Good questions to ask the company during the interview process

It's interesting—when I start working with someone looking for a new position, one of my first questions is, "How are you planning to evaluate a job offer?" In many cases, they're surprised and weren't expecting a question like that. Asking the company relevant questions is crucial for collecting the information you need to make an informed decision based on criteria you set prior to starting your job search, ensuring you don't accept an offer simply on an emotional response. What’s important to you might not be important to someone else.

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By Terry Danylak

Founder @ StrategyShift • I help teams move faster, waste less, and deliver more • Lean Strategy Consulting • Delivered $100M+ in savings for enterprises.

Top candidates evolve the interview into a conversation that stays with the interviewers after the interview.

1/ How would you describe the culture here? 

How people work and interact with each other will affect your performance.

2/ What makes people stay in this company?

Uncover the hidden work culture signals to help you make your decision. 

3/ What does failure look like in this role? 

Learn what they think about failure and whether they prioritize learning from it. 

4/ What is this team's communication style?

Figure out whether you will fit in easily with your future colleagues and boss. 

5/ What are the weekly success metrics for this position?

Every high-performing team tracks metrics to help them improve over time. 

6/ Is there someone who’s left this role before, and why? 

Uncover potential turnover problems that could lead to your future exit.

7/ What do the first 90 days look like?

Show them that you are looking forward to getting started. 

8/ How does the company support learning?

It is crucial to know if they offer continuing education opportunities. 

9/ Describe this company’s culture in three words.

Use it to extract the true values that underpin the work culture there. 

10/ What's a typical career progression in this role?

Figure out if there is a future for you here, beyond this role. 

11/ What do you value most in your team members?

Get insight into everyone’s work style and the qualities they prefer. 

12/ What skills would help me excel in this role? 

Learn the key factors that could help you be a success here.

13/ What is the company’s biggest goal this year?

Discover the main goal the company is dedicating all its resources to. 

14/ What concerns do you have about me and my skills?

Address any objections and doubts early on in the interview process.

15/ What’s the next step? When can I expect to hear back?

Close the interview by identifying next steps and inviting them to call you back. 

✨ Asking questions is as much about standing out as it is about finding out if this is the right job for you.