9 Best Questions to Ask During a Job Interview

When you're looking for a new job, it's easy to put a lot of time into making sure your resume is eye-catching and compelling, that your application is thorough and complete, and that you look your absolute best on the big day.

While all of this is incredibly important—especially since you only have one chance to make a good first impression—what you do during the interview can also impact whether you'll be offered the job. To help increase your chances as the job candidate, here are nine of the best questions to ask during a job interview. Together, these will show that you're not only serious about being hired for the open position but, if selected, that you're also intent on being as successful as possible in that role.

1. What would my responsibilities be day-to-day?

It's possible that this information will be shared in the job post. However, if it isn't, asking what your responsibilities would be on a daily basis gives you a better idea of the tasks you'll be performing. Based on the answer, can you see yourself in that particular role?

This question also opens the door for you to ask any questions you may have about specific job functions, such as whether they use a certain type of software or if you'll be working independently or with groups or teams.

2. What is required to be successful in this position?

Another good question to ask during a job interview is about what you must do to succeed at the job. It's important to show that your goal is to not simply complete your necessary duties, but to be effective in that particular role. It says that you're willing to go the extra mile because that's the type of person you are, which benefits both you and the company as a whole.

Plus, the interviewer's answer to this question will give you more insight as to the skills you need to either have or hone to do your best in this position should you be hired.

3. How do you measure performance?

The reason this question is important is twofold. First, it tells you exactly what you need to do if hired in this role in order for the company to be happy with your work.

Second, depending on how in-depth the interviewer answers, it could also provide an indication of how fast or slow-paced the business is based on how they expect their employees to perform.

4. Can you tell me a bit about the work culture?

Asking about the work culture shows that you are looking beyond the job position itself to ensure that the environment is a good fit based on your style and personality. Their answer will also give you a better idea of whether you can work in that type of culture, or if you'd be better off going somewhere else.

5. What do you enjoy most about working here?

Though the interviewer's answer to this question will be biased, it can be helpful to get the perspective of someone who is currently employed by that company. Ultimately, it's important to remember that this is just their opinion, but they may be able to give you a little more insight into the perks the company offers besides those listed in the job description.

6. What do you find are the biggest challenges in this role?

It can be incredibly helpful to know the challenges you will face if you are offered the job. The interviewer's answer to this question will also provide some insight into whether these challenges are typically put in place by the person in the role, the company, or the industry. The more you know, the better you can prepare and the more reasonable your expectations.

7. What's the next step?

Learning more about the company's hiring process gives you a clearer picture of whether you'll need to appear for another interview, if you'll have to test to show your skills, or what else you should expect if they decide to move forward with your application.

8. How long before I can expect to hear a response?

Inquiring about timing can be a great question to ask during a job interview that often leads to a very telling response. If you're currently not working, it's nice to know how long it will take for the company to decide who they are giving the job. The interviewer's answer to this question also tells you how long you should wait before following up to show that you're still interested in the position. Plus, a vague answer could indicate just how interested the company is in hiring you or even give you a little insight into how the interview went.

9. Do you notify applicants even if they are not offered the job?

It isn't a good feeling when you've gone to a job interview only to hear crickets after. So, knowing this information up front can keep you from driving yourself crazy by wondering why you never heard back. It may also change your opinion of the company if it doesn't take the time to respond to all applicants, even if they aren't offered the job.

The Importance of These Questions to Ask During a Job Interview

If you ask these nine questions during a job interview and perhaps a few others that come to mind based on specific topics discussed during the interview, you can gain a plethora of insight into the organization you're applying to and can get some feedback on what the company thinks of you. Learning all of this information is integral to any successful job search – and can help candidates better position themselves for opportunities they'd feel most comfortable pursuing and ultimately attaining.