40 Interview Questions To Ask About a Company

Meeting with a potential employer allows you to showcase your skills and experience and allows you to ask questions about the position or company. Asking questions during an interview can help distinguish you from other candidates and shows the interviewer that you're genuinely interested in the role you're interviewing for. In this article, we explain why it's important to ask employers questions during an interview and list some interview questions about a company that you can consider for your next interview.

Why is it important to ask questions during an interview?

It's important to ask questions during an interview because it shows hiring managers how interested you are in the role. You can also use these questions to position yourself as an engaged and suitable candidate. Asking relevant questions shows you've researched the company and have a genuine interest in the role.

To prepare insightful questions for your interviewer, consider what you'd like to know about the company culture. You can also ask follow-up questions about something you noticed in the job description. Focus on questions that can help you make a good impression and make the interviewer want to invite you to the second round of interviews or offer you the role. For example, you can ask follow-up questions based on what the interviewer talked about during the meeting, which also helps you exhibit your active listening skills.

Related:

• Answer to Interview Question: "Do You Have Any Questions?"

• How to Prepare for a Job Interview

• 11 Smart Questions to Ask a CEO for Career Development

40 interview questions to ask about a company

Interview questions about a company can be general or focus on specific aspects of the organization. For example, you can ask about its position in the market, its approach to rewarding employees, or the interviewer's opinion about working there. Here are 40 valuable questions you can ask in a job interview:

General interview questions about the company

An interview is an excellent opportunity to determine whether the company culture aligns with your values and career goals. Finding out your compatibility is useful if you're interviewing with other prospective employers, as it can help you decide which job offer to accept. Asking these types of questions can also show the interviewer that you're truly interested in the company and want to become a part of their community. Consider asking them these general questions:

• What are the most notable internal challenges the company is currently facing?

• What are the company's leading products or services?

• What training does the company provide for new employees?

• What are the company's core values?

• Is the company planning to enter any new markets in the coming years?

Interview questions about the industry

Questions about the industry in which the company operates are especially useful if you're changing careers or entering the workforce for the first time. They enable you to better understand what distinguishes the company from its competitors. Consider asking your interviewer some of these questions if you'd like to know more about the company's place in the industry:

• Who are the company's biggest competitors?

• What sets this company apart in the industry?

• How do market and industry changes influence this company?

• What are some industry conferences that employees regularly attend?

• How does the company plan to revolutionize the industry?

Interview questions about the role at the company

Asking questions about the position you're interviewing for shows that you're interested in the role. The interviewer's answers can give you valuable details you may not find in the job description. Be sure to ask about aspects of the job that the interviewer hasn't talked about yet to show you've done some research. You can also politely ask them to elaborate on the information in the job description. Here are some example questions that can help you better understand the position:

• What does onboarding look like for this role?

• What is a typical day in this position?

• What skills are you looking for in the best candidate for this role?

• The job description says this is a new position. Would I be the first person to take up this role?

• Why did the previous employee leave this role?

• Are there opportunities for career development in this role?

Interview questions about professional development

Questions about professional development can help you understand the opportunities for growth within the company. Asking these kinds of questions is a great way of showing the interviewer that you're not only interested in the position but also want to invest in your career. Employers value proactive and ambitious candidates because their professional advancements help the company grow. Ask these questions to know more about how the company encourages professional development:

• Are employees encouraged to represent the company at industry events?

• How are employees recognized for their successes?

• What training can I expect after onboarding?

• Does the company offer internal mentorship programs?

• Does the company offer support for employees pursuing advanced degrees?

Interview questions about the team

If you enjoy working within a team, it's typically a good idea to learn more about whom you'd be working with to ensure you're a good fit. Asking questions about the team you'll be working with allows you to learn more about the company structure and what your typical day at work may look like. The interviewer's responses to these questions can also show you some of your potential coworkers' most important personality traits or strengths. Here are some questions about the team that you can ask:

• How many people are on the team?

• Who would I report to in this role?

• What other departments does this team closely work with?

• What are the team's current strengths and weaknesses?

• Do you expect to hire more people to work as part of this team in the next six months?

Interview questions about company performance reviews

Reviewing employees' performance is standard practice in most industries and companies. It helps the company test your qualifications for the role and shows you which skills you can improve to advance your career. To better prepare for your new role, you can ask the interviewer about the company's standard employee assessment practices. Their response can also give you an idea of the most important duties and responsibilities to focus on during your first few weeks at the company. Here are some performance review questions you can ask in an interview:

• How is success measured in this role?

• How often is employee performance reviewed?

• Which metrics might my supervisors use to measure my performance?

• What are the most important tasks you'd like to see someone accomplish in this role in the first month, quarter, and year?

Interview questions about what to expect after an interview

Consider asking your interviewer about what you can expect after the interview. This is especially important if you're interviewing with more than one company. Knowing when they plan on reaching out to you after the meeting can help you organize your schedule and plan when to give your current employer your two weeks' notice. Here are some example questions you can ask at the very end of your interview:

• What are the next steps in the recruitment process?

• What can I expect after this interview?

• Is there any additional information the company needs from me?

• Do you have any concerns about my experience or performance so far?

• When can I expect to hear from you about your decision?

Questions about the interviewer's experience at the company

Asking questions about the interviewer's own experience at the company can help you build a relationship with them. To leave a great impression, you can ask about their background with the company. You can also try to identify if they're someone with whom you might work closely in your role. Expressing interest in their experience can make them more comfortable, and as a result, they may open up and tell you more about the company culture. Their responses can then give you additional insight into the typical experience of someone who already works there.

Here are some common questions about the interviewer's experience that you can ask them:

• How long have you worked for this company?

• How has the company culture changed since you started?

• What would you change about the current company culture?

• What's one thing you love about working here?

• How would you describe the company's approach to employee satisfaction?

Related:

• 15 Remote Interview Tips to Make a Positive Impression

• 15 Best Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview

• How to Follow Up on a Job Application (With Email Template and Examples)