Questions to ask in a job interview that impress recruiters

[WORLD] Job interviews aren’t just a test for candidates—they’re also a chance to evaluate whether the role and company truly fit your goals and values. But most candidates focus so much on giving the right answers that they forget to ask the right questions. That’s a missed opportunity, especially when well-placed questions can make a lasting impression and reveal critical insights.

According to Irmgard Naudin ten Cate, global talent leader at EY, two questions from candidates consistently stand out: “What does success look like in this role?” and “Why have you stayed at the company?” These aren’t just polite curiosities—they’re signals that a candidate is thinking long-term, values alignment, and culture fit. In this guide, we explain how and why to ask smarter questions in interviews, especially if you're aiming to grow your career intentionally.

What It Means to Ask Smart Questions in Interviews

Asking good questions at the end of an interview shows you’re thoughtful, engaged, and serious about making the right move—not just landing any job. It’s also a chance to gather key information that you won’t find on the company website.

Historically, job candidates were expected to be passive during interviews, but that’s changed. Hiring today is seen as a two-way match, especially for mid-career professionals and in competitive fields. The rise of employer review platforms like Glassdoor and increasing attention to “culture fit” have also made mutual due diligence more important than ever.

A smart question does at least one of three things:

• Uncovers expectations or metrics for success
• Reveals team dynamics, values, or work culture
• Builds rapport with the interviewer in a meaningful way

How It Works: Questions That Show You’re Thinking Ahead

The best interview questions serve both your strategic and emotional intelligence. Here's how the two standout examples shared by EY’s Naudin ten Cate work:

1. “What does success look like when I’m doing this job?”
2. • This shows you're already thinking like a future employee.
   • It invites the interviewer to share practical details (KPIs, workflow, goals).
   • It allows follow-up, such as: “How is success measured in the first 90 days?”
2. “Why have you stayed at the company?”
3. • This shifts the dynamic to a personal connection.
   • It provides real insight into what motivates people at the company.
   • It helps you judge long-term alignment with company culture and values.

These aren’t the only good questions to ask. You might also consider:

• “How does this role contribute to the company’s broader goals?”
• “What are the biggest challenges someone in this position would face?”
• “Can you describe the team I’d be working with?”
• “What does growth look like in this department?”

Pros, Cons, and Challenges of Asking Interview Questions

Pros:

• Signals confidence, preparation, and professional maturity
• Gives you a clearer sense of whether the job is right for you
• Can build stronger rapport and stand out from other candidates

Cons or Pitfalls:

• Asking generic or lazy questions (e.g., “What’s the company culture like?”) may backfire
• Asking about salary or vacation too early can come off as self-centered
• Over-prepping can make questions sound scripted or insincere

Challenges:

• Reading the room and timing your questions well
• Adapting your approach based on who’s interviewing you (HR vs. hiring manager)
• Balancing personal curiosity with professionalism

Real-World Example: How This Works in Practice
Imagine you're interviewing for a mid-level product management role at a fintech startup. Near the end of the conversation, you ask the hiring manager:

“What does success in this role look like over the first six months?”

They reply that success means launching two new features on time, collaborating smoothly with engineering, and contributing to user growth KPIs. That tells you: (1) the role has clear delivery metrics, (2) they expect strong cross-functional coordination, and (3) growth mindset matters.

Then you ask the follow-up:

“Can I ask what’s kept you at this company through its different growth stages?”

The answer might include leadership trust, autonomy, or product vision—valuable cues for deciding whether you’ll thrive there. You walk away not just better informed, but more memorable to the interviewer.

Comparison: Then vs Now

In the past, job seekers were told to “just be grateful” for the opportunity. Today, power is more balanced—especially for skilled professionals in a tight labor market. Smart questions show you’re not just employable, but intentional.

Culturally, this also varies. In more hierarchical contexts (e.g., Japan, some Southeast Asian firms), interviewers may expect less back-and-forth. But even there, carefully phrased curiosity is gaining acceptance as professional polish.

Common Misconceptions or FAQs

• Is it rude to ask questions in an interview?
  No—it's expected, especially for professional roles. Just ask respectfully and stay on-topic.
• What if the interviewer already answered my question earlier?
  Rephrase or ask for elaboration, e.g., “You mentioned X earlier—can you tell me more about what that looks like day-to-day?”
• Should I ask about salary or benefits?
  Only if the interviewer brings it up first, or in a second-round conversation. Early focus on compensation may seem transactional.
• How many questions should I ask?
  Aim for 2–3 well-considered questions. Prioritize quality over quantity.

Why It Matters

In today’s job market, employers aren’t just looking for skills—they’re looking for people who think critically, communicate well, and want to grow in the right environment. Smart, open-ended questions are one of the most effective ways to signal that. They help you uncover real information beyond the job ad, and they help you stand out in a competitive process.

If you’re serious about your next role, don’t just prep your answers—prep your questions. The best interviews are conversations, not interrogations. That’s where real insight—and connection—happens.