15+ Smart Questions to Ask at the End of a Job Interview
- Alessa Hickman
- Nov 7
- 8 min read
Getting an interview is exciting! It means your resume and experience stood out enough for the company to want to learn about you beyond the page.
A job interview is your chance to make a strong impression, so how you prepare for the interview is just as important as what you ask. When you get to the end of the conversation and the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?” — always say yes with a few ideas in mind!
The right questions can help you stand out, show that you’ve done your research, and leave the interviewer with a positive, long-lasting impression. The key is asking intentional questions that make hiring managers picture you in the role, spark genuine conversation, and help you learn if the job aligns with your goals and work style.
In this post, I’m sharing over 15 smart questions to ask at the end of a job interview, and why each one matters. Remember: interviews are a two-way street, so use your time wisely to get the insight and confidence you need to make the best decision.
15 Questions to Ask in an Interview
For even more interview guidance and 40 unique questions to ask, grab my Job Interview Prep Guide — it’s a step-by-step walkthrough of everything to do before, during, and after your interview, plus sample Q&As, practical tips, and easy-to-use templates!
1. What would a typical day look like for me here?
Asking about the day-to-day lets you in on what life in the role actually looks like — the pace, projects, and how work flows. It also naturally encourages the interviewer to picture you doing the job, which helps you stay top-of-mind after the interview. You’ll get a sense of priorities, structure, and whether the role’s rhythm matches your energy and work preferences.
Bonus questions to ask:
"What does a normal work week look like here?"
“Could you walk me through a typical shift or day on the team?”
2. Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?
The team you’ll work with day-to-day can shape your entire experience. This question helps you understand who you’ll collaborate with or report to, how communication happens, and whether teamwork or independence is the norm. It’s also a great way to find out if the team’s workstyle is a good fit for you.
Bonus questions to ask:
“How does the team usually communicate? Slack, meetings, email?”
“What’s the onboarding process like for new team members?”
3. What’s your favourite part about working here?
This question invites your interviewer to share something personal and positive. People naturally light up when talking about what they enjoy, and that good energy can reflect back on you (a subtle use of the “halo effect”).
You’ll also get a feel for what keeps people motivated and what the company values from someone who experiences it every day. Maybe it’s the teamwork, the learning opportunities, or the job's flexibility. Asking this is an easy, human way to connect and learn what makes employees love working there — or why they don't!
Tip: Watch and listen for the interviewer's tone and body language. Enthusiasm (or hesitation) tells you a lot about what it’s really like to work there.
4. Is remote or hybrid work an option?
If flexibility matters to you, this is a must-ask. Some jobs are technically in-person, but allow a few remote days or flexible scheduling. Asking about this early helps set clear expectations and opens the door to talk about how work gets done.
Bonus follow-ups:
“Are there specific days when the team usually works in person?”
"Do employees ever work asynchronously?"
“Do you offer flexible start or end times?”
Tip: If online work is your priority, make sure you develop the remote work skills that stay in demand and help you thrive in any setup!
5. What’s the policy for taking time off or vacation?
Understanding a company’s time-off policy helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises. It also gives you a sense of how the company prioritizes work-life balance. Even little things, like flexible hours or a 4-day workweek, can tell you a lot about how much the company values rest and personal time.
Tip: The way leaders talk about taking time off can show how much employee well-being is respected. Notice if taking breaks feels supported or like something you have to justify.
Bonus policy questions:
“How does the company handle mental health days or sick time?”
“Is there flexibility for personal appointments or unexpected life events?”
6. What qualities do you think are essential for someone in this role?
This question reveals what the hiring manager really values, and what traits separate good employees from great ones. Their answer gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed and how to show up prepared.
If they mention qualities like being detail-oriented or thriving in fast-paced environments, you’ll know exactly what to emphasize in your next interview or follow-up. It also helps you gauge whether their expectations align with how you naturally like to work.
Tip: Take note of what they highlight and sprinkle those qualities into your follow-up email, second interview, or thank-you note. It shows you were paying attention and reinforces that you’re a great fit!
7. Are there core hours everyone is expected to be available?
Ask this to help clarify expectations around flexibility, collaboration, and communication. Some workplaces have fixed hours or time zones everyone aligns with (like 10 a.m.–4 p.m. ET), while others focus more on results and let employees manage their own time. Either way, knowing this helps you decide if the structure fits your routine, time zone, and lifestyle.
Bonus follow-ups:
“Are there team-wide meetings that everyone attends?”
“Is there a typical overlap window when everyone’s online/in-person?”
8. What do you value most about the team here?
This question helps you connect with the interviewer and understand what makes their team unique. Their answer reveals a lot about team culture and priorities: do they value collaboration, independence, humour, innovation?
Asking this shows you care about the people and culture you’d be joining, not just the job itself. You’ll also get a sense of whether the team and work environment would feel comfortable and inspiring.
Bonus follow-ups:
“How would you describe the team culture in a few words?”
“What do you think makes someone successful on this team?”
9. Are there regular check-ins or one-on-one meetings with managers?
If regular feedback or coaching is important to you, this question helps you understand the company’s approach to communication and mentorship. Some companies thrive on weekly one-on-ones, while others rely on simple. project-based updates.
Frequent check-ins signal a culture of support and growth, while fewer might mean more independence. Think about what kind of setup you’d thrive in — maybe you like structure and collaboration, or you might prefer the freedom to manage your own workload.
Bonus questions to ask:
“Is feedback usually shared formally or informally?”
“Do managers typically mentor or coach their teams?”
10. How do you see this role evolving over time?
Asking this question shows you’re thinking long-term and care about growth. The interviewer's answer helps you find out if there’s room to move up, take on new challenges, or explore new responsibilities over time. You’ll quickly learn if this is a role the company wants to invest in or one that tends to stay static.
Note: This helps you uncover if the company actually has paths for long-term growth, or if they just want someone to fill a short-term gap.
Bonus follow-ups:
“What career paths have others who started in this role taken?”
“Are there opportunities to take on new projects or responsibilities?”
11. What are the biggest challenges I might face in this role?
This is one of the most underrated questions you can ask! It shows that you’re realistic, proactive, and not afraid to tackle tough situations. Plus, the interviewer's answer helps you mentally prepare for potential challenges like tight deadlines, long days, or a steep learning curve.
It also opens the door for an honest discussion about how the company supports their employees through those challenges, which can tell you a lot about work culture and leadership.
Bonus follow-ups:
“What resources or systems are in place to help manage those challenges?”
“How do successful employees typically navigate them?”
12. Are there opportunities to collaborate across teams or projects?
If you’re multifaceted and love variety in your work, this is a great way to show you're curious and take initiative. It signals that you’re open to learning new things and want to contribute in different ways.
You’ll also find out if the workplace encourages collaboration, or if teams mainly focus on their own areas. It’s helpful to gauge if you’ll have room to explore your strengths, develop skills in new areas, and learn from other teams, especially if growth is a priority for you.
Note: Companies that encourage cross-team work usually value innovation and fresh perspectives🌱
13. What’s one thing you wish someone stepping into this role knew right away?
This is a great way to uncover the unspoken parts of the job — the little details that don’t always make it into the job description. You'll easily draw out the insider tips and advice that set you up for success from day one.
It also shows that you’re proactive about learning, humble enough to seek advice, and ready to hit the ground running.
Bonus ways to ask:
“What advice would you give to the person who gets hired for this role?”
“What do most new hires find challenging during their first few weeks?”
14. Are there opportunities for professional development?
Employers love candidates who want to improve their skills, take on new challenges, and grow with the company. Asking this question shows you're ambitious, and it helps you learn if the company invests in its people through training, mentorship, or skill development programs.
Tip: Make sure to pair your questions with curiosity about how you can contribute, too!
Bonus follow-ups:
“Do employees get to attend conferences or skill-building workshops?”
“Are there internal mentorship or training programs?”
“Are there opportunities to help train or mentor newer team members?”
15. What are the next steps in the interview process?
Asking about next steps shows you’re proactive and ready to move forward, but it also provides clarity on follow-ups, decision-making, and when to expect updates. Plus, it helps you wrap things up on a clear, confident note.
How to ask about next steps naturally:
“I really enjoyed meeting with you today! What does your hiring process look like from this point?"
“When would be a good time to check back or expect an update on the role?”
Ending Your Interview on a Strong Note✨
Asking smart questions at the end of an interview helps you stand out, have meaningful conversations, and leave a lasting final impression.
Remember: interviews are a two-way exchange! Use the questions you've read to learn about the role, connect with your interviewer, and show that you’re already thinking like part of the team.
If you want to ace your next interview and land the job, grab my Job Interview Prep Guide! It walks you step-by-step through what to do before, during, and after your interview so you can walk in prepared, communicate with confidence, and stand out effortlessly. Inside, you’ll find:
40 thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer
Sample interview Q&As you can tailor to your experience
Templates for elevator pitches, answering questions, and following up
Mindset and body language tips to help you feel calm and confident
And if you liked these tips, join my email list for more career advice, free resources, and updates — sent straight to your inbox 💌
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