What questions should you ask your interviewer?
It is thus very important, not only to say ‘yes’, but to have prepared a bank of questions in advance. If you want to have a genuine conversation with your recruiter, show off your creativity and originality, and leave a great first impression, get inspired by our list of the best questions to ask a recruiter during an interview.
Of course, it isn’t necessary to ask every question on this list; a good rule of thumb is to ask between 3-5 questions at the end of your interview.
1. Questions about the job
- What are the biggest challenges the person in this role would face?
- What personal qualities and skills are looking for in this role?
- Could you give any more precise details on the daily responsibilities in the role?
- What are you hoping me to achieve in this role?
2. Questions about the company and the sector
- What are the main specificities of the company’s culture?
- What is competitive advantage of the targeted company over other companies in the sector?
- What are the company’s current main objectives and how does my team contribute to them?
3. Questions about the organisation and the team
- How is the working atmosphere? More collaborative or autonomous?
- Who will be my manager, and what are their responsibilities? What is their seniority?
- Can you give an overview of your remote working policy?
- How will my work be evaluated?
4. Questions on training and career progression
- What is the training system after on-boarding?
- What is the general training policy?
- What are the opportunities for career progression?
- What kind of mentoring system have you put in place?
5. Questions about the recruitment process
- What are the next steps in the recruitment process?
- Do you have anything else that you would like to clarify about my career or my professional experiences?
- How many more candidates do you plan to meet?
How many questions should I ask at the end of an interview?
The ideal number of questions to ask at the end of an interview is between 3 and 5. Fewer can suggest a lack of interest, while too many may feel excessive given time constraints. Prioritise questions that are most relevant to you and that weren't already covered during the interview.
What questions should I absolutely avoid asking?
The questions you should absolutely avoid asking are those already answered in the job description, as they signal a lack of preparation. You should also steer clear of salary and benefits questions at a first interview unless the recruiter brings them up - those conversations are better suited for later stages.
Is it okay to ask about remote work or flexibility?
Yes, asking about remote work or flexibility is completely legitimate. It shows that you think concretely about how you will organise your daily work. Frame it as an informational question ("Can you give an overview of your remote working policy?") rather than a demand.
What if I can't think of any questions during the interview?
If you can't think of any questions during the interview, the best solution is to prepare them beforehand and write them down - it's perfectly fine to glance at your notes. Having a list ready ensures you won't go blank under pressure, and it demonstrates that you came prepared and take the opportunity seriously.
Should I ask questions even if the interview went really well?
Yes, you should ask questions even if the interview went really well. Doing so reinforces the positive impression you've made, shows genuine curiosity about the role and company, and helps you gather the information you need to make an informed decision if an offer comes your way.
In summary
When an interviewer asks "Do you have any questions?", declining is a missed opportunity. Candidates should prepare 3 to 5 questions in advance, covering the role's daily responsibilities and key challenges, the company's culture and competitive advantages, the team's working style and remote policy, available training and career progression paths, and finally the next steps in the recruitment process. Ending with "Do you have any final questions for me?" is also recommended to leave a strong, transparent impression.