Career Coaches Swear These Are the Best Questions to Ask In Your Interviews

Let’s be real, job interviews are one of the most nerve-wracking things we face. You get spitfired with questions that you’re supposed to know all the answers to but can’t really be that prepared for. And once you get to that follow-up interview, it certainly doesn’t get any less stressful. It’s easy to forget that an interview isn’t supposed to be a one-sided Q&A, though. You’re not the only one being evaluated; it’s also a chance for you to interview your prospective company! By asking questions in an interview, you’re able to get the information you actually want to know, like what it’s really like to work there or whether you even like the people at all. Moreover, it shows you’re curious, thoughtful, and actually interested in the role, which can help you stand out from the rest.

I spoke to Amanda Augustine, a Certified Professional Career Coach and expert at resume.io, about what questions she recommends asking in interviews that go beyond those surface-level “Do you like working here?” conversations. Ahead, I’m laying down the top five questions you should be asking at your next job interview that will help you stand out and decide if the role is a good fit for you.

1. “What types of people tend to be successful here, and what types have struggled or left?”

Instead of the usual “we’re like a family” response that often gets tossed around when describing company culture, this question digs deeper, offering real insight into the organization’s expectations and values. It can also uncover potential red flags, like high turnover or unclear expectations. For example, if they immediately have a handful of examples of people who struggled, that’s not a great sign. “Listen closely to how they describe success and failure—it can reveal a lot about whether the work environment will be a good fit for you,” Augustine explains. This question can give you insight into what it really takes to thrive in that work environment and whether that aligns with your own strengths and skills.

2. “What challenges is the team likely to face in the next six to 12 months?”

If an interviewer is candid about their team’s challenges, it’s a strong indicator that openness and honesty are part of the company culture. Augustine mentions, “Their answer also gives you insight into how the company manages change and whether they prepare employees to tackle difficulties head-on.” For example, maybe they anticipate that their new programming could slow down workflow, but they plan to implement training to get everyone up to speed. With no plan to navigate challenges, you might end up in an “everyone fends for themselves” workplace. Plus, once you identify their roadblocks, you can respond with your skills and experience as a possible solution to those issues, which can position you as a qualified and prepared candidate.

3. “If you had the power to change one thing about the current work environment or culture, what would it be and why?”

It can be nerve-wracking to ask questions about the work environment, especially about what could still be improved or changed. But by phrasing it in this way, you eliminate any negative connotations while still inviting the interviewer to be open. Augustine says that the way they answer this question “can highlight organizational blind spots or growing pains that aren’t mentioned on the careers page.” Don’t forget to ask the “why” part of the question at the end, either. It gives the interviewer a chance to explain the context of possible issues, which can help you gain more specific insight into the company.

4. “Is there anything about my background or this conversation that makes you hesitant to move forward with my candidacy?”

I know, I know. This one might seem terrifying to ask. But Augustine notes that this question “can demonstrate your confidence and a desire for growth.” This kind of question invites open conversation for feedback and even gives you a chance to address misunderstandings, clarify doubts, or reinforce your fit for the role. Even if they don’t express any doubts, it’ll leave a lasting impression on the interviewer. Plus, if you don’t land the role, you have some constructive feedback going into your next round of interviews.

5. “How would you describe the company culture in three words—and can you give an example of how those values show up in day-to-day work?”

Using concise words to describe the culture is one thing, but can they back it up with real-life examples? Augustine explains that this question “encourages the interviewer to move beyond buzzwords and share tangible examples of what it’s really like to work there.” The follow-up question helps you assess whether the culture is genuinely aligned with those words or if it’s a far-off dream (living in delusion is indeed a red flag). The interviewer’s response gives you a clearer picture of what day-to-day life might look like on the team, which helps you evaluate whether you’d thrive in that environment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant

Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.