The 4 Essential Types of Questions to Ask in Any Job Interview

In every interview, there’s a key moment that can set you apart from other candidates - not when you’re answering questions, but when you’re asking them.

When preparing for a job interview, we often get caught up in trying to predict what questions the interviewer will ask us. But it is also important to spend some preparation time thinking about what questions you want the interview to answer.

Most interviews end with the question, ‘Do you have any questions for us?’ (If they don’t, it could be a red flag). To be clear, a simple ‘no’ isn’t the best answer here, so it’s wise to have a few prepared in advance.

What questions should I ask in a job interview?

There are four categories of questions that I find useful to prepare two or three questions for. You won’t get time to ask all of them so prioritise your most burning questions, and some of these questions may end up being answered throughout the interview, so it is important to have more than one up your sleeve. Below are the four categories and some examples of questions I have asked in the past.

Practical questions

Practical questions focus on logistics and the day-today work environment, helping you gauge whether the role aligns with your preferences and needs.

• Who will be my line manager?

• What is the approach to in office versus hybrid working?

Culture questions

Culture questions give insight into the team’s dynamics and the organisation’s values, helping you assess whether the company culture feels like a good fit.

• What is your leadership style?

• Could you describe how decisions are made in the team and organisation?

Strategy questions

Strategy questions can reveal the team’s primary goals and challenges, helping you align your skills and experiences with their objectives and assess how you could make an impact.

• What are the key projects or priorities for the team over the next 12 months?

• What are the biggest challenges for the team in delivering its priorities?

Bold questions

Bold questions demonstrate confidence and show a proactive approach to self-improvement.

• Do you have any reservations about my fit for the role?

• What does a high performer in this role look like?

In summary

When preparing for your job interview, think about the questions you would like answered from the interview process, with reference to the four categories of questions above. Tailor the questions to the specific role and organisation you are applying for.