What Questions to Ask in an Interview (50+ Smart Examples)

The 2025 interview landscape: what's changed

The interview process has undergone a fundamental transformation. 69% of employers now incorporate video interviews, and hybrid job postings have surged from 9% to 24% since early 2023. In this competitive market—where only 2% of applicants are selected for interviews—asking strategic questions isn't optional; it's essential for standing out.

Recent LinkedIn research reveals that 47% of recruiters reject candidates who demonstrate no company knowledge, while those who ask insightful questions are twice as likely to receive job offers. The message is clear: preparation and curiosity win interviews.

Interview questions by stage: your strategic roadmap

Phone screening questions (first impressions matter)

Phone screens average 30 minutes and determine whether you advance. Focus on demonstrating genuine interest and aligning expectations:

Essential questions to ask:

1. "What are the most immediate priorities for this role in the first 90 days?"

2. "Can you describe the team I'd be working with and how this position fits within it?"

3. "What's the typical career progression for someone successful in this role?"

4. "What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?"

5. "How does the company measure success for this position?"

Expert insight: Dr. John Sullivan, HR thought leader, notes: "The best candidates ask about real problems the company faces. Try: 'How would you expect me to approach [specific company challenge] in my first quarter?'"

First round questions (demonstrate depth)

First-round interviews typically last 45-60 minutes. This is your opportunity to showcase strategic thinking:

Strategic questions that impress: 6. "Based on my research about [specific company initiative], how does this role contribute to that goal?" 7. "What separates top performers in this role from average ones?" 8. "How does the team handle disagreements about project priorities?" 9. "What opportunities exist for professional development and skill building?" 10. "Can you walk me through a typical project lifecycle in this department?" 11. "How has this role evolved over the past year, and where do you see it heading?" 12. "What metrics or KPIs would I be responsible for?"

Final round questions (seal the deal)

Final interviews often involve senior leadership. Show vision and long-term thinking:

Executive-level questions: 13. "What's the company's biggest strategic priority for 2025-2026?" 14. "How does leadership communicate major changes to the organization?" 15. "What role does this position play in achieving the company's 5-year vision?" 16. "How is the company adapting to AI and emerging technologies?" 17. "What would success in this role look like from the CEO's perspective?" 18. "How does the company balance short-term pressures with long-term strategic goals?"

Remote and hybrid interview questions (critical for 2025)

With 83% of workers preferring hybrid models and remote work becoming permanent, these questions are essential:

Remote work assessment: 19. "How does the company ensure remote employees have equal advancement opportunities?" 20. "What collaboration tools does the team use, and how do you maintain team cohesion?" 21. "How are performance evaluations conducted for remote team members?" 22. "What's the company's long-term vision for remote/hybrid work?" 23. "How do you handle timezone differences for global teams?" 24. "What does onboarding look like for remote employees?" 25. "How does the team maintain culture and connection across locations?"

Hybrid logistics: 26. "What's the expected in-office schedule, and is there flexibility?" 27. "How do hybrid meetings work to include both remote and in-office participants?" 28. "Are there specific days when the entire team is expected to be in-office?"

Industry-specific questions that showcase expertise

Technology sector

1. "How is the company addressing cybersecurity challenges with increased remote work?"

2. "What's your approach to AI governance and responsible development?"

3. "How do you balance innovation speed with technical debt management?"

4. "What's your strategy for talent retention in the competitive tech market?"

Finance and banking

1. "How is the company adapting to changing regulatory requirements like Basel III?"

2. "What digital transformation initiatives are underway?"

3. "How do you measure and manage operational risk?"

4. "What's your approach to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing?"

Healthcare

1. "How is the organization addressing healthcare worker burnout?"

2. "What role does telemedicine play in your service delivery model?"

3. "How do you ensure compliance with evolving healthcare regulations?"

4. "What patient satisfaction metrics do you prioritize?"

Consulting

1. "What industries or practice areas are growing fastest?"

2. "How do you approach knowledge management and sharing across projects?"

3. "What's the typical path from analyst to partner?"

