Ask Smart Questions
Eighteen easy tips to ask smart questions at the end, so you show interest and learn what you need.
Questions show care. Ask what matters to you.
25 tips that really help
These ideas come from Knock ’Em Dead (Martin Yate), Power Questions (Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas), Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why ask questions
Interviews go both ways. Good questions show curiosity and help you check if the job fits you.
Prepare some.
Write five before you go
Prepare more than you need. Some will be answered during the talk.
Write five.
Ask about success
What does success look like in the first six months? It shows you aim to do well.
Ask it.
Ask about the team
How does the team work together? It shows you care about people.
Ask it.
Ask about growth
How do people grow in this role? It shows you want to learn.
Ask it.
Ask what they enjoy
What do you like most about working here? It makes the chat warm.
Ask it.
Ask about next steps
When will you decide, and what happens next? It shows you are organised.
Ask it.
Listen and take notes
Write the answers. Notes help you compare jobs.
Take notes.
Script: success
What does success look like in the first six months? Say it clearly.
Use it.
Script: culture
What do you enjoy most about working here? Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: next steps
What are the next steps, and when may I expect to hear from you? Say it politely.
Use it.
Mistake: asking about pay only
It looks narrow, so ask about people and growth too.
Ask more.
Mistake: asking things on the website
It shows no research, so go deeper.
Ask deeper.
Troubleshoot: when they already answered your questions
Say, you covered most of my questions, may I ask about the team? Adapt.
Adapt.
Troubleshoot: when you blank
Look at your notes, so keep a short list.
Use notes.
Ask about challenges
What is the hardest part of this role? It shows you are ready.
Ask it.
Ask about training
How do new people learn the job? It shows you want to grow.
Ask it.
Example: the team question
Could you describe a typical day in the team? Interviewer shared a lively story.
Ask it.
Example: the growth question
What does growth look like for someone in this role? It led to a warm talk.
Ask it.
Troubleshoot: when the interviewer rushes
Ask one short question and thank them.
Keep it short.
Ask who you would work with every day
Understanding your future colleagues helps you decide if the job feels right, and it shows genuine curiosity.
Ask it.
Ask what a great first month looks like
The answer tells you how to start well and shows the interviewer that you want to succeed quickly.
Ask it.
Ask what they hope the next person will fix
This question reveals the real needs of the role and gives you a chance to explain how you can help.
Ask it.
Ask how the team handles disagreements
The answer shows you the culture and whether people feel safe to share honest views at work.
Ask it.
Bring your questions on paper
It is perfectly fine to read from a short list, and it shows that you prepared and care about the role.
Print your list.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“What does success look like here?”
“How does the team work together?”
“How do people grow in this role?”
“What do you enjoy most?”
“What are the next steps?”
“Thank you for your time.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Write five questions
Pick three
Ask kindly
Listen
Take notes
Ask about next steps
Thank them
Further reading
- Knock ’Em Dead (Martin Yate)
- Power Questions (Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas)
- Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Acing Job Interviews”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Answer Salary Questions CalmlyNext: Send a Thank-You Note →
- Research the Company
- Prepare Three Stories
- Practise Common Questions
- Calm Your Nerves Before You Go In
- Make a Strong First Impression
- Answer Clearly and Kindly
- Answer "Tell Me About Yourself"
- Answer Weakness and Failure Questions
- Answer Salary Questions Calmly
- Ask Smart Questions
- Send a Thank-You Note
- Learn From Every Interview
