativity, or is there a set process?

Learn about the interviewer’s experience

• What do you like the most about working at this company?
• What is the best part of your job?
• What teams do you work closely with?
• What characteristics do you possess that have made you successful with this company?
• What does your work-life balance look like?

Learn about performance evaluation

• How do managers measure success for employees?
• What is the performance review process like?
• What metrics or goals are used to evaluate performance?

Learn about professional development and future opportunities

• What professional development opportunities are available and how frequently?
• Does the company encourage employees to purse advanced degrees?
• Are there training programs available to employees?
• What are the advancement opportunities for this role?

Learn about the company culture

• How does the company promote diversity and inclusion?
• What support, initiatives, and/or training around diversity and inclusion are available to employees?
• What is the company’s relationship with the local community?

Learn about the next steps

• Can you share where the interview process will go from here and share your anticipated timeline?
• Is there anything else I can share with you that would be helpful in making a decision?
• Can I answer any final questions?

Remember to ask questions during your interview to help you learn more about the role and the company.

Visit Ascend’s Job Seeker Resources page to learn more about these strategies and other helpful tips.