If you’ve got a job interview coming up, there’s one moment that can make a huge impression, and that’s when the hiring manager asks, “Do you have any questions for me?”
Most people overlook this part, but asking the right questions can be what sets you apart. Why? Because great questions do three things:
- Make you stand out as a thoughtful, prepared candidate.
- Help you gather intel to perform better in future rounds.
- Shift the tone from “please hire me” to “let’s see if this is a fit.”
If you’ve been wondering what to ask to stand out and leave a lasting impression, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’re sharing 7 of the best questions to ask in a job interview, so you’re not caught off guard and can confidently finish strong.
This is Part 5 of our interview prep series, where we walk you through what it really takes to stand out and actually land the job. If you missed the earlier parts, you can catch up here:
- Part 1 – The Job Interview Matrix Strategy
- Part 2 – How to Answer Any Interview Question
- Part 3 – How to Answer Questions About Why You Left
- Part 4 – How to Reduce Interview Anxiety
Let’s dive into the questions that make hiring managers say, “Wow, no one’s ever asked me that before!”
What to Ask the Recruiter (Before You Meet The Hiring Manager)
First, you get a call from a recruiter, and this is your warm-up. It’s not the time to ask about PTO or growth plans just yet. Instead, use this opportunity to gather behind-the-scenes context so you can tailor your answers later.
1. Why is this position open?
You can ask these following questions too:
- Is it a new role due to company growth?
- Is someone leaving?
- Was there recent restructuring?
These questions help you assess job stability and the team’s history. It can also tip you off to potential red flags or exciting opportunities. Now, sometimes the recruiter says they don’t know, and that’s okay. But if they do, it gives you a huge head start!
2. Can you tell me about the hiring manager’s leadership style and preferences?
Asking this question can reveal how they communicate, what they expect from their team, and what they value most in an employee. Use their answer to mirror language and tone during your interview with that manager.
3. What’s the general vibe of the team or department this role is part of?
You’ll start getting an early feel for the company’s culture, whether it’s collaborative or siloed, casual or structured, high-pressure or steady-paced. Remember, the interview isn’t just for them to evaluate you; it’s also your chance to assess if the role and environment are truly right for you.
Once you get answers from the recruiters, it’s time to prepare for the next step: your interview with the hiring manager.
Smart Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager
4. What’s the difference between doing a good job and a great job?
This question is GOLD! It prompts the manager to describe what excellence looks like in their own words, and their brain naturally starts associating you with those traits. This is the most powerful psychological hack in interviewing, because when you ask someone to describe what they want, they’ll start connecting that image to you.
5. What are you hoping this person accomplishes for you and your team?
This question cuts through the fluff of job descriptions and gets to the real goals behind the role. It shows you’re here to solve problems, and not just fill a seat.
6. Six months from now, how will you know you made the right hire?
This gives you a performance target before you even start. You’ll learn:
- What metrics or milestones matter most
- How they measure success
- What problems they’re hoping you’ll solve
7. What do you believe someone has to love, and what do they need to tolerate, to thrive in this role?
A great fit isn’t just about what you enjoy. It’s also about what you can handle. This question uncovers the hidden pain points of the role, the culture of the team, and their level of transparency.
Questions That Help You Win the Next Round
After the interview with the hiring manager, you’ve probably moved on to the next round. Whether you’re preparing for a panel, skills test, or presentation, ask these questions in your interview to stand out!
8. What challenges will this role likely face in the next 6-12 months?
This shows your proactive mindset and helps you prepare solutions in advance.
9. What’s already been tried to solve those challenges?
This avoids repeating failed strategies, and shows you’re the kind of candidate who listens before offering ideas.
10. If I were to be hired, what would your expectations be of me in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
Use their answer to create a tailored 30-60-90 day plan, which you can present later as a powerful follow-up. Some of our clients send a Gamma.ai slide deck with five things they’d explore if hired, and land the job because of it! It’s worth a try.
11. What upcoming projects or initiatives are you especially excited about?
Ask this to connect your skills to real, forward-looking efforts inside the company.
Questions to Learn About Management Style
Most job satisfaction comes down to who you work under. Don’t miss your chance to figure this out.
12. What practices have you put in place to empower and support your team?
Great managers can answer this easily. If they struggle… you just learned something.
13. Can you tell me about the last time you onboarded someone to this team and how you set them up for success?
This gives you insight into how thoughtful (or chaotic) their processes are.
14. When was the last time a team member proposed a new idea that you let them run with?
Perfect for creatives, innovators, or anyone tired of hearing “we’ve always done it this way.”
15. What initiatives are you most confident in? Which ones are you reconsidering?
This signals maturity and leadership. You’re not afraid to hear what’s working, or what’s not.
Questions to Ask Potential Peers
Sometimes you’ll get to meet a future teammate. And if you get the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to ask questions deeper than “so what’s the culture like?” Here are questions you can ask to assess if it’s a great company to work for:
16. What’s different about working here compared to other places you’ve worked?
A relaxed, non-threatening question that still reveals how the culture feels day-to-day.
17. I noticed you worked at [Company X] before. What made you want to make the jump here?
Make it personal. Show them you did your research. It makes people more open and honest.
Final Reminders
Here’s the trick: don’t save all your questions for the end. Candidates who stand out don’t act like passive applicants, they act like consultants. That means asking thoughtful questions throughout the interview, not just when prompted. Show that you’re not just another candidate hoping to get picked. You’re an investigator, a strategist, and someone who adds value from the very first conversation. That’s what gets you hired.
Also, remember to:
- Choose 2-3 core questions to ask at the end of the interview
- Sprinkle others in naturally throughout the conversation
- Pick questions that genuinely interest you
- Use their answers to shape future interviews
- Don’t just ask – always connect the dots to your experience
You’ve got this!
If you need more support, book a free strategy call with us here because if you avail our program, you get unlimited interview practice calls until you land the job. We’re here for you.
