Questions to ask your Interviewer
Interviews aren't just for interviewers. They're your chance to assess if a company aligns with your ambitions and values.
Culture: Are We on the Same Page?
Probe beyond mission statements. Understand the how and why.
Collaboration & Team: “How does the [Your Team] typically interact with [A Related Team, e.g., Product/Sales]? Can you give an example of a recent cross-functional win or challenge?”
Example (SaaS Product Manager): “What’s the process for a PM to get engineering resources for a new feature, and how much autonomy do PMs have in defining the solution?”
Management Style: “How does leadership handle constructive disagreement or pivot decisions based on team feedback?”
Example (Tech Lead): “Your company promotes rapid iteration. How does that philosophy balance with ensuring code quality and managing technical debt?”
Values in Action: “Beyond what’s on the website, what’s a company tradition or recent decision that genuinely reflects your core values?”
Example (Healthcare Analyst): “I’m interested in your patient-first approach. Can you share a recent decision where patient experience was prioritized over a potentially faster or cheaper alternative?”
2. Role & Growth: Where Do I Fit, Where Can I Grow?
Show you’re invested in long-term success, not just a paycheck.
Immediate Success: “If I excel in this role, what specific achievements would I have accomplished within my first six months?”
Example (Marketing Specialist): “For this digital marketing role, what would be considered a successful initial campaign, and what metrics are most important?”
Professional Growth: “What does career progression look like for someone in this position, and what support (training, mentorship) is provided?”
Example (Financial Advisor): “Given the dynamic market, what opportunities are there for advisors to specialize or gain further certifications, and how is that supported?”
Role Challenges: “What are the biggest challenges or common roadblocks for someone new in this role?”
Example (UX Designer): “What are the typical hurdles in getting user research approved and integrated into the product roadmap?”
3. Vision & Trajectory: What’s Next?
Demonstrate you’re thinking strategically about the company’s future.
Future Vision: “What major organizational or product shifts do you anticipate in the next 12-18 months, and how might this role evolve?”
Example (Data Scientist): “With the increasing focus on AI, how do you see the data science team’s priorities shifting in the coming year, particularly regarding model deployment?”
Market Awareness: “How is the company responding to [A recent industry trend, competitor move, or regulatory change]?”
Example (Sales Manager): “With [Competitor X] launching a new product, what’s our strategy to maintain market share and differentiate our offering?”
Interviewer’s Experience: “What initially attracted you to this company, and what has kept you here?”
This question builds rapport and offers genuine insight.
Your questions are your power. Use them to show curiosity, strategic thinking, and a genuine desire to find a place where you can thrive and contribute