Top 10 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview

A job interview isn’t just an opportunity for the employer to assess you—it’s also your chance to evaluate whether the company, role, and team align with your career goals and values and skills. Asking insightful questions demonstrates your enthusiasm, strategic thinking, and genuine interest in the position.

Here are ten smart questions to help you stand out as a well-prepared candidate and gain valuable insights into the job and organisation.

1. What skills is your team currently missing that you are hoping to resolve with a new hire?

This question allows you to uncover the key challenges the team is facing and understand how your strengths align with their needs. Listen carefully to their response and highlight relevant skills and experiences in your conversation to reinforce why you are the ideal candidate.

2. What metrics, goals, or KPIs will my performance be measured against?

Understanding how success is defined in the role helps you assess expectations and whether they align with your work style. Their answer can also provide an opportunity to share a past achievement where you exceeded similar KPIs or goals.

3. What do new employees find most surprising after joining your organisation?

This is a great way to uncover any challenges or unexpected aspects of the company culture that may not have been mentioned earlier. It can also help identify potential red flags and is a question that an interviewer might not be expecting.

4. What are the company’s current goals, and how does the team I would be joining contribute to achieving them?

This question provides insight into how your potential team fits within the broader company strategy. It can help you determine whether the team’s objectives are clear and achievable, as well as how impactful your role would be.

5. Are there any research materials or further reading or training that would help me gain a shared understanding with my potential future colleagues or the company?

This thoughtful question shows initiative and a willingness to integrate quickly. It also provides insight into the company’s culture, industry focus, and expectations for new hires.

6. If I were successful, what would be the most important thing I should aim to accomplish in my first 100 days?

This question helps clarify short-term expectations and assess whether they are realistic. It also gives you a sense of the resources, support, and training available to help you succeed.

7. Do you anticipate that the responsibilities or performance measurements for this role will change in the next 6 to 12 months?

This question can reveal potential shifts in company priorities, industry trends, or internal restructuring that could affect your role. It also helps you gauge job stability and future expectations and how quickly things change with the organisation.

8. How does the team currently support professional development, further learning and career growth?

Asking about mentorship, learning opportunities, and career progression shows your long-term interest in growing within the company. Their response will help you determine if the organisation invests in employee development and aligns with your career ambitions.

9. Where have successful employees in this role moved on to within the company?

This question provides insight into potential career progression and internal mobility. If employees in similar roles have moved into leadership or advanced positions, it indicates a strong career path within the organisation. It also shows that you have a view to the future and long term prospects.

10. Is there anything I can clarify further about my qualifications, skills or experience that I may not have covered?

This gives the interviewer an opportunity to raise any concerns or gaps they might have noticed. It also allows you to reinforce your key strengths or address any skills that weren’t fully explored earlier in the interview.

Final Thoughts

An interview is a two-way street. By asking thoughtful and strategic questions, you demonstrate confidence, preparation, and a genuine interest in the role and company. The answers you receive will help you make an informed decision about whether this opportunity is the right fit for you. Approach your interview with curiosity and confidence, and leave a lasting impression on your potential employer.  When it comes to the end of the interview it’s always best to have some questions prepared. A lack of questions may give the impression that you are not keen or have not fully prepared for the role.

If you are looking for a new role or searching for a position that aligns with your skills, why not check out our jobs page or consider registering with Blaze Staffing?