How to Answer, "Do You Have Any Questions for Us"?

You’ve made it through most of your job interview, you’ve talked about your skills, experiences, and why you’re a great fit for the job… Then comes the question: “Do you have any questions for us?”

This part of the interview is just as important as the rest! It shows you’re interested in the role and the company.

Here’s how to tackle it like a pro.

Why You Should Ask Questions

First, asking questions shows that you’ve done your homework. It proves you’re genuinely interested in the company and the position. Plus, it helps you learn more about the job and decide if it’s the right fit for you. Remember, an interview is a two-way street.

Preparation

Prepare for the Interview Itself: Review your resume and cover letter, prepare for other common interview questions, and dress for success (professionally and comfortably, whatever is appropriate to the role). We also have another quick article for you to read that has an additional 9 tips and tricks to help you in “Preparing for Your Interview”.
Research the Company: Look at the company’s website and social media to understand their culture, size, competitors, and goals. Write down questions that come to mind.
Review the Job Description: Note any missing details you’d like to know, such as work hours, duties, and performance measures.
List and Prioritize Questions: Write down your questions and rank them by importance. You’ll likely only have time for three, so choose the most crucial ones and practice asking them.

How to Answer, “Do You Have Any Questions for Us?”

Respond confidently by saying “Yes” and ask your most important question first. Keep your questions open-ended, (i.e., avoid “yes” or “no” questions), to encourage discussion. Show interest in the responses, maintain eye contact, and take notes if needed and if it is helpful.

Example Questions to Ask

When thinking of questions, keep them open-ended and focus on three main areas: the role, the company culture, and future opportunities. Here are some examples to get you started:**

1. About the Role:

What are the main responsibilities and priorities for this position?
What does a typical day or week look like in this role?
What are the biggest challenges someone in this position would face?
What are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?
How do you measure success in this position?

2. About the Organization:

What are the company’s objectives this year?
How would you describe the company or team culture?
What do most people enjoy about working here?
What are some of the company’s biggest challenges right now?

3. About Career Development:

What opportunities are there for career growth and advancement within the company?
How does the company support ongoing training and development?
What would a typical path to leadership look like?
How do you see the company evolving over the next five years?
What are some of the next steps in the hiring process?

**(Don’t stress, we’ve made this list of example questions available to download in the Resources section at the end of this article… plus we’ll include the links to all the extra resources in the same download, so you don’t have to look far! Yep, we’re pretty cool).

What Not to Ask

Avoid questions about salary and benefits in the initial interview unless the interviewer brings it up with you. Also, steer clear of questions that can be easily answered by looking at the company’s website, or by another quick Google search. Show the interviewer that you’ve done your research! This is important as it shows them that you’re interested and willing to take the initiative to learn.

FAQs

Is it okay to bring a prepared list of questions?

It’s better to memorize and select your top three questions, but you can refer to notes if needed.

What if the interviewer has already answered my questions?

Ask for more details on those topics or improvise new questions based on the conversation.

How many questions should I ask?

Aim for two to three open-ended questions to encourage discussion.

What if I can’t think of any questions to ask?

Prepare a variety beforehand. If stuck, ask about the interviewer’s experience with the company.

Is it okay to ask about the next steps in the hiring process?

Yes, it shows you’re interested. Ask about the timeline and what to expect moving forward.

Preparing questions for your job interview shows you’re interested and thoughtful. It helps you learn more about the role and the company and makes a strong impression on the hiring manager.

Additional resources for answering this interview question!

Forbes’ article provides insightful advice on how to effectively answer the common interview question, “Do you have any questions for me?” It offers strategies to make a positive impression and shows the importance of asking thoughtful questions.

Kootenay Employment Services has a collection of articles on various career advice topics. Plus, you can download the above example questions, and the resources listed here!

Indeed’s guide offers practical tips on responding to the interview question about questions, including examples of strong queries you can ask to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company.

The Balance provides a list of the best questions to ask in a job interview, explaining why each question is valuable and how it can help you gain deeper insights into the role and company culture.