What do you do when the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” Most job seekers spend all their prep time figuring out how to answer questions but forget that interviews are two-way streets. Asking the right questions isn’t just polite; it can change the entire tone of the conversation, make you memorable, and give you real insight into whether the job is even worth taking.
In this blogpost, we’ll unpack the questions to ask in interviews that show you’re thoughtful, strategic, and serious about the opportunity.
And if you stick around till the end, we’ll show you how to prepare like a pro and pass interviews in one sitting using Lightforth Interview Prep.
Why Your Questions Matter More Than You Think
Interviews aren’t interrogations. Think of them more as conversations. The best employers don’t just want someone who can do the job; they want someone who wants the job for the right reasons. When you ask insightful questions, you do three important things:
- Show you’ve done your homework
- Demonstrate your critical thinking
- Steer the conversation toward your strengths
It’s also your chance to evaluate them. Is this company aligned with your values? Is the team collaborative or competitive? Do they care about growth or just hitting targets?
Your questions can reveal more than the answers you give.
The Typical Questions Everyone Asks (But Don’t Move the Needle)
You’ve probably heard or asked these before:
- “What’s the culture like?”
- “What are the next steps?”
- “When do you expect to make a decision?”
These aren’t bad, but they’re surface-level. They don’t open a real conversation or show much depth. You want questions that make the hiring manager pause and think, “Now that’s a great question.”
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Better Interview Questions You Should Be Asking
Here are some strategic questions that go beyond the obvious and would make you stand out:
1. “What does success look like in this role after 6 months or a year?”
This shows you’re already thinking ahead and want to make an impact. It makes it clear to them that you are result-oriented, not just waiting to clock in and out.
2. “What are the biggest challenges someone in this role might face?”
Instead of just hearing about perks, you get real talk about pain points. It also gives you a chance to align your skills with those challenges.
3. “How does the team measure performance?”
This question signals that you care about results and accountability. It also gives you insight into how transparent and structured the company is.
4. “Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?”
People don’t leave jobs, rather, they leave managers and bad teams. Knowing the structure and dynamics helps you assess fit early.
5. “What are some recent wins the team is proud of?”
This adds a positive, forward-looking spin and gives you a peek into what the company values.
6. “If you could change one thing about how this role is currently handled, what would it be?”
This one hits deep. It shows you’re thinking about growth, improvement, and opportunities to contribute.
Ask Different People Different Questions
If you’re meeting with multiple people during an interview, don’t ask them all the same questions. Tailor your questions to their roles.
For example:
- Ask the hiring manager about performance metrics and success milestones
- Ask a peer on the team what they enjoy (or struggle with) in the day-to-day
- Ask someone from HR about professional development or benefits
You’ll come across as thoughtful and organized and you’ll get a fuller picture of the company. Which for the interviewer, shows your passion and attention to details.
What Not to Ask (At Least Not Right Away)
While we completely encourage asking questions, caution is needed. For some questions, timing is everything. Avoid the following questions in early interviews:
- “How much does this job pay?”
- “How much vacation do I get?”
- “Can I work from anywhere?”
These are important, yes, but they’re best saved for later rounds or once you’ve established serious mutual interest. Early on, focus on value, not perks.
Practice Asking These Questions Naturally with LightInterview
Knowing the right questions is one thing. Practicing how and when to ask them is what takes you from prepared to polished.
That’s where Lightforth Interview Prep comes in. Our AI-powered interview prep tool helps you:
- Rehearse interviews in a conversational format
- Get feedback on tone, timing, and structure
- Practice your questions and responses out loud so they feel natural and not robotic.
- Customize sessions based on the job you’re applying for
Whether you’re a first-time job seeker or pivoting careers, LightInterview helps you walk into any interview confident, articulate, and ready to impress.
Just Before Your Next Interview
Asking the right questions in an interview doesn’t just help you stand out, it helps you find the right fit and prove you are intentional. Employers notice when you’re curious, prepared, and focused on impact.
If you need help preparing for your next interview, help is available. Sign up for Lightforth Interview Prep today and solidify your shot at getting hired so next time someone says, “Do you have any questions for us?” you don’t just nod but ask thoughtful questions and lead the conversation to shape your narrative and make it count.