4. "How has client engagement evolved post-pandemic?"

Questions that assess culture and work-life balance

Culture deep-dive: 45. "How would employees describe the company culture in three words?" 46. "What does work-life balance actually look like here?" 47. "How does the company support mental health and employee wellbeing?" 48. "Can you share an example of how the company lives its stated values?" 49. "How transparent is leadership about company challenges and decisions?" 50. "What initiatives exist for diversity, equity, and inclusion?"

Salary negotiation questions (timing is everything)

When to ask: Wait until the second interview or when an offer seems likely. Regional differences matter:

• US: Direct approach acceptable after demonstrating value

• UK: More reserved; frame around "total compensation package"

• Canada: Emphasize mutual benefit and growth opportunities

• Australia: Wait for employer to introduce topic; be straightforward once raised

Smart compensation questions: 51. "What's the salary range for this position?" (In states/countries where this is legal to ask) 52. "How is performance evaluated and tied to compensation?" 53. "What does the benefits package include beyond base salary?" 54. "Are there opportunities for bonuses or equity?" 55. "How often are salaries reviewed?"

Red flag questions to avoid

Never ask about:

• Information easily found on the company website

• Vacation time in the first interview

• Personal topics (politics, religion, family plans)

• "What does your company do?" (Shows zero preparation)

• Negative questions about why people leave

Tailoring questions by company size

Startup questions

• "What's the current funding situation and runway?"

• "How do you see my role evolving as the company scales?"

• "What's the biggest risk facing the company right now?"

Enterprise questions

• "How does this role interact with other departments?"

• "What's the approval process for new initiatives?"

• "How does the company maintain agility despite its size?"

Regional considerations for tier 1 countries

United States

• Be direct and confident

• Emphasize individual achievements

• Ask about performance metrics and growth

United Kingdom

• Use more formal language initially

• Avoid excessive enthusiasm

• Frame questions diplomatically

Canada

• Emphasize collaboration and inclusivity

• Ask about team dynamics

• Show interest in work-life balance

Australia

• Keep it conversational and friendly

• Avoid appearing boastful

• Ask about team culture and collaboration

Expert insights: what impresses recruiters most

According to Harvard Business Review's 2024 research, the most impressive candidates ask questions that:

• Demonstrate strategic thinking

  about business challenges

• Show research

  beyond surface-level information

• Connect personal skills

  to company needs

• Reveal genuine curiosity

  about the role's impact

A recent SHRM study found that 86% of hiring managers say thoughtful questions significantly influence their decision. The key? Questions that show you're evaluating mutual fit, not desperately seeking any job.

Follow-up questions that demonstrate deeper thinking

The best candidates don't stop at surface-level answers. Use these follow-ups:

• "Can you give me a specific example of how that works in practice?"

• "What challenges have you faced implementing that approach?"

• "How has that evolved since [recent company event/change]?"

• "What metrics do you use to measure success in that area?"

Your interview question template

Opening: "Thank you for sharing that information about [topic]. I'm particularly interested in..."

For culture: "You mentioned [value/practice]. Could you share a recent example of how that played out?"

For challenges: "Given [industry trend/challenge], how is the team approaching..."

Closing: "Based on our discussion, I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific goal]. What would the next steps be?"

The bottom line: preparation pays off

In 2025's competitive job market, where 40% of white-collar job seekers fail to secure even one interview, asking smart questions isn't just recommended—it's essential. Remember:

• Prepare 5-7 questions

  for each interview

• Research thoroughly

  to avoid basic questions

• Listen actively

  and ask natural follow-ups

• Show genuine interest

  in the company's success

• Connect your skills

  to their challenges

With 72% of candidates saying interview smoothness affects their decision to accept offers, being prepared with thoughtful questions benefits both you and your potential employer. Use this guide to craft questions that showcase your expertise, demonstrate cultural fit, and ultimately help you land your ideal role in 2025.

Remember: The best interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. Come prepared with smart questions, and you'll leave a lasting impression that sets you apart from the competition.