Why they ask it
CareerOneStop's interview advice says it's tempting not to ask anything. But employers can see that as a sign you're not interested, or not curious.
It's also for you. New Zealand's Tahatū says the interview is your chance to see if the job is right for you.
Good questions to ask
About the work
- "What does a typical day look like in this job?"
- "What are the biggest challenges in this role?"
- "What makes someone successful here?"
About the team and the place
- "Who would I work with most?"
- "How would you describe the culture here?"
About growth
- "How is performance measured and reviewed?"
- "What training is offered?"
About next steps
- "What are the next steps, and when can I expect to hear?"
These are adapted from official lists: the National Careers Service, Northern Ireland's guide and CareerOneStop's practice questions.
In Australia's public service, the APSC says you can ask about the expected timeframe for filling the job.
Make one question show your research
CareerOneStop gives an example:
“I read that the company is working on Project X. How would this job be involved in the Project?”
Canada's Job Bank also suggests preparing a couple of questions that show you know the company.
Questions to avoid
- Questions the ad or the interview has already answered.
- Asking only about pay, leave or perks in a first interview. Save those for later.
- Yes-or-no questions that end the conversation.
- "Did I get the job?" Ask about next steps instead.
The National Careers Service says it's important to write your questions down before the interview.
Make them fit the job ad
Pick one line from the ad and ask about it. For example: "The ad mentions a new booking system. How far along is that?"
Prepare five, in case some get answered during the interview. Then ask the best two or three.
A worked example, made up
This made-up example uses STAR: Situation, Task, Action and Result. The actions are the questions she asked.
Made-up example
Ines, a new graduate applying for a policy officer job
Question
Situation
Task
Action
- I asked how the role would help with the new housing plan I'd read about.
- I asked what the team's first big deadline would be after I started.
- I asked how performance is reviewed in the first year.
- I asked about the next steps, and when I could expect to hear.
Result
Ines's first question shows her research. The others help her decide if the job suits her, and the last one tells her what happens next.
Questions
How many questions should I ask?
Two or three is plenty. Prepare five, in case some get answered along the way.
Can I ask about salary?
Northern Ireland's guide says it's fine to ask what the salary is likely to be, if it hasn't come up. CareerOneStop suggests waiting until there's an offer.
What if all my questions were answered?
Say so, and mention one thing you heard that you liked. For example: "You've covered them, thanks. The training plan sounds great."
Can I bring my questions on paper?
Yes. Writing them down is normal, and the National Careers Service suggests it.
Sources
Written by Seal the Offer from these pages, last checked on . Rules change, so check the employer's own page and the job ad before you apply.
- Get ready to interview · CareerOneStop, US Department of Labor
- Tips for interviews · Tahatū, Tertiary Education Commission (NZ)
- How to answer common interview questions · National Careers Service (England)
- Common interview questions · nidirect, Northern Ireland Government
- Practice interview questions · CareerOneStop, US Department of Labor
- 7. The interview and other assessment: cracking the code · Australian Public Service Commission
- Preparing for an interview · Job Bank, Government of Canada
- Interview tips · National Careers Service (England)
- Negotiate Your Salary · CareerOneStop, US Department of Labor